The author explores the concept of the “Art of War” with a specific focus on India. Unlike previous military theorists who may have drawn from personal experiences or historical examples, Gautam Das takes a unique approach by formulating a new Indian art of war for the future. He acknowledges the historical military experiences of the Indian Army since Independence in 1947 and considers the cultural predilections of India’s plains-dwelling majority as guiding elements. A key aspect of his approach is that he doesn’t attempt to merely distil or crystallize the art of war as an evolutionary development from historical factors. Instead, he strives to develop a completely new theory for ‘An Indian Art of War’, one that is not tied to past cultural or doctrinal practices. This non-evolutionary perspective sets his work apart from traditional approaches to the subject. To provide context and depth to his theory, the author delves into various battles and engagements that the Indian Army has been involved in since 1947. By examining both successful and unsuccessful operations, he aims to illustrate the practical application of his new set of guidelines for future campaigns and battles.
