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ECONOMIC, POLITICAL & RELIGIOUS CONDITIONS
471
12.128). Similarly the missiles of Siddhāstra (72.12), Vainateya (61.46), Raksasa (71.63), Indhana (71.64), Uraga (71.66) and Vinayaka (71.67) were counteracted by Vighnavinayaka, Dharma, Pratindhana, Garuda and Mahāstra respectively.
Supernatural powers or lores were also used in the battle. The Darsanāvarnividyā brought about the stagnation of the soldiers (59.40). It was counteracted by Pratibodhanīvidyă (59.42).
The defensive equipment of a soldier is called Avarana (8.93; 46. 97;59.11). It consisted of a coat of mail (kāvaya=Kavaca 6.11;59.47) a helmet (Sirattāņa-Sirastrāņa 12.84) and a shield (Phara, Phalaya = Phalaka; Khedaya = Khețaka 71.21).
Other Equipment of Army:- The other important equipment of the army was the tent (sibira 37.39;47.38;61.52). It accompanied the army wherever it proceeded for a battle. The tent was fixed for the encampment of the king and the army. This temporary encampment was called Sibiranivesa (10.27). It was well-planned with its ramparts, gates, guards (62.26-36), royal house (33.98), council hall (33.99) and other necessary facilities which a town would provide (10.27). It is called a temporary settlement (Sannivesa 62.35). Kautilya (10.1) corroborates is when he describes the establishment of the army (Skandhāvāra) with its royal buildings, offices, stationing of guards etc.
The necessary amenities of life were properly arranged for the king and the soldiers in the army-camp. The provisions of food and clothing as well as the valuables such as gold and jewels which were considered to be essential in emergency were taken along with the army. These were loaded on donkeys, camels, oxen, bisons and buffaloes (99.25). Articles of luxury such as betel-leaves, flowers, sandal, saffron and camphor were also available in the camp (99. 28). Systematic arrangements were made for the proper care of the fighting soldiers. Water to the tired and the thirsty and food of various kinds to the hungry were supplied in time. The wounded were treated with the sandal water and other necessary amentities were supplied to them at suitable time (71. 1-2).
Musical Instruments :-Musical instruments constituted an indispensable equipment of the army. They were used in war at every step from beginning to end. The army was alerted and mobilised by sounding Samarabherī (70. 63) or Mahābherī (53. 96; 55. 3; 63. 7). Its march commenced with the blowing of conches (15. 82). Its journey to the battle ground was encouraged by sounding various musical instruments
