ABOUT THE BOOK: An interesting literature on the military history of ancient India based on various military literature in Sanskrit, Arthasastra, Nitisastra, Ramayana, Mahabharata and manuals on Dhanur Veda. It gives the reader detailed input in to such interesting topics like the composition of ancient Indian armies, place of army in the Hindu Political thought, outline of ancient Indian armies, cavalry, war chariots, naval warfare, military espionage, various ancient Indian military weapons etc. Archaeological evidence consists mainly of the ruins of old towns and forts, ancient sculptures, paintings, coins and inscriptions. The literary sources again are of two kinds: viz indigenous and foreign. The value and importance of the army were realized very early in the history of India and this led to the maintenance of a permanent militia to put down dissent within and arrest aggression from without.