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
अतिशय गोंधळलेल्या युद्धात हत्तीचा आश्रय घ्यावा. घोड्याच्या प्रतियोद्धा-रक्षणासाठी तीन पुरुष असावेत.
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.