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Warrior System in Ancient India Module - I

Military History
priests and warriors existed. In early vedic period, the 'sena' or army was not a
of Ancient India
permanent fighting group but consisted of able bodied tribesmen who were mobilized
at the time of conflict with others. Migration and pressures of population made them
change from a peace loving agri-society to being warlike.
As societies settled into larger groups they formed laws of marriage, property, etc. A
settled society also witnessed a transformation of how people were assigned specific
work within the society, as per their capability. To ensure social harmony the people of Note
a Clan were divided into communities based on the work they were doing. For e.g. a
farmer, carpenter, trader became Vaisyas, while a priest became a brahmin.
Similarly, a man selected to be a warrior became a Kshatriya. This was called the
"Varna System" of society. As laws became stricter and population grew, there was a
need to have one central authority to enforce discipline. Thus was framed 'Dandaniti"-
laws for the society. The enforcer was the Dandadara or the King who was assisted
by the army.

1.2.3 How Armies were Formed

We saw the need for stricter laws as society became larger. It was logical that with
Stringent laws there was a need for enforcement of the law. As you have seen, in the
Varna system the Kshatriyas became the rulers and warriors. Our ancestors understood
the value and importance of the army. Wars were fought for many reasons which were
psychological in nature such as showing heroism, seeking glory on, being martyred
etc. History is full of examples of war between the strong and the weak. Therefore,
the expansion of societies created conditions for fighting between tribes which in turn
required the need for creation of a separate caste to be soldiers.This dual condition
necessitated the thought process that even during peace time, an army had to be
maintained. Thus we came across the term called 'standing army'. This standing army
consisted of the 'Kshatriya' or the warrior community and fighting and dying for the
King became their "swadharma".

The warriors soon emerged as a special class within the society which looked upon
this community as the protectors and saviours of their land. The people did not mind
the high position in society for the warrior class.

Intext Questions 1.1

1. What is a Clan?
2. Name any three reasons why wars were fought.

3. Name the three castes in the Varna System.

1.3 A United India
You have learnt how small groups of families formed societies' The tribal chief or a
King always desired to expand his power and have large empires. This desire of

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MILITARY HISTORY 3