Faction Preview: India!
Although developement has slowed down a bit, the RoP-team is still alive and active. We are proud to present the first new-year-preview, the
Kingdom of Magadha
Located on the very edge of the known world, the mysterious jungle realm of the Indians has grown to a great power. The mighty Šišunaga dynasty began to consolidate their realm in northern India, south of the Ganges and expands westwards. Little is known about them.
The Greeks say their god Dionysos had come to them teaching them how to cultivate their lands, and later their greatest mythical hero Herakles is said to have reached India as well. However, even the Persians, being much closer in proximity have not yet learned much about the Indian culture.
This is about to change. With the Persian Great King Darayawauš (Dareios) expanding eastwards and the Šišunaga expanding westwards, their empires may collide. In any case, the Persians would soon realize how dangerous the Indian military force could be.
Indian warfare developed without much outer influences, unlike many other nations, because the difficult terrain and the natural barriers protecting the Indian subcontinent sealed them off from contact. Yet alone some sporadic nomad incursions brought a few new impulses. Nonetheless, the Indian art of war is very potent. The chief element is fire and movement. The dreaded Indian bamboo long bows have such a devastating effect that neither shield nor armour can offer much protection against them. This bow is almost omnipresent although the nobility is beginning to replace them in favour of the Nomadic composite bows. The reason is not any superiority in firepower, but simply the handling.
The Indian nobles, living for war and not much else, venture the dangers of battle on a light and nimble chariot driven by a trusty servant. Armed with bows they unleash their missiles on the enemy and change position. Some nobles have already begun using elephants, but still the chariot is the symbol of Indian nobility and noble warrior spirit.
The second most important weapon is the long sword. It is made of excellent metal and widely used after the exchange of missiles. It also has a most powerful impact when handled correctly. Since there is a warrior caste in India, most of them armed with bow and sword, this is often the case.
In general, due to the caste system the Indian warfare is quite professional using battle standards and music to guide their troops during the combat.
Indian battle tactics rely on the effect missiles and first attack impetus of their swords to shock the enemy and scatter it’s formations. On the other hand the lack of armour or shielding makes them not only fast and manoeuvrable but also very vulnerable. Thus they have an enormous punch but can take only few in return and you need to stay active and dictating the battle. Otherwise, you are lost. That makes the Indian troops quite different to handle.
Of course, the presence of battle elephants is something very special at our timeframe. It’s very useful for an Indian commander not only because of the unique availability but also because of his own weakness in horsemen, who cannot stand against any other cavalry.
Units, Part 1: the Lower Warrior Caste
Archers
The archetype of the Indian art of warfare is the archer with his long bow made of bamboo and a long sword. Very mobile, very powerful in attack, but weak in the defense, these warriors represent Indian warfare like nothing else. Wisely employed, they can bring havoc into the enemy lines. This type of warrior was so successful that he remained essentially the same when Alexander III. almost 200 years later invaded India.
Although not the top of society, as members of the warrior caste they are well respected and live to fight.
Javelineers
Despite the bow being primary weapon of the Indians, they use other missile weapons as well. The javelin is not as widespread and not as respected as the bow, but useful in certain situations. Moreover, since the javelins can be handled with one hand it allows to use of a shield. The shield cannot be expected to stop a blow of a long sword or a shot of a bow on short distance being only wooden framework with leather cover, it’s usefulness however cannot be denied.
Social-historically, these warriors come from the same social class like their archer comrades and don’t stand back in fighting spirit. And just like the archers, they are another element unchanged for centuries, even though underestimated continually.
Royal Guards
The Magadha king had a guard of all-time ready, first class combat troops. Although the social background of them is widely unknown, one can assume they come from lower warrior caste like most of the footmen but were elevated into the status of a Royal Guard.
Fighting like the archers, there are still some notable differences. First and foremost the Iranian influence, which is reflected in the long sleeved tunics and the padded body armour. It may be not the heavy armour of the western nations, but in Indian terms it’s quite an extraordinary protection considering it is for footmen. The red colour of their tunics marks them on the battlefield among the usually uncoloured, i.e. white clothed infantry of the Indians.
Horsemen
These are a very novel element in Indian armies and another result of Iranian influence, but it should be said, that one cannot rely on them at all. It would not be until late Hellenistic times, hundreds of years after Alexander, that the Indians would muster respectable cavalry. And this respectable cavalry would be nobles, unlike the current horsemen.
Units, Part 2: the Nobles
Light Chariots (Right unit in Main Picture)
The lesser nobles of the Indian society engage in combat like the higher nobles on chariots. Their chariot however is smaller, less decorated and drawn by only two horses. The nobles on these chariots use their bows to inflict casualties but historically they could also dismount and fight with all available weapons, preferably of course their famous long sword. As they are noble and rich, they can afford armour arguably inspired by the Iranians. Therefore their vulnerability is lower than that of the rest of the army.
But as the light construction makes them very mobile, it makes it quite fragile as well - which fits into the Indian art of warfare perfectly again.
Heavy Chariots (Left unit in the main picture)
The higher nobles would have much better chariots, drawn by four horses. The general outlining of a comparatively light, nimble but fragile chariot however remains. This gives them high speed and lot’s of power to bring destruction upon the enemy for which they use the same means as the lesser nobles. Together with them, they form the main strike force of Indian armies.
Their higher social status is not only reflected in the chariot but also the jewellery, better clothes and occasionally better protection.
Elephants
The Indians were probably the first using elephants in battle. This needs a very sophisticated understanding of battle field psychology since the elephant as an element of warfare is almost exclusively psychological. They won’t charge into enemy formations, especially not if those consist of spearmen. But their dreadful appearance with their shire size, the terrifying sounds and long horns makes many people run before physical contact. Moreover, horses are scared and usually don’t advance in face of elephants, unless very well trained.
The elephant is very sensitive on the other hand, which makes him very vulnerable and difficult to control. Concentrated missile fire will bring it down soon, so you have to establish fire superiority over the enemy for an effective use. Yet this is a feature shared by the whole Indian army.
Right now, the elephant is not a royal mount yet. Some nobles use it, but the very cream of the Indian society remains on chariot.
Royal Chariots
It is the royal retinue accompanying the king in battle, expertly driving their chariots which presents a most dazzling sight of golden jewellery, pompous cloths and shining armour. The very cream of the warriors will fight more bravely and more efficiently than any other men in India. They represent something special since the other great ‘chariot nations’ like Babylon and Egypt have heavily armoured wagons in use, not the much faster and lighter constructions of the Indians. These charioteers and their chariots are the ultimate combination of firepower and speed, they are the ultimate incarnation of Indian warfare.
Units, Part 3: Officers and Standard-Bearers
The professionalism of the Indian warrior caste and the inevitable need to move in more complex manoeuvres fostered a more sophisticated battle field communication. Various standards provide the necessary information to the troopers and the commanders.
The Indian nobles and the king are directly involved in combat, while being a great sight with all their jewellery they also inspire their men and provide an example to follow.
Standard Bearers:
Officer:
Lesser General:
General:
Credits:
Models/Textures: Vikrant1986
Research: FliegerAD
Texts: FliegerAD
Thanks: to all, who like this mod! We await your comments, critics and suggestions with great anticipation!
Reply With Quote
They really dìd do a good job.
