Differing from the existing studies on the warfare of ancient India, Warfare in Ancient India: In Historical Outline is a Comprehensive study of the defence policies, construction of forts, arms and ammunitions, commissariat, the espionage system, the rules of aggression and defence, the technical matters and war ethics, based upon a comparative study with the modern systems, and a thorough comprehension of Sanskrit and Sanskrit sources. This being done based on the existing and newly-explored sources. It also analyses the diplomatic and economic factors in aggressive designs, one of the major elements of the political history of early India.
This volume partially deals with the activities of the Indo-Aryans and their continuous struggle for survival against hostile environment in Indus Valley and their expansion towards the east along the major rivers of north India, Leading to frequent invasions and attacks. Thus came the warlike traits of some major Vedic deities ancient battles, arms and armour, chariots, forts arrays, Jain war canons, and major weapons cited in Mahabharata, Silappadikaram, Manasollasa, Kural, etc. as the main focus of the book. It also vividly addresses the war policies and tactics enunciated by Kautilya in Arthasatra and Manu in Manu-Smrti, and differentiations in their views on few aspects. The inevitable factors that led to wars Survival, and domination and economic exploitation are also well dealt.
The book should enthuse the interests and spirit of all those who are into the study and research of Vedic history, warfare and ancient culture.