Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 39
Rājanīti (Statecraft): Ṣaḍvidha-bala, Vyūha-vidhāna, and Strategic Warfare
विधानमिति नागस्य विहितं स्यन्दनस्य च अनीकमिति विज्ञेयमिति कल्प्या नव द्विपाः
vidhānamiti nāgasya vihitaṃ syandanasya ca anīkamiti vijñeyamiti kalpyā nava dvipāḥ
नागस्य स्यन्दनस्य च यत् विधानं विहितं तत् ‘विधान’ इति संज्ञा; ‘अनीक’ इति तु व्यूहाग्रं विज्ञेयम्—तदनुसारं नव द्विपाः कल्पनीयाः।
Lord Agni (in instruction to Sage Vasiṣṭha, standard Agni Purāṇa discourse frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","secondary_vidya":"Arthashastra","practical_application":"Standardize unit-terminology and minimum unit-strength (elephant/chariot counts) for organizing an army’s frontage and reporting strength.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Vidhāna (Nāga/Syandana-unit) and Anīka; Nine-elephant measure","lookup_keywords":["vidhāna","nāga-vibhāga","syandana-vibhāga","anīka","nava-dvipāḥ"],"quick_summary":"Defines technical labels for elephant- and chariot-units (vidhāna) and clarifies anīka as a battle-front/formation; prescribes a nine-elephant standard as a constitutive measure."}
Concept: Śāstra as precise nomenclature and measure (saṃjñā–māna) for effective action.
Application: Use agreed terms and counts to prevent confusion in command, logistics, and battlefield deployment.
Khanda Section: Dhanurveda / Sena-vyūha & Ratha-gaja-saṃjñā (Military science: army formations and war-vehicle terminology)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A battlefield planning ground where officers label elephant and chariot detachments as ‘vidhāna’ and mark an ‘anīka’ frontage, counting nine elephants in a neat block.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style, flat vibrant colors, stylized elephants in a 3x3 block, commanders with palm-leaf registers marking ‘vidhāna’ and ‘anīka’, temple-like clarity, minimal depth, ornate borders","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, gold-leaf highlights on elephant caparisons and chariot fittings, a central commander pointing to a 3x3 elephant unit, inscriptions of ‘vidhāna’ and ‘anīka’, rich reds and greens","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, fine linework and soft shading, instructional diagram feel: nine elephants arranged, chariot unit beside, labels in Devanagari, calm courtly officers","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed camp scene with scribes and officers, elephants counted in a grid, chariots parked, banners labeling units, delicate flora margins"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Bhairav","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: vidhānam+iti → विधानमिति; anīkam+iti → अनीकमिति; vijñeyam+iti → विज्ञेयमिति. ‘कल्प्याः नव द्विपाः’ = ‘nine elephants are to be arranged’.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 241 (vyūha/saṃjñā sections around 241.40–241.43)
FAQs
It imparts Dhanurvedic technical nomenclature—how specific terms like vidhāna and anīka are used for elephant/chariot units and for a battle-front or troop-formation, including a stated unit-measure involving nine elephants.
By codifying battlefield vocabulary and unit-structure (elephant, chariot, and formation terms), it preserves practical statecraft and military science alongside theology—showing the Purana’s wide, encyclopedic scope.
Indirectly, it supports righteous governance (rājadharma) by systematizing disciplined defense and order in warfare; such ordered conduct is traditionally viewed as aiding dharma when exercised under legitimate rule.