Way of War in Sukothai Era
Posted By: Supatra
Goddess of Pain & Hurt
Posted At: 5/3/02 15:13
The most important information on ways of warfare in the Sukothai era is the Tamra P'ichai Songh'ram, or Treatise on the Art of War. It is known mainly from two manuscripts each of several folding volumes in the Bangkok National Library. These are dated BE. 2336 (AD 1793). One is more complete and also includes some astrological tables and plans of battle arrays which are lacking in the other. The Treatise was printed and published, but without the astrological tables and plans of battle arrays, by the Royal Institute in 2468 (1925).
The Treatise defines two types of war. Idealistic War and Realistic War. These can perhaps be compared to limited war and total war. Idealistic War is fought over disputes between princes. Is in the interest of neither to destroy their enemy at great cost to themselves over small matter so Idealistic War was based on maneuver and demonstration. When the armies met the commanders would come to an agreement over the dispute based on the relative strengths on the field. Only if no agreement was made would the armies fight. Even then fighting in Idealistic War was restricted. Champions of both sides would walk to the front shout insults at other side. This would cause single combat between these champions. These duels would spread along the line until fighting became general. Even then fighting was mostly pushing and shouting. In end one side would dominate and the other would retreat.
Realistic War was fought when one country wished to destroy another and take its lands. This is what the Treatise has to say about Realistic War "Burn the cities, let their flames rise brightly. Keep attacking until the enemy can fight no more and are destroyed. Then let the spearmen crossbows, horses, and elephants, crowding together for mutual protection, force their way into the cities. Now seize the nobles and bring them in tied up, also firmly tie up the soldiers and lead them away, battered and beaten. Of the large and small arms of the enemy, of the treasure in the twelve treasuries and the royal riches, choose out the best for the king. Then the soldiers should help each other in collecting the goods of the city population. The common people and their property goes to the soldiers. He who gets it keeps it, household goods and women belong to him who takes them. All that is unwanted should be destroyed. Pursue those who flee until they are completely destroyed."
This is one reason why women were part of our army. If the army lost they would be killed or taken into slavery anyway so was better to fight. Also this made difference to how we saw war. When Sukothai went to war everybody joined army. Civilian life stopped. Would not start again until war ended. So war had to end fast. Sukothai was small kingdom surrounded by larger enemies. Khmer Lao and Burmans. Please to note Burmans not Burmese two different peoples. We won wars by being very fierce. Now Khmer and Lao did not understand Realistic Warfare only Idealistic Warfare. So when we fight war with them our spear blocks smash through their army in frontal attack that go all the way to Angkor Wat. But Burmans also understand Realistic War and have size so can field large army and keep civilian life running. They are very dangerous enemy to Sukothai. If Sukothai fight Burmans then they must win fast and with decision for not to do so means long grinding war cannot win. So please to look at Sukothai Army going to war
Preparation for War
Campaigns were undertaken almost only in the dry season when tracks were dry and granaries full after winter. When a campaign was to start was necessary to begin by mobilizing the Army. The regional governors called up the men and women for service. Many such brought their wives and children to help carry food and other things needful Others got together food, spears, swords, elephants, horses, oxen, and buffaloes and marshaled them in order. So the civil and military divisions [In Sukothai population was divided between military hierarchy and civilian hierarchy. Are still traces of this in our society today) had to serve in time of war. Silk battle lags were distributed, spears and swords brought out into the middle of the field, together with an abundance of hats, both large and small. The government provided arms and equipment, and rice for first few days' rations. Apart from the food supplied by the government for the first two or three days' journey, the local authorities were ordered to make their people feed the army. Supplies were brought to the camps by convoys of women with requisitioned carts. Further afield the Army would live off the enemy country. It was constant thing after pitching camp for many of the army to busy themselves with marauding for supplies.
The provincial forces were independently mustered by the local governors. They were either required to act independently, especially if it was a case of repelling an enemy invasion, or else were ordered to join the main army at the capital. This is what happen with Khunying Mo. Was invasion she was First Wife of Governor was her duty to act for him.
Next thing is to make sure Campaign is blessed by gods. This is what Treatise has to say for such rites. " Build a victory sala with parasols, flags, candles, and tapers. Bring 7-tiered offering trays to propitiate the devas, guardian spirits Su'a Muong and T'rong Muong. Let the soldiers continually go and bid farewell to Suta Muong, before going forth to overcome the enemy. Then prepare the howdahs for the courageous elephants, the arms and horse equipment. Have worthy monks pray before a famous Buddha image, prepare lustral water, and draw the protective thread around. Persevere in this for three days. When ready to go, pay homage to tile king, take water to wash his feet, sprinkle all with it, and, when you have taken the oath of allegiance by drinking water in which the royal sword has been dipped, prostrate yourselves with bended head. Muster the elephants, horses, and weapons while tapers are brought for the t'um khwan rite, and all are sprinkled with water that has been consecrated with Buddhist mantras. Put auspicious threads on the commanders' heads, and on every elephant and horse, saluting their feet. Then make offerings in favor of the dead, consider the omens and salute the ancestors. Let monks make salutation, ask blessings and recite powerful mantras each day."
After Army is blessed is necessary to give a personal amulet for Sukothai soldier high or low, also by elephants and horses. One such amulet might be small images of the Buddha, or Hindu deities inscribed with magically powerful symbols. Mostly these made by Buddhist monks. They are for protection against malevolent spirits and in war. However best amulet for protection in war is Phra Kring, the Bell Buddha, was the most popular this give protection from cutting weapons and firearms. The Bell Buddha is loose within a little hollow pyramid, the outside of which bears magical formulae and relief figures of Buddhist saints. This amulet makes all enemies to flee. Think this is old belief? Have one such amulet around my neck now. If situation is very bad soldiers in ours will put amulet in mouth for this increase protection greatly.
The strength of the forces which Sukothai, Burmans, and Khmer is much exaggerated. The Burmans could never have put more than 60,000 or 70,000 men into the field. In peace Sukothai had few soldiers in actual service, but within two days 60,000 to 80,000 could be raised; while in time of war it was rare to mobilize more than 100,000 men and usually only 20,000 to 60,000 were called on to serve on a military expedition. There were more than 3,000 war elephants in the Sukothai Army
Organization of the Army
Sukothai retained traditional four-fold army (caturanga) of Infantry Cavalry Elephants and Chariots, but the chariots had, long before been replaced by the engineers division. These would prepare ground for fighting dig pits in front of position to break up enemy spearline. Also get logs ready to roll down on them make catapults to fire rocks and burning bales into the enemy spearline.
Sukothai did not have so much in the way of cavalry, nor did they know how to make the best use of the small force of horse that they had. From the old Sukothai pictures cavalry were nearly always represented, but both their strength and mode of employment are obscure. They seem to be mostly lancers and is most probably their main task was to run down and kill the enemy as they broke.
The value of elephants was already well appreciated by the Sukothai. These animals were not always dependable in war, but they would often advance into the thick of the battle, or against enemy stockades, with apparent disregard of spear wounds. Moreover, the sight of them often had a terrifying effect on the foe. Elephants were given alcoholic drinks before battle to increase their courage. The mahout will mount the back of the elephant, controlling the animal with a long goad. The warrior comes down on to the elephant's neck to fight with a long spear to break the enemy spearline from outside their own reach.
The Sukothai infantry were armed with bows, crossbows, spears, javelins, and swords. Defensive armor was mainly confined to heavy leather shields sandals, a leather breastplate and pants and hats. Men wore a silk shirt under their leather armor. Ladies wore a halter of silk that went round the back of the neck crossed over the breasts and tied at the back. This gave added protection to the breasts from rubbing by leather armor. Sometimes officers had a coat of mail. Most of the army was spearment or bowmen Many references are to officers carrying a "long-handled sword " imported from Japan. Large numbers of these Japanese swords can be found in our museums and in thee sixteenth and seventeenth centuries there was not a local factory under Japanese direction. Firearms were introduced by Europeans, probably not before the sixteenth century. Both of these are long after period we speak of.
The eight highest officers of a Sukothai army were called after the Garuda, Tiger, Lion, Dog, Rat, Horse, Naga, and Elephant respectively. The Treatise states that officers whose names (in the above series) are mutually auspicious should be appointed to the same formation. A Garuda commander-in-chief should have a Rat as his commander of the vanguard, an officer of Tiger name as commander of the right wing, while one with Horse name must command the left. Should the commander-in-chief have a Tiger name, Dog must command the van, Lion the right, and Naga the left wing. The Tiger commander-in-chief mentioned in the second case can, however, only be sure of victory if the enemy commander has a Rat name. A foe with a Naga name would have to be opposed by general Lion, and so on.
Going To War
In the Treatise detailed rules are laid down for the order of the march, according to the nature of the country. In passing through dense jungle the elephants should go first to clear the way, with the infantry and carts next, and the cavalry guarding the rear. If the way lies through thorny jungle, elephants should go first as before, but should be followed by cavalry and carts, then porters, and lastly the infantry and carts. If the route is through a rocky mountain gorge, infantry should march along both sides of the gorge, then elephants and carts should follow, and lastly the cavalry. Over a plain of tall grass and shrubs the cavalry should be sent first in order to beat down the vegetation, the infantry following and then the carts. After several days of march, with nights spent bivouacking beside some stream with great fires lighted to keep off tigers, the army will have reached enemy country, unless, of course, it has been sent to repel an invasion. In that case it will come within the zone of possible operations well inside its own borders, for it was never the custom to attempt a serious defense of the frontier. Whichever way it was, it then became necessary to build a defended camp as the army's field base for attack or defense. This encamping is not a matter to be undertaken lightly. It entails the choice of a suitable site known as the c'ai ph'um, literally "place of victory ",
The instructions for building the camp and the discipline to be maintained are as follows: " Post the elephants and cavalry in good positions to protect the main army. Let the porters cut wood and make camp with the help of the soldiers. A gateway must be built, with a gong for marking the time. Then build the fortified camp with ditch and mound. Lay down spikes (caltrops) and have an elevated area inside the camp. Explore stealthily outside the camp, placing bodies of troops to right and left. Go about in company, never alone. At night the troops must build fires here and there, and sentinels take turns to watch. Let them tie up and bring in anyone found near the camp. Let the soldiers watch the fires and take turns in guarding. Stop persons coughing or groaning in their sleep. See that spears, bows and crossbows, elephants, horses, shields, and other weapons are properly distributed." During the day foraging claimed much attention. In the evening, so long as danger was not imminent, there were entertainments and music in the camp, especially on an aggressive expedition.
The battle array, into which a Sukothai army (consisting of main army, wings, van, and rearguards) was arranged, is of great interest because it was the custom for an army to march and camp, as well as fight, in battle array, at least when in enemy country or wherever there was a chance of being attacked.
After the battle was won the Sukothai Commander would reward soldiers who had done well. According to the Treatise.
"If one who fights mounted on an elephant defeats his adversary he shall be rewarded with a gold hat and gold embroidered garment. He shall be raised to sak na grade 10,000, but if already of that grade he shall receive a gold umbrella and a golden palanquin. If he kills his opponent's elephant he shall receive a golden vessel of rank, a gold hat, a gold umbrella, and a wife. The same reward if he kills the enemy.
If an ordinary foot soldier kills a warrior mounted on an elephant to gain the victory he shall be raised in rank and rewarded with a 100,000 silver coins and 100,000 gold ones, and his children to the great grandchildren given pensions by the king.
If a cavalryman fights and kills a man, he shall be rewarded with a gold basin and with cloth and shall be raised in rank.
If a foot soldier kills or captures a man he shall receive a gold basin and also cloth. If he takes a horse his reward shall be a silver basin and cloth.
If any low official up to 400 grade captures a prince he shall be rewarded with a l00,000 gold coins and the same of silver, and shall also be given land and wives. If he captures an elephant he shall get a catty (eighty ticals) of silver, a gold betel box, and some cloth.
If picked soldiers go in front opening a way for a successful attack that drives the enemy from the field, each of these chosen men is to be rewarded with silver, a gold betel box and cloth, and raised in rank.
If anyone fights and defeats his enemy he is to receive silver, a gold betel box, and cloth. If he fights against two opponents kills them and escapes alive, bringing back the enemy's weapons, he shall receive a gold basin and cloth and be promoted.
Please to note promoted means increased in Army. Raised In Rank means to become part of aristocracy. Is very very big thing.
So that is Sukothai Army going to war.
This was posted several years later on 9/19/06 following my repost of the original thread following a Yukupoo crash:GarethBull wrote:Without going to too much detail (I don't have the neccesary references at hand right now), Suphi's description of "idealistic war" and "realistic war" had their parallel in Rennaisance Europe. These were known as the "good wars" and the "bad wars". Germany existed as several semi-autonimous principalities, each with their oen ruling noble family. The heads of each family were known as the prince-electors. Originally there were 5 electors, but after certain concessions with the Vatican, two bishops were also made electors. This confederation of germanic principalities was known as the Holy Roman Empire, and the emperor was elected, by the 7 electors. As with all elections, campaign promises were made by the potential candidates. When Maximillian Hapsburg (of the Austrian Hapsburgs) became Emperor shortly before the turn of the 16th C., he realised he'd made a few too many campaign promises and could not afford to finance a large professional army. At this time orginised groups of Swiss mercinaries were making their mark as the premier fighting forces in Europe. Maximillian's answer was to form his own mercinary regiments based closely on Swiss practices. These German mercinary soldiers were called the Landsknechts (My favourite group of historical soldiers. They even had their own military police for internal security and an official code of military justice, drawn up by Maximillian). The Landsknechts and Swiss mercinaries became particular rivals during various expansionist expiditions between the H.R.E. and the French.
The "good wars" were noted by the fact that opposing forces would manuever for tactical advantage on the battlefield with little actual fighting occouring between the opposing forces. When one side could see that the opposing side had the strength of numbers and advantage of position, there was some token scirmishing for the sake of saving face, but the side at the disadvantage would withdraw, conceding the field to the opposition. I've read an account of one battle where opposing German and Swiss mercinary companies amiably slept side by side on the battlefield after nightfall and then resumed their manuevering and scirmishing again the next day at first light.
The "bad wars" were very much the opposite, with little if any quarter given between opposing sides. One Landsknecht regiment known as the "Black Band" hired itself to the French and refused to obey an order from Maximillian to return to the H.R.E. They were brutally cut down the next time they faced their own countrymen.
The Saggitarian wrote:Next thing is to make sure Campaign is blessed by gods. This is what Treatise has to say for such rites. " Build a victory sala with parasols, flags, candles, and tapers. Bring 7-tiered offering trays to propitiate the devas, guardian spirits Su'a Muong and T'rong Muong. Let the soldiers continually go and bid farewell to Suta Muong, before going forth to overcome the enemy. Then prepare the howdahs for the courageous elephants, the arms and horse equipment. Have worthy monks pray before a famous Buddha image, prepare lustral water, and draw the protective thread around. Persevere in this for three days. When ready to go, pay homage to tile king, take water to wash his feet, sprinkle all with it, and, when you have taken the oath of allegiance by drinking water in which the royal sword has been dipped, prostrate yourselves with bended head. Muster the elephants, horses, and weapons while tapers are brought for the t'um khwan rite, and all are sprinkled with water that has been consecrated with Buddhist mantras. Put auspicious threads on the commanders' heads, and on every elephant and horse, saluting their feet. Then make offerings in favor of the dead, consider the omens and salute the ancestors. Let monks make salutation, ask blessings and recite powerful mantras each day."
After Army is blessed is necessary to give a personal amulet for Sukothai soldier high or low, also by elephants and horses. One such amulet might be small images of the Buddha, or Hindu deities inscribed with magically powerful symbols. Mostly these made by Buddhist monks. They are for protection against malevolent spirits and in war. However best amulet for protection in war is Phra Kring, the Bell Buddha, was the most popular this give protection from cutting weapons and firearms. The Bell Buddha is loose within a little hollow pyramid, the outside of which bears magical formulae and relief figures of Buddhist saints. This amulet makes all enemies to flee. Think this is old belief? Have one such amulet around my neck now. If situation is very bad soldiers in ours will put amulet in mouth for this increase protection greatly.
Excellent post. In India, similarly, before going to war- soldiers would often visit the temple, with monks and priests visiting or blessing the troops. Soldiers would often stand before their family temples, with the women in the household putting a tika or saffron mark on their forehead before they went to war. The drinking water with a sword dipped in it, brings back the imagery from the Sikh gurus. When the Guru Gobind Singh decided to create a martial Sikh grouping, he himself stirred water with his sword, with sweets mixed in- the resulting mixture was then drunk by his followers and they they were then dubbed the Khalsa, who would pick up the sword to fight the Mughals.
It is excellent that General Supatra relies on her Buddha. In the Kargil conflict, the Tibetans fighting for the peaks, were personally blessed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama & their exploits drew acclaim, including battle decorations for extreme gallantry in battle.
The idealistic war vs realistic war is also reflected in Indian scripture, with the former held up as the ideal to be followed.