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Module - I Need of Military Studies Today

Military Studies

Note

Fig. 3.1 Weapons Through the Ages

3.1.1 Transformation in Warfare

A study of military history will tell you how warfare had changed with time. In the
ancient age, it was the 'Chaturangabala' force consisting of Cavalry, Elephant, chariots
and infantry. Warfare was a series of set piece battles at a pre defined battle ground.
While armies used various strategies and tactics to win a war, the fighting per se was
static in nature.

Over the years, as metallurgy improved, new weapons were introduced. The chariots
were not seen in battle in the medieval age. Cavalry was the arm used for speedy
movement of troops to surprise the army. It allowed attack from unexpected directions
and therefore was the most used in this age. As science improved, we saw the
introduction of wheeled vehicles, guns and ammunitions.
The Mughals used guns extensively to win battles. A soldiers personal weapon of
sword, bow & arrow/spear were replaced by rifles and machine guns in the nineteenth
century. World War I & II was the turning point for new forms of warfare when trench

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