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