Jain Journal 1968 01

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 44

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JAIN JOURNAL
When the envoy of king Acala delivered letter and gift to king Yasodhara, the envoy of Yasodhara who had earlier visited the court of Acala atonce told the king that Acala was bent on war. This was also corroborated by the fact that the letter bore the impress of a sword meaning that he was desirous of Yasodhara's head and the gift was wrapped in four-fold cloth meaning that he was ready with his four-fold army8.
When decision to attack was taken, preparations and arrangements were made to restrain the enemy after estimating its strengtho.
Divisions of army : Generally the ancient Indian army consisted of four divisions, viz., elephants, chariots, horses, and foot. Deviations from this arrangement were also known10. In the army of Cakravarti Bharata, regiments of Devas and Vidyadharas were also included.
Elephants. The elephant was famous for its power, movement and attack11. It was used as the supporting pillar of the army12. Manda, Mrga, Bhadra were some of the types of elephants13.
Chariots. There is a reference to a chariot having no horse, no charioteer, no soldier but having a muşala (club or mace) fitted to it. Uniqueness of it lies in this that a parallel of it is not to be found anywhere else14. The flying chariots were also used in the battle field15,
Horse. Horse was a renowned animal for its swift movement. Some Jaina texts give a detailed account of different classes of horses, their training, arming, etc16. Bollaha and Kayaha were supposed to be the best quality horses17. Haribhadra Suri lists the name of the countries from where the best qualities of horses were imported18. Names of horses imported from Arabia were commonly discussed in the Indian markets at the time of Hemacandra19.
Foot. Infantry was the main part of the army. Besides the local recruits soldiers were also recruited from other parts of the country20. Women soldiers also used to take prominent part in wars21.
There were no hard and fast rules regarding the dresses of soldiers. Somadeva's Yašastilaka Campu records some details about the dresses.
War weapons : There is a lot of material in Jaina literature regarding the weapons or equipments which were used in wars22. Name of new weapons were mentioned along with the old. Somadeva lists