The Indian Army, in partnership with the United Service Institution of India (USI), recently concluded a hybrid-panel discussion as part of Project Udbhav. This project’s goal is to rediscover ancient Indian wisdom in statecraft, war strategy, diplomacy, and grand strategy, found in historical Indian texts. It aims to explore India’s historical narratives in these areas, including Indigenous Military Systems, Historical Texts, Regional Texts, Kingdoms, Thematic Studies, and Kautilya’s teachings.
Project Udbhav highlights the Indian Army’s acknowledgment of India’s ancient wisdom in statecraft and warfare. Its core objective is to bridge the gap between history and the present by delving into indigenous military systems, their evolution, inherited strategies, and the timeless strategic thinking that has guided India for centuries.
This initiative not only seeks to uncover these narratives but also to develop a strategic language rooted in India’s diverse philosophical and cultural heritage. The ultimate aim is to blend ancient wisdom with modern military education.
According to an official statement issued by the Ministry of Defence, since 2021, the Indian Army has been working on compiling Indian stratagems from ancient texts. A book listing 75 aphorisms from these texts has already been published under this project. The first scholarly outcome of this initiative, released in 2022, is titled “Traditional Indian Philosophy…Eternal Rules of Warfare and Leadership.”
The recent panel discussion is a significant step toward revitalizing knowledge creation from India’s classical heritage. It covered the study of ancient texts from the 4th century BCE to the 8th century CE, with a focus on Kautilya, Kamandaka, and The Kural. The discussion successfully ignited interest, engagement, and further research into India’s traditional strategic thought. Lieutenant General Raju Baijal, Director General Strategic Planning, delivered the Keynote Address, and Lieutenant General Vinod G Khandare (Retired), Principal Adviser, Ministry of Defence, chaired the discussion. The panel included scholars, veterans, and serving officers, such as Dr. Kajari Kamal, an expert in Military Education.
Today’s discussion is just the first step in a series of engagements planned under Project Udbhav. It paves the way for future initiatives, including the eagerly awaited Military Heritage Festival and the presentation of papers that will delve deeper into strategic texts and their contemporary relevance.
This panel discussion has shed light on India’s rich but often overlooked strategic and military heritage. By reintroducing these classical teachings into modern military and strategic contexts, the Indian Army aims to equip its officers with ancient wisdom that can be applied in today’s scenarios and promote a deeper understanding of international relations and foreign cultures.