Question

Elephants were used in the ancient Indian army, irrespective of regions,

dynasties, or points in time; their importance was never denied and

continued well into the medieval period as well. One main reason was the

concept of military prowess associated with possessing and employing these

huge beasts. In ancient India, initially, the army was fourfold (chaturanga),

consisting of infantry, cavalry, elephants and chariots. While the chariots

eventually fell into disuse, the other three arms continued to be valued. Of

these, the elephants had a prime place. The elephant corps was deployed in a

battle in a block or a line, as per the overall army formation (vyuha) decided
upon by the commanders. The main use of the elephant was for its routing

ability; at one sweep it could get rid of a number of enemy foot soldiers,

scare away horses, and trample chariots. Thus, it was also about the

psychological impact it could have, i.e. the shock value. The enemy forces

would be scattered, leading to a breach of formation, which could then be

exploited. The possession of a number of elephants added to the ruler’s

prestige and was believed to create a psychological effect on his enemy’s

minds, who could thus be prompted not to challenge him or to submit.

1. What was the main reason for employing the elephants in the ancient

Indian army?

2. What is a fourfold army?

3. Who decided the overall army formation?

4. What led to a breach of formation in the enemy forces?

5. Write the synonym of the word 'breach'

Answer 1

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