Indian Epigraphical Glossary c6.5625

c6.5625

Senāpati (IE 8-3), leader of forces; mentioned separately along with Bal-ādhyakṣa; probably, a subordinate of the latter; the military governor of a district, according to some (HD); commander-in-chief (ASLV), also called Sarva-sainy-ādhikārin and Dalavāya, i.e. the chief officer in charge of the military department. See Bṛhaspati quoted by Viśvarūpa on Yājñavalkyasmṛti, I. 307; Ind. Ant., Vol. XV, p. 187. Puṣyamitra, the founder of the Śuṅga dynasty, was called Senāpati even after his accession to the Maurya throne. See Sen-ādhipa, etc.; cf. also Anusenāpati (EI 18).