Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 37
Rājanīti (Statecraft): Ṣaḍvidha-bala, Vyūha-vidhāna, and Strategic Warfare
महासङ्कुलयुद्धेषु संश्रयेरन्मतङ्गजं अश्वस्य प्रतियोद्धारो भवेयुः पुरुषास्त्रयः
mahāsaṅkulayuddheṣu saṃśrayeranmataṅgajaṃ aśvasya pratiyoddhāro bhaveyuḥ puruṣāstrayaḥ
വളരെ സങ്കുലമായ യുദ്ധങ്ങളിൽ ആനയുടെ ആശ്രയം തേടണം. കുതിരയെ പ്രതിയോധമായി കാക്കാൻ മൂന്ന് പുരുഷന്മാർ വേണം.
Lord Agni (instructing Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","secondary_vidya":"Arthashastra","practical_application":"Close-combat survival tactics in chaotic battles: using elephants as mobile cover and prescribing a standard protective detail for horses.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Elephant as shelter in dense battle; three-man detail for horse protection","lookup_keywords":["mahāsaṅkula-yuddha","mataṅgaja-āśraya","aśva-pratiyoddhāra","trayaḥ-puruṣāḥ","cavalry-protection"],"quick_summary":"In highly congested fighting, troops may use an elephant as a protective screen. A horse should be supported by a three-man team for counter-fighting and protection."}
Weapon Type: Mixed arms (implied)
Concept: In saṅkula (confused) battle, protection of key assets and use of available cover are rational means to preserve force and regain initiative.
Application: Assign elephant-adjacent infantry screens; standardize cavalry support teams to reduce losses in melee.
Khanda Section: Dhanurveda (Military Science and Battlefield Tactics)
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A dense melee where infantry shelter behind a caparisoned elephant while a horseman is protected by three attendants—one engaging, two guarding flanks/rear.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, crowded battle stylization with clear silhouette of elephant as shield, three attendants around a horse, bold lines, rhythmic repetition of weapons and banners.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore style, majestic elephant with gold ornaments, heroic horse and three guards highlighted with gold work, dramatic but iconic poses, rich jewel tones.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, instructional clarity: elephant shown as cover, three-man formation around horse, fine outlines, minimal chaos, labels or subtle cues for roles.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, tightly packed combat scene, elephant dominating center, horse with three protectors, intricate armor details, dust and motion, nuanced expressions."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"epic","suggested_raga":"Todi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"epic"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: संश्रयेरन् = सं + श्रयेरन् (श्रि धातोः); प्रतियोद्धारः = प्रति + योद्धारः.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 241 (elephant/cavalry organization and battlefield conduct)
FAQs
It gives Dhanurveda field-instructions: in chaotic melee conditions, use an elephant as protective cover, and assign a three-man protective detail to defend a horse against attackers.
Alongside theology and ritual, the Agni Purana preserves practical war-science—unit protection, combined-arms use (elephant and cavalry), and battlefield staffing norms—showing its broad, manual-like scope.
As a dharma-guided rule of conduct for warriors, it supports disciplined, responsible protection of valuable war-assets (mounts and corps), aligning martial action with ordered duty rather than reckless violence.