108 HISTORY OF INDIA. [Book IV.
A.T) — very minute and curious account is given of the manner in which it is to be carried on. The king having made all the necessary preparations for conquest, War. is to invade the enemy's country in the fine months when autumnal or
vernal crops are on the ground. He may indeed set out "even in other seasons, when he has a clear prospect of victory, and when any disaster has befallen his foe." Having secured "the three sorts of ways," that is, over water, on plains, and tlirough forests, and placed what is called " his six -fold army" (elephants, cavalry, cars, infantry, officers, and attendants) in complete military form, he is to "proceed by fit journeys toward the metropolis of his enemy," keeping " much on his guard against every secret friend in the service of the hostile prince, and against emissaries who go and return." The line of march, as stated in the text, and explained by the commentator in the words here placed in brackets, is curious: "On his march let the king form his troops either like a staff [in an even column] ; like a wain [in a wedge with the apex foremost] ; like a boar [in a rhomb, with the van and rear narrow and the centre broad] ; like a macara [a sea monster, that is, in a double triangle with apices joined] ; like a needle [in a long line] ; or like the bird of Vishnu [in a rhomboid, with the wings far extended]." The king's own position, meanwhile, is more secure than dignified, for he is always to conceal himself " in the midst of a squadi'on like a lotus -fiower." Military Haviug arrived at the scene of action the king is to proceed thus: — "On all
sides let him station troops of soldiers in whom he confides, distinguished by known colours and other marks, who are excellent both in sustaining a charge and in charging ; who are fearless and incapable of desertion. Let him at liis pleasure order a few men to engage in a close phalanx, or a large number of warriors in loose ranks ; and having formed them in a needle or in a thunderbolt, let him give the orders for battle," fighting on a plain " with his armed cars and horses," on watery places " with manned boats and elephants," on ground full of trees and shrubs "with bows," and on cleared ground "with swords and targets and other weapons." When the troops are formed in array, he is to encourage them (with short animated speeches), and then " try them completely" by risking the encounter. Sometimes it may be more advisable to block up the enemy. In that case the king is to "sit encamped and lay waste the hostile country," spoiling its "grass, water, and wood;" destroying "the pools, wells, and trenches," harassing the foe by day and alarming him by night. Meanwhile he is secretly to bring over to his party as many of the enemy as he can, and acquaint himself by means of spies of all their movements, and "when a for- tunate moment is offered by Heaven" give battle, "pusliing on to conquest and abandoning fear." This bold course, liowever, he is not to adopt till other expedients — negotiation, well-aj)plied gifts, and creating divisions — have failed ; since there is always hazard in a decisive action, " and victory or defeat are not surely foreseen on either side, when two armies engage in the field."
tactics.
