Fight between One’s Own and Enemy’s Army

Fight between One`s Own and Enemy`s Army denotes that the commander in chief should declare some amount as reward and honours to all the levels of armed forces which shall be the biggest encouragement to them which shall boost them to fight the war. As such Arthashastra in Chapter III of Book X, specifies that an amount of hundred thousand panas shall be paid for slaying the (enemy) king; fifty thousand for slaying the commander-in- chief and heir apparent; ten thousand for slaying a brave chief; five thousand for destroying an elephant or chariot; a thousand for killing a horse; a hundred for slaying the chief of the infantry; twenty for bringing the head; and twice the pay for whatever is seized. This information should be known to all the leaders who control a group of ten men. This further includes that the army should include physicians with surgical instruments, machines, remedial oil, and cloth in the hands of the women who should continue enchanting the words of encouragement for the men who are proceeding to fight in the battle.

Fight between One`s Own and Enemy`s Army further states that the army should be arrayed on a favourable position, facing other than the south quarter, with its back turned to the sun, and capable to rush as it stands. If the array is made on an unfavourable spot, horses should be run. If the army arrayed on an unfavourable position is confined or is made to run away from it (by the enemy), it will be subjugated either as standing or running away; otherwise it will conquer the enemy when standing or running away. The even, uneven, and complex nature of the ground in the front or on the sides or in the rear should be examined. On an even site, staff-like or circular array should be made; and on an uneven ground, arrays of compact movement or of detached bodies should be made.

Fight between One`s Own and Enemy`s Army thus claims that having broken the army of the enemy; the invader should make arrangements for peace, if the armies are of equal status then he should make peace when requested for; but when the enemy is of inferior strength then the invader should intend to destroy it and secure the life of others. Thus the Book X of Arthashastra lay down that the primary job of the invader is to check his own resources in comparison to that of the enemy and finally declare war against the enemy.