War in Ancient India

This book is the first attempt to give an almost complete exposition of the art and science of war in Ancient India, and a consecutive account of the history of Indian military traditions. The subject matter covers the whole period from the earliest times to the end of the Vijayanagar epoch.

War is as old as the human race, and despite pious resolutions, it threatens to repeat itself at intervals as long as the human race lasts. Each country has witnessed wars more grime and devastating in its effect than the last and despite the so-called march of civilisation, atrocities are being perpetrated in modern times.

It is refreshing to note how in ancient times at least, the laws of war were designed to bring out the best and not the worst of human traits. Chivalry, individual heroism, qualities of nobility and mercy even in the grimmest of struggles were not unknown to the soldiers in ancient India.

The chapters dealing with the Departments of Army, their respective duties, and weapons used in ancient warfare and strategy and tactics in war have presented in a masterly way. The reader gets a realistic view of haw the wars were conducted in ancient India. The author by not leaving out description of the mystical weapons and magical arsenals has made the account immensely readable even for an educated lay man. No less interesting is the chapter on Diplomacy, Diplomatic Agents and Espionage in War.
The book combines the function of an essential reading on historical martial traditions of India with the exciting readability of a literary masterpiece.