Page 19 - MILITARY-STUDIES-1

Module - I Concept and Evolution of Military Studies

Military Studies

Note

Table 2.2 - Types of Training

(b) Sports and competitions : Armies the world over believe that sports is a very
useful form of training a soldier for battle. The influence of sport was crucial for
instilling a warrior ethic and team spirit. The virtues displayed on the sporting
field were also the ideal virtues of a soldier. The games and competitions organised
were:-
(i) Armed and Unarmed combat;
(ii) Archery; horse racing and chariot racing;

(iii) Boxing, Wrestling and swimming competitions;
(iv) Hunting.

c) Benefits of Games :

1. Build essential virtues of Strength, Courage, Chivalry and fair play
2. Instil fighting spirit and ability to win

3. Mental Fitness - Quick Thinking
4. Build Camaraderie among Troops and Officers

(d) Inspections : A well organised kingdom had good practices of keeping its
army trained and ready for war always. It was also necessary to carry out
inspections to check their state of readiness. Inspections by the King, Minister
in charge of army and the Senapathy were conducted periodically.
During such inspections, some sort of drill and manoeuvres by the army units
were shown to the inspecting officer. The commanding officers were also
expected to show proficiency in basic military skills like horsemanship, archery
and musketry, and their troops were supposed to practice with their weapons
regularly.

2.3.3 Military Education in British India

'There is not a country ' wrote Thomas in 1891 'where the love of learning had so early

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MILITARY STUDIES