पत्तिव्यूहः पुरस्तादावरणिनः पृष्ठतो धन्विनः ॥ कZ_१०.५.३६ ॥
pattivyūhaḥ purastād āvaraṇinaḥ pṛṣṭhato dhanvinaḥ
In the infantry array, the shield-bearers are placed in front; the archers are placed behind.
Protection enables firepower: a covering line absorbs and deflects attacks so missile troops can operate with sustained effectiveness.