Sutra 16

Devanagari script

हस्तिप्रधानो हि परानीकवध इति ॥ कZ_०७.११.१६ ॥

Transliteration

hastipradhāno hi parānīkavadha iti

Translation

For the destruction of an enemy host is chiefly achieved by elephants.

Word by Word

• हस्ति-प्रधानः: one in whom elephants are the chief (i.e., elephant-force is primary)
• Type: Adjective (compound)
• Root: हस्तिन्; प्रधान
• Form: पुंलिङ्गः, प्रथमा-एकवचनम्; समासान्त-पद (प्रधान) विशेषणम्

• हि: indeed, for
• Type: Particle
• Root: हि
• Form: निपातः; अवधान/हेतौ बलवत्तर-समर्थकः

• पर-अनीक-वधः: the slaying/destruction of the enemy army
• Type: Noun (compound)
• Root: पर; अनीक; वध
• Form: पुंलिङ्गः, प्रथमा-एकवचनम्; ‘वध’ प्रधानः

• इति: thus (so it is said)
• Type: Quotative particle
• Root: इति
• Form: इत्यादि-निर्देशकः; वाक्य-समाप्त्यर्थः

Entities Mentioned

• elephants (hasti)
• enemy army (parānīka)

More Details

FAQs

How does this verse qualify the earlier preference for materials-forests?

It acknowledges a military exception: despite lower scalability, elephants can be decisive in battle, so rulers may still prioritize elephant resources when seeking battlefield dominance.

What strategic trade-off is implied?

General-purpose capacity (materials, reserves) versus specialized decisive capability (elephants) depending on threat environment and campaign goals.