Hathigumpha Inscription of Kharavela and Bhabru Edict of Asoka

Author(s): Shashi Kant
Publisher: D K Print World

Page 87

Socio-Political Conditions
LITERARY prescriptions about the education, training and accomplishments of princes in ancient India are amply confirmed by this epigraph. Sports, Correspondence, Currency, Accountancy, State Regulations and Laws, Music, Diplomacy and War, appear to have been the compulsory subjects of study. General education was also imparted to cover other subjects. Practical training in administration was also imparted through active association before the reins of government were actually handed over.
The two objects of kings appear to have been to make conquests and to make their subjects happy. The numerous literary references to the duties of kings are hereby confirmed through epigraphic evidence.
4
The traditional four-fold division of army into cavalry, elephants, infantry and chariots, was in vogue. Navy was also maintained by the coastal kingdoms.
Crown, caparisoned horse, umbrella and golden pitcher1 were the accepted insignia of royalty, and the kings were believed to possess auspicious marks.
1.
These have been mentioned in connection with the Rathikas and Bhojakas. Makuta (mukuta) is crown, chata (chatra) is umbrella, and bhimgara (bhṛngāra) is golden pitcher. Sabiladhite seems to stand for 'caparisoned horse'. Bila means Indra's horse Ucchaiḥśravas in particular, and horse in general. With sa (= su = well) and dhite (= dhrte = maintained), it would mean 'well maintained horse', and in the context it may be translated as 'caparisoned horse'.