Mahabharata, the Indian Hindu epic offers the first written discussions of a “just war” – dharma-yuddha or “righteous war”. It raises the most pertinent question – can the suffering caused by war be justified. It also raises a few moral or ethical ground rules like chariots cannot attack cavalry or people in distress (they can only attack other chariots), just means (no poisoned or barbed arrows), just cause (no attacking in fit of anger or rage), and fair treatment of captives and the wounded. In addition to the above the epic goes on to propound four principles – just authority; just cause; right intention; last resort.
Just authority – refers to the legality of going to war, and whether the pursuit is legally justified.
Just cause – is the war justifiable, appropriate and necessary. Above all, can it be avoided?
Right intention – criterion requires the determination of whether the intentions behind the war are right according to morality.
Last resort – War is a last resort response, meaning that if there is a conflict between disagreeing parties, all solutions must be attempted before resorting to war.
Like this, there are many ancient Indian scriptures like the Vedas, Puranas, Upanishads and Arthashastra which contain huge wealth of information on governance, philosophy of war, military strategy and diplomacy which unfortunately is not applied in real life. This is because of a lopsided mind-set among the academia, scholars, practitioners, and military experts to give ape the west and ignore the brilliance of the Indian military traditions during the Maurya, Gupta, Chola or Maratha period. Ironically we live in an era where western strategists and philosophers like Carl von Clausewitz, Niccolo Machiavelli or Sun Tzu are more frequently read and cited than Chanakya who wrote the “Arthashastra,” a treatise on politics, warfare, and economics in ancient India. Likewise hardly many people have heard or read about some of the leading ancient Indian military strategists and philosophers like Manu who wrote about the role of the king, diplomacy, inter-state relations and intelligence operations, Kamandaka the author of “Nitisara,” a treatise on the art of warfare and politics, Somadeva Suri who wrote “Nitivakyamritam,” a work on politics, ethics and warfare, Shukracharya of who taught the art of warfare and politics in the Mahabharata period and Kalhana who wrote “Rajatarangini,” a historical work on Kashmir’s kings and their military campaigns.
To overcome this bias the Indian Army has launched an ambitious project called Project Udbhav (Udbhav means ‘origin’ or ‘genesis’) to harness the ancient strategic knowledge and highlight India’s rich military history, philosophy, and traditions in collaboration with the United Service Institution (USI) a national security and defence services think tank based in New Delhi founded by Major General Sir Charles MacGregor in 1870.
The focal point behind the initiative is to integrate ancient Indian wisdom with modern military practices. The project aims to:
• Develop an indigenous strategic vocabulary rooted in Indian philosophy and culture.
• Foster a deeper understanding of ancient military systems and strategic culture.
• Educate military leaders about classical texts and their contemporary applications.
• Create a knowledge pool for scholars and defence personnel.
• Incorporate historical military thoughts into modern security strategies.
Above all, Project Udbhav seeks to make the Indian Army the world’s second-largest army reconnect with its rich heritage and ancient strategic insights.
Bridging the past and the present
Project Udbhav seeks to highlight the gallantry deeds of Indian military heroes, emphasise the ethical values in the Vedas, Puranas, Upanishads and Arthashastra and extrapolate the lessons learned from epic battles like Mahabharata, to make the Indian Army proud of its glorious past and ready to face the future.
The project aims to blend ancient wisdom with modern military practices and promote a deeper understanding of leadership, strategic thinking, statecraft and warfare through literature such as Chanakya’s Arthashastra which underlines the importance of strategic partnerships, alliances and diplomacy.
Many ancient Indian scriptures like the Vedas, Puranas, Upanishads and Arthashastra contain huge wealth of information on governance, philosophy of war, military strategy and diplomacy which unfortunately is not applied in real life. This is because of a lopsided mind-set among the academia, scholars, practitioners, and military experts to ape the west
Ancient texts and practices studied in Project Udbhav
Arthashastra by Kautilya (Chanakya): A comprehensive treatise on statecraft, military strategy, and economic policy.
Mahabharata and Ramayana: Epic narratives that contain numerous accounts of battles, strategies, and ethical dilemmas in warfare.
Rajatarangini by Kalhana: A historical chronicle of the kings of Kashmir, providing insights into medieval Indian warfare.
Shivaji’s Guerrilla Tactics: The innovative tactics used by Maratha leader Shivaji Maharaj to counter larger Mughal forces.
Project Udbhav – lessons from the past
Some of the key lessons from the past that Project Udbhav aims to focus include:
Strategic Innovation and Adaptability
Leaders like Chanakya (Kautilya) emphasized the importance of adapting strategies depending on the prevailing circumstances and challenges faced.
Intelligence and Espionage
Ancient texts like the Arthashastra highlight the critical role of intelligence and espionage in warfare. Gathering accurate information about the enemy’s strengths, weaknesses, and plans was considered essential for effective military strategy.
Psychological Warfare
The use of psychological tactics to demoralize the enemy and boost the morale of one’s own troops is a common practice. Understanding the psychological dimensions of warfare and leveraging them to one’s advantage remains relevant today.
Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Efficient logistics and supply chain management were crucial for sustaining long campaigns. Ensuring a steady supply of food, weapons, and other necessities was meticulously planned, emphasizing the importance of logistics in modern military operations.
Terrain Utilisation
Ancient Indian commanders often made strategic use of the terrain to gain an advantage over their enemies. Understanding and leveraging the geographical features of the battlefield can be a decisive factor in modern warfare.
Guerrilla Warfare
Leaders like Shivaji Maharaj effectively used guerrilla tactics to overcome larger and better-equipped armies. The principles of hit-and-run tactics, surprise attacks, and mobility are still relevant in asymmetrical warfare today.
Ethical Conduct and Rules of Engagement
Ancient Indian military philosophy often included ethical guidelines for the conduct of war, such as the protection of non-combatants and the humane treatment of prisoners. These principles align with modern international laws and conventions on warfare.
Integration of Diverse Forces
The ability to integrate and coordinate diverse military units, including infantry, cavalry, elephants, and naval forces, was a hallmark of successful ancient Indian armies. Effective coordination and interoperability among different branches of the military are crucial for modern armed forces.
Leadership and Morale
The importance of strong, inspirational leadership and maintaining the morale of troops was a consistent theme in ancient Indian military thought. Leadership qualities such as bravery, integrity, and the ability to inspire and motivate soldiers are timeless.
Project Udbhav seeks to highlight the gallantry deeds of Indian military heroes, emphasise the ethical values in the Vedas, Puranas, Upanishads and Arthashastra and extrapolate the lessons learned from epic battles like Mahabharata, to make the Indian Army proud of its glorious past and ready to face the future
Resource Management and Sustainability
Ancient military campaigns often required careful management of resources, ensuring sustainability over prolonged periods. Efficient resource management and sustainability practices are vital for modern military operations, especially in extended deployments.
Diplomacy and Alliances
The strategic use of diplomacy and alliances to strengthen one’s position and weaken the enemy was a common practice. Forming strategic alliances and using diplomatic channels to resolve conflicts are essential components of modern military strategy.
Relevance in the present context
Many of these principles are relevant for modern military strategy and ethical leadership.
Chanakya’s teachings on warfare are being taught in various military academies all over the world including the US War College at Pennsylvania. Thirukkural, the classical Tamil text authored by Thiruvalluvar is nothing less than a treatise on the codes of ethics and principles of just war. Similarly many of the lessons from the Battle of Saraighat led by Ahom commander Lachit Borphukan are relevant even in the present context, highlighting timeless principles of strategy, leadership, and resilience.
Lachit Borphukan’s innovative use of the Brahmaputra River for naval warfare which was a key factor in the Ahom victory demonstrates the importance of flexibility, adaptability and creative thinking in military strategy. Lachit Borphukan’s dedication, courage, and ability to inspire his troops underscores the critical role of effective leadership in overcoming the larger Mughal army.
Similarly the empires of Chandragupta Maurya, Ashoka, and the Cholas each offer unique lessons in governance, and military strategy. Chandragupta Maurya had a highly centralized, strong, efficient bureaucratic system which helped him maintain control and facilitate effective governance. He forged alliances and used strategic marriages to expand his empire, demonstrating the balance between force and diplomacy in empire building. Likewise the Cholas established a powerful navy. This naval strength helped in expanding influence and economic prosperity through maritime trade across Southeast Asia.
Kamandaka’s Nitisara, also known as the “Essence of Politics,” is a classical Sanskrit treatise on statecraft and governance. Kamandaka emphasizes practical wisdom in governance, focusing on realpolitik and the practical aspects of ruling, rather than just idealistic theories. Kamandaka also stresses the importance of ethical leadership, advocating for rulers to be just, fair, and moral in their dealings. Above all, Kamandaka outlines the balance between diplomacy and warfare, suggesting that a wise ruler should be skilled in both negotiating peace and waging war when necessary.
Chanakya’s teachings on warfare are being taught in military academies all over the world including the US War College at Pennsylvania. Thirukkural, the classical Tamil text authored by Thiruvalluvar is nothing less than a treatise on the code of ethics and principles of just war
Likewise Thirukkural, often referred to as the Kural, is a classic Tamil text written by Thiruvalluvar. It provides guidance on leadership and governance, suggesting that rulers should be virtuous, wise, and focused on the welfare of their people. While it is not primarily a treatise on warfare, Kural provides valuable insights into the conduct of warfare and the principles that should guide leaders and warriors. It underscores the importance of conducting warfare justly, strategically, and with a focus on minimizing harm and suffering. Some of the key lessons on warfare from the Kural include:
Righteous Warfare: warfare should be conducted righteously and only for just causes. Unjust wars motivated by selfish desires are condemned.
Preparation and Strategy: Leaders should carefully plan their actions and consider all possible outcomes before engaging in battle.
Leadership and Courage: A leader should inspire confidence and bravery in their troops, leading by example and maintaining composure under pressure.
Discipline and Unity: are vital for victory. A disciplined and united force is more likely to succeed.
Understanding the Enemy: Leaders should gather intelligence and thoroughly understand their opponents to develop effective strategies.
Timing and Patience: Choosing the right time to engage the enemy as patience and waiting for the opportune moment can lead to greater chances of success.
Minimizing Harm: conduct wars in a way that reduces unnecessary suffering and preserves life whenever possible.
Justice and Mercy: A true leader shows compassion and mercy even towards defeated enemies and treats the vanquished with fairness.
Conclusion
By marrying age-old wisdom with modern military operations, ‘Project UDBHAV’ meaning ‘origin’ or ‘genesis’ seeks to lay the foundation of a robust, progressive and future-ready Indian Army attuned to the demands and dynamics of contemporary warfare and diplomacy. ‘Project UDBHAV’, has all it takes to transform the Indian Army and herald a new era, where the military might and strategic thinking is enhanced by our rich and strategic past.
–The writer is a seasoned media professional with over three decades of experience in print, electronic, and web media. He is presently Editor of Taazakhabar News. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
–The writer is a seasoned media professional with over three decades of experience in print, electronic, and web media. He is presently Editor of Taazakhabar News. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
