Forts and sieges held a key position in ancient Indian warfare. Built on considerations of strategic location, topography, and the natural advantages provided by the site, forts would be heavily supplemented with man-made fortifications. They were required not only for the security of the populace that lived in its vicinity but the kingdom as a whole. A fort could provide shelter to the king and his armies against enemies and check the invaders from advancing further into the kingdom. Protected by fortifications, a king or commander could engage the enemy with greater confidence and had a chance of repulsing him. Capturing forts was necessary as enemy capitals were usually fortified and no invader could proclaim victory without these strategic strongholds. In these engagements, the archers and elephants played the major roles. Ancient texts like the Arthashastra and the Buddhist Nikaya texts (500 BCE - 300 BCE) give valuable information on the conduct of siege warfare in ancient India including construction, assault, and defence of forts.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original content at https://www.worldhistory.org/article/1250/siege-warfare-in-ancient-india/.