Meaning of the term Asvadhyaksha used during Mauryan Empire
Asvadhyaksha was a term used during the Mauryan Empire, which existed from around 321 BCE to 185 BCE in India. The term Asvadhyaksha means “commander of the cavalry” in Sanskrit.
The Asvadhyaksha was a high-ranking military officer who held an important position in the Mauryan Empire’s army. As the name suggests, the Asvadhyaksha was responsible for commanding the cavalry units of the army, which were crucial in providing mobility and speed to the Mauryan military.
In addition to leading cavalry units in battle, the Asvadhyaksha was also responsible for training and equipping soldiers, maintaining discipline within the ranks, and ensuring that the cavalry was ready to respond to any threat or emergency.
The Mauryan Empire was known for its powerful military, and the Asvadhyaksha played a crucial role in ensuring the success of Mauryan military campaigns. Together with the Senapati, who was responsible for the overall command of the army, and the Padadhyaksha, who was responsible for commanding the infantry units, the Asvadhyaksha was an essential part of the Mauryan military establishment.