encyclopedic collection of knowledge and practices, the Agni Purana—is
very late, dating from no earlier than the eighth century A.D. These four
chapters appear to be an edited version of one or more earlier manuals
briefly covering a vast range of techniques and instructions for the king
who needs to prepare for war and have his soldiers well trained in arms.
Like the purana as a whole, the Dhanur Veda chapters provide both sacred
knowledge and profane knowledge, in this case on the subject of martial
training and techniques. They catalogue the subject, stating that there are
five training divisions (for warriors on chariots, elephants, and horseback;174 India
Demonstration
of the power of
Kalarippayattu (a
southern Indian
martial art) to
withstand weapon
strike during a
Kalari Payat
practice in Kerala,
India, 1966. This
ancient art of
warfare is now
performed as a
sport in the
province. (Hutton
Getty/Archive)