Integrating Ancient Wisdom into Modern Military: Indigenous Military Vocabulary

India has always been a land of many cultures ruled by various rulers who have passed on to us a complex set of traditions, ideas & thoughts. Many empires have coexisted on this land, which has led to the development of strong diplomatic relations, striking a combination of trade and military policies. It's time that we revisit our past and bridge it with the present.  

Illustration by The Geostrata

REDISCOVERING ANCIENT WISDOM THROUGH PROJECT UDBHAV

India is on its way to rediscover its roots. Last year, on October 21st, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched “Project Udbhav” with an ambition to integrate ancient wisdom with modern military pedagogy. The project aims to synthesise ancient wisdom with contemporary military practices, forging a unique and holistic approach to address modern security challenges.

A collaboration between the Army and the United Services Institution of India (USI), the project aims to synthesise ancient wisdom with the present military practices, forging a unique and holistic approach to address modern military and security challenges.  

The past is the prologue for the future. Only when we learn from our past can we move towards a brighter future. This project involves the revival of strategic thoughts through interdisciplinary research, seminars, and workshops.

It is crucial to understand these ancient texts, comprehend the connection and analyse its applicability and relevance in today's time. Ancient Indian texts like the Arthashastra by Chanakya, Nitisara by Kamandaki, and the Mahabharata have a timeless essence in their composition. A look at the history of dynasties like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Ranjit Singh, and Chandragupta Maurya reveals that they devised stellar military strategies to acquire and control an empire as mammoth as the Indian subcontinent.  

LESSONS FROM THE AHOM DYNASTY

For example, one can study the Ahom Dynasty that ruled what is currently North East India. Sukaphaa is celebrated as the architect of Assam, who had greatly contributed to the formation of the greater Assamese community. The Ahoms emerged victorious in the Battle of Saraighat (1671), where they defeated a massive army of the mighty Mughals.

The Ahoms made use of clever diplomatic negotiations to buy time, employ guerrilla tactics, psychological warfare, and military warfare, and thus exploited the enemy's weakness. The ruler, being an outsider to the nation, followed a peaceful policy of assimilation and cooperation rather than aggression, which led to the development of a vibrant Ahom community and strong diplomatic relations with other states.

Through clever diplomacy, stressing peaceful compromises and integration and acceptance of others, the dynasty greatly influenced the fabric of the North East and the overall tapestry of India.  

MARITIME EXCELLENCE OF THE CHOLAS

Another great example that can be stated is of the Cholas. The Cholas were one of the longest-running dynasties in the world, reigning from the latter half of the 9th century till the beginning of the 13th century. Their reign is referred to as the “Golden Age of the Tamil Kingdom.” They emerged as the pioneers of naval warfare in India. The Cholas fostered a robust trade network that spanned the globe.

They mastered the sea with the development of a strong fleet of ships with a strong focus on coastal defence and piracy prevention. They established a network of coastal forts and watchtowers strategically placed to monitor and control sea routes. They laid utmost emphasis on the power of diplomacy as they forged alliances with regional powers like the Sri Vijaya Empire, the Tang Dynasty of China, and the Abbasid Caliphate in Baghdad to promote peaceful trade and cultural exchange across the Indian Ocean.

Ports like Puhar and Nagapattinam, becoming hubs of commerce and cultural interaction, were a testimony to the Cholas' vibrant maritime landscape. This interplay of diplomacy, military strategy, and soft power can serve as a lesson for India's statecraft today. 

KAUTILYA'S ARTHASHASTRA: TIMELESS STRATEGIES FOR MODERN SECURITY

The famous Arthashastra, authored by Kautilya, is a vast compendium comprising 15 books, which are divided into 150 chapters, 180 sections, and 6000 shlokas. Kautilya, being a proponent of the Realist school of thought, advised maximising power through political rather than military means.

The vast text covers statecraft, war and diplomacy at a macro level alongside the aspects of micromanagement of the state. He emphasised the internal security of the state and merged it with its economic well-being. Statecraft and the military were seen as inseparable.

He was a proponent of intrigue, covert operations, and using diplomatic offensives as instruments of state policy. He advised a network of spies operating within the state and in the enemy states as well.

If we look at the current scenario of border conflicts and threats from neighbouring states, these theories make sense. The military strategies and principles enunciated by Kautilya hold the same relevance today as they did when they were written.

REVIVING THE INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE SYSTEM

Ancient India was not just the land of sages and seers but of scholars and scientists as well. They have left behind an indigenous knowledge system that is rooted in a 5,000-year-old civilisational legacy.

The civilising mission of colonisers led us to neglect this vast sphere of knowledge, and a narrative was fabricated that the modern knowledge system is superior. It's time that we tackle the colonial hangover. For a nation with such a great heritage and history, we must understand our roots and strive towards becoming a better nation. 

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BY DEEPIKA GUPTA

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