MILITARY ORGANIZATION OF THE ANCIENT KINGDOM OF MANIPUR
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29121/shodhkosh.v5.i1.2024.3302Keywords:
Agrarian, Army, Kingdom, Levy, Military, Puya, RevenueAbstract [English]
Agrarian societies formed a hierarchical social order that included rulers, nobles, soldiers, peasants, laborers, etc. In this complex system soldiers play different role in the society. The army of the ancient kingdom of Manipur consisted of cavalry, infantry, Navy and also included elephants in the later phases. The cavalry was the strongest and most effective organ of the army. In fact, the kings acquired superiority over the troops only because of their horses and it was natural for them to concentrate on cavalry. The cavalrymen were expert in defeating the opponents within no time with their intelligence by encircling suddenly so as to surrender and beg for their lives. The methods thy used were to strike, slash, pierce, and block to defend themselves moving in circles and by leaping back and back to overwhelm the enemy. During war times the sessions of the military court could be conducted only by the two officials namely Senapati and Ayapurel as the other officials were stuck to the war. The horsemen were armed with swords, a dagger, arambai, catapult or sling moreover a bow and arrows. They not only fought against the neighbouring countries and tribes but also frequently fought with other clans of the same tribes before the absorption of other clan to the Ningthouja clan. The military was very efficient organized and well-equipped and disciplined.
References
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Copyright (c) 2024 Dr. Mk. Washima Begum, Dr. Subhaarati Oinam, Dr. Sougrakpam. Dharmen Singh
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