History of Indian Army

History of Indian Army is steeped in true accounts of exceptional heroism and fearlessness. Its history can be traced back to ancient. History of Indian Army emphasises that Indians have not taken to the science of warfare recently and their fighting traditions are not merely 200 years old. There are several glorious instances of large scale operations undertaken in ancient times backed by a definite military science based on strategy and tactics. During the ancient period when dharma played such a dominating role in the daily routine of a man, wars had to be undertaken frequently. The epitome of Dharma Yuddha, as it was called then, is to be found in the two epics namely Ramayana and Mahabharata. No base means were used and the dignity of man as a warrior, victor and vanquished was maintained always. History of Indian Army says that in ancient India the organisation of the army altered with changing dynasties.

As per the history of Indian Army, weapons that were commonly employed from the earliest times until about 1000 AD were primarily bow and arrow, sword, spear and axe. A large number of other weapons were also employed as is evidenced from the ruins of Mohenjodaro, Sanchi, Udaygiri and Harappa. The infantry and cavalry used a long cylindrical pipe and fired it in the manner of a gun of the modern times. This would indicate the use of gun-powder in ancient India. Further, the ancient army was composed of the infantry, cavalry, chariots, elephants and a commissariat department. Even the admiralty or position constituted a separate department. The higher echelons of command were very well organised and it was considered to be a very efficient system with the large number of military dignitaries and officials. The duties of each person were laid down in great detail which indicates a deep study of the art of war. The composition of the armed forces and employment of balanced forces kept on varying according to the needs of the times.

Ample use was made of intelligence and the securing of decisions by means other than by often hostilities. Even though chariots and horses were employed, they were more for dignity and show than for obtaining tactical superiority. There was complete standstill in the military thought until the Huns invaded the country and penetrated deep into the Gangetic plains and up to the Vindhyas in the south. Thus with the Muslim invasion in the country the Indian armies were well-knit and organised forces much in the same manner as before. However, they still lacked mobility and the infantry provided the bulk of the forces. Small well-trained armies still formed the nucleus, while the bulk was provided by the vassals and dependents. When the Afghans started their inroads into the country through the passes in the north-western direction, there was again complete standstill as regards military thought. Although the Muslim rulers had by now firmly established themselves in the country, they did not add anything new to the army organization. Thus, at this stage the emphasis shifted to the cavalry as they had to undertake regular campaigns to far off lands. A small standing army was maintained at the center as body-guards and for the immediate defense of the capital. Military associated details were also properly maintained under provincial governors. The Rajputs, who formerly formed the military classes, were replaced by the new rulers and their own co-religions. During a brief spell of around a hundred years, the Sikhs also organized themselves into a military class. Their evolution is considered as another wonder in the military history of the country.

History of Indian army under the British rule states that it became more structured. Although India has been ruled over by several foreign kingdoms but her interests and borders were always secured by the sons of the soil. Even under the British rule the revolt against the colonisers was initiated by men in uniform. While during the reign of the emperors the loyalty of the soldiers laid with their kings during later ages this entire concept underwent sea changes. This mainly occurred due to the rise of the concept of nation. Now their loyalty, duty and responsibility lie with the nation. Under the British rule, the army was organised completely on a foreign pattern, designed to suit their ends in the country and to fight their battles in other countries also as far as China and Europe.

Contemporary India has witnessed several valorous soldiers who have laid down their lives for their motherland. The names of such warriors have been immortalized in the history of Indian army. Whether it was the Indo-China War or the Kashmir attacks the history of Indian army states with pride that their troops have always successfully forced the invaders to retreat. In fact whenever the outsiders have tried to disturb the harmony and peace of India, her army has marched to the battleground and vanquished the trespassers.

History of Indian Army shows that since ancient times a conventional method of warfare was followed. Hence the structure, strength and the policies differed with empires but what remained unaltered was the undeterred bravery with which they faced their foes. Indian Army that is well regarded as the epitome of chivalry, gallantry and intrepidity, is the subcontinent`s guardian against all kinds of intrusions. The Indian army makes certain that every civilian can assuredly retreat to slumber whilst they are guarding the nation`s border round the clock.