The Curious and the Classified: A Book Review

“In war, the moral is to the physical as three is to one.”

Napoleon Bonaparte’s famous maxim is frequently quoted in war colleges globally. Yet it remains one of the most difficult concepts for the modern strategic community to quantify. We spend our careers meticulously calculating the “physical,” the mechanized platforms, the ballistic missile trajectories, and the nuances of procurement budgets.

Illustration by The Geostrata

But the “moral,” the indomitable spirit, the shared heritage, and the unspoken bonds that compel a soldier to advance under hostile fire cannot be measured on a spreadsheet. It takes a military leader of profound empathy, deep historical consciousness, and immense operational experience to truly articulate this intangible force.

General Manoj Mukund Naravane, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, the 28th Chief of the Army Staff, accomplishes this with extraordinary grace in his seminal new work, The Curious and the Classified: Unearthing Military Myths and Mysteries, which has been published by Rupa Publications. He has penned a deeply respectful, remarkably affectionate tribute to the cultural bedrock of the Indian Armed Forces.

At its heart, The Curious and the Classified is a masterclass in military anthropology. General Naravane recognizes that the ultimate center of gravity for the Indian military is not its weaponry, but its people. Through this book, he undertakes the vital task of archiving the daily rituals, the regimental folklore, and the lived histories that forge ordinary citizens into an unbroken brotherhood of arms.

He treats the history of the armed forces with the reverence of a scholar and the affection of a lifelong soldier. For instance, the General masterfully traces the origins of the universally recognized battle cry, Chak de Phatte. Rooting it deeply in the martial legacy of the Sikh armies of the 17th and 18th centuries. He also highlights indigenous military innovation by exploring the genesis of the "Bangalore Torpedo." 

Where the book elevates itself from a historical record to a deeply moving narrative is in its focus on the unsung elements of the military ecosystem. His recounting of the legend of Badluram is a good example. "Badluram ka Badan" is joyously sung as a marching anthem across the Indian Army today. 

Equally touching is his tribute to the auxiliary heroes of the armed forces, most notably through the story of legendary military mule, Pedongi. By dedicating space to the animal transport units, the former Army Chief acknowledges a humbling operational reality that in the unforgiving, oxygen-deprived altitudes of the Himalayas, raw animal courage and loyalty frequently succeed where modern mechanization falters.

Though his roots are in the olive green of the Indian Army, General Naravane’s joint-services mindset shines brilliantly in the book as he crosses into the domains of the Navy and the Air Force. He approaches the heritage of the sister services with deep respect and boundless curiosity.

By narrating various stories and incidents, General Naravane proves that the military is not merely a rigid monolith of discipline, but a deeply human theater. In a time of rapid structural overhauls within the defense establishment, there is a distinct risk that the traditions of the armed forces might be diluted. General Naravane’s The Curious and the Classified acts as a vital bulwark against this loss.

What makes this book truly special is how easy it is to read for people who are not too familiar with the defence forces. Often, books written by top military commanders can feel heavy and full of complicated technical terms. But General Naravane explains everything so simply that even a young student or a curious citizen can enjoy it. By sharing these lighthearted stories and old customs, he helps the everyday reader connect with the armed forces on a personal level.

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BY DARSHAN GAJJAR

TEAM GEOSTRATA

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