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Module - I                                                                            Military Ethos

             Military History
             of Ancient India


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                       Note
                                                  MILITARY ETHOS





                                 You have learnt the manner in which ancient Indians organized their armies from a
                                 small unit called the Patti to large armies, which had hundreds of chariots, elephants,
                                 cavalry and foot soldiers. Large armies also required a Commissariat to look after
                                 their logistic needs of food, clothing etc; and since ancient Indians had known and held
                                 war ships, they even thought about an Admiralty. Such an army was required to be
                                 disciplined and loyal to the King at all times. Regular armies trained and practised the
                                 art of fighting. You also learnt about the difference between strategy and tactics.
                                 In this lesson we shall learn about the ethos, which essentially means the customs and
                                 traditions followed by ancient armies. Ethos means, the way a soldier or the unit behaves
                                 in war as well as in public life. For e.g. a soldier is disciplined, he is honest, armies are
                                 loyal to the country and the King. You will learn about the important traditions of the
                                 army such as carrying the Flag or Dhwaj, use of martial music and the courage and
                                 valour displayed by soldiers in the battlefield. Present day armies, the world over,
                                 follow some of these customs even today.


                                         Objectives

                                 After studying this lesson you will be able to:
                                      explain the importance of a flag or Dhwaj as a symbol of importance;

                                      explain the importance of martial music for the soldiers in wars and

                                      illustrate the bravery of the Indian soldier.

                                  3.1 Flag or Dhwaj

                                 A flag had come to be recognized as an important symbol and was carried by kings in
                                 battle. The flag, also called the "Standard", became a recognition of a King and in turn,
                                 also became a recognition of the army. From the days of the Rig Veda, the one symbol
                                 that commanded respect and loyalty of the people was the flag. Even today the Indian
                                 flag is the most respected symbol for all Indians everywhere. Poets have glorified the
                                 flag as more valuable than the King. It was an object of national honour and pride.





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                                                                                     MILITARY HISTORY
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