Warfare in Ancient India: In Historical Outline

Book Detail

• Author: Soma Basu
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of Pages: 325
• Release Date: 01-01-2014
• EAN: 9788124607336
• Package Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.9 x 1.3 inches
• Languages: English

Description

Warfare in Ancient India: In Historical Outline provides a comprehensive study of ancient Indian warfare, going beyond existing works on the subject. Soma Basu presents a thorough examination of the defence policies, the construction of forts, arms, ammunition, commissariat, espionage systems, and the rules of aggression and defence. The book is deeply grounded in Sanskrit and Sanskritic sources, offering a rich and nuanced understanding of ancient Indian military strategies and the ethics of war.

Key Highlights:

• Defence Policies and Fortifications: A detailed analysis of ancient Indian military strategies, the construction of forts, and the role of weapons and tactics in warfare.
• Warfare Ethics and Techniques: Exploration of the ethical considerations and technical aspects of warfare, focusing on the rules of engagement and defence, as well as military innovations.
• Diplomacy and Economics: A discussion on the economic and diplomatic factors that influenced ancient Indian warfare, with a focus on the political history and aggressive designs of early India.
• Vedic Warfare and Deities: Analysis of the warlike traits of Vedic deities, the portrayal of warfare in the Mahabharata, Silappadikaram, Manasollasa, Kural, and other ancient texts.
• Kautilya and Manu's Views: Examination of the military philosophies of Kautilya in the Arthasastra and Manu in the Manu-Smriti, highlighting their views on war, strategy, and ethics.
• Factors Leading to War: The book delves into the survival, domination, and economic exploitation that often led to warfare in ancient India.

Target Audience:
This book will appeal to historians, researchers, and enthusiasts of ancient Indian culture, military history, and Vedic studies, offering a detailed view of the military practices and political factors that shaped the warfare of early India. It is particularly useful for those studying warfare and defence strategies from the Vedic and historical perspectives.