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Maurya and Gupta Armies Module - I

Military History
were both political and economic. Kalinga was then said to be a glorious and prosperous
of Ancient India
region consisting of freedom-loving and artistically skilled people.
People from the Kalinga Kingdom, also known as the "Utkala" were the first from
Bharat (present day India) who traveled offshore to the South East for trade. For that
reason, Kalinga had some important ports and powerful navy.They used to follow
open culture and uniform civil code. This war resulted in the death of 200,000 soldiers
on both the armies and was a turning point in the life of Ashoka. It is said that Daya Note
river, flowing next to the battlefield had red coloured water due to the bloodshed in the
battlefield. Ashoka gave up violence on seeing so much loss of life and established
peace and harmony in his Kingdom and guided the people to lead a prosperous life.
War always results in death and destruction and Ashoka realized this.
4.1.2 Arthasastra

The period of Mauryas is also known for the birth of Jainism and Budhism as well as
for the 'Arthasastra'. The word Arthasastra means the science of acquiring wealth and
protection of the earth. 'Artha' also stood for material well being such as wealth, on
which the prosperity of humans depended. Kautilya, also known by the name Chanakya,
is said to have written the treatise on Arthasastra during the reign of Chandragupta
Maurya. The treatise covers all subjects required by the King to rule over his Kingdom.
It starts with how a King should conduct himself, subjects he should learn and the daily
routine he has to follow to be a good ruler. The book covers the subjects of law,
commerce, budget and accounts, foreign affairs and defence. For an efficient government
and implementation of policies, Chanakya also mentions in detail, the administrative
organization required.
Of specific interest to the study of military history is the section on Defence and War.
As per Kautilya, the King had three responsibilities which were -

 Protection of the people from external aggression.
 Enlargement of territory by conquest and.

 Welfare of the people. Wars according to him were of four kinds : Mantrayuddha
or war by counsel or diplomatic war. `Prakasayuddha' or open warfare i.e, a set
piece battle.
 `Kutayuddha' is concealed war or secret war/psychological war.

 `Gudayuddha' or Clandestine war. Clandestine war meant war by covert
operations using agents, double agents etc.

Do you Know?

Kautilya given the final authority to the king in all matters of administration. Among the
seven components of the state the king is given the primary position. The Saptangas
(seven limbs) of the state are:

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MILITARY HISTORY 21