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Module - I Warrior System in Ancient India

Military History
Intext Questions 1.2
of Ancient India
1. Who was a Kshatriya?

2. Name any one law of war practiced by ancient Indians.

What You Have Learnt
Note
 Ancient Indians had evolved the art of warfare as early as 3000 B.C in the Harappan
age and refined it in the vedic age.
 As societies progressed, the art of fighting also changed and newer weapons were
made for war.

 Indian military science has been well documented in the form of ancient scriptures
of Rig Veda, Atharva Veda, Dharmasutras and Dharmasastras.
 The need for a regular army was felt as early as the Vedic age and the warriors
were treated as separate class in society. They were respected and cared for
since they were the protectors of the land.

 Ancient Indians also knew the art of making firearms. The making of gun powder
and other fire arms has been written in various texts such as Sukraniti.

Terminal Exercises

1. Describe how boundaries were formed.
2. Give an account of the concept of `One India' as practiced in ancient times.

3. Name any four warrior codes practiced by ancient armies of India.
4. Do you think the Warrior Code that was practiced in ancient India is relevant
today?
5. What is the difference between an `Agni Ban` and a `Fire Arm' ?

Answers to Intext Questions

1.1 1. The family was the basic unit of a society and more than one family was
called a Clan.

2. Wars were fought basically to protect one's land from invaders. Other
reasons why wars were fought include, protection of cattle and women.

3. (i) Brahmin (ii) Vaisyas (iii) Kshatriya
1.2 1. Caste of the solider or warrior was called Kshatriya.

2. One should fight only one enemy and cease fighting if the opponent is
disabled.

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MILITARY HISTORY