Chapter 3

Module - I Military Ethos
Military History
of Ancient India
3
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
Military Ethos Module - I
Military History
Flag bearers carried the Flag to the battlefield. It was considered the greatest honour
to defend it. For the armies fighting a battle, it was important to capture the flag of the of Ancient India
opponent because that would symbolize victory. It must be remembered that in ancient
times there was flag of the king and also each division of the army had its own flag and
it was carried on the chariot or the elephants.
Apart from the flag, Kings used emblems. These were depictions of animals such as
Note
boar, lion etc, South Indian Kings used pictures of fish, tiger, bow in their flags.
Fig. 3.1 Flag
The same picture as that on a flag was also used as an emblem on the official seal or
coin. A pennant was a triangle shaped flag, which was used on chariots, cavalry and
even elephants. Pennants were coloured cloth and were used to differentiate between
two armies in the battlefield.
3.2 War Music
Musical instruments for war find mention in Rig Veda Samhita, implying that they were
of importance in warfare. These instruments were used only for festive occasions or in
war. Vedic literature mentions war drums of three types. Instruments were designed
for religious festivals, cultural and art demonstrations and some exclusively for use in
the battlefield. Why were they required for the soldiers? Drums and music provided
inspiration to the soldiers to be brave and fight ferociously.
Fig. 3.2 War Drum horn or Nagara
MILITARY HISTORY 15
Module - I Military Ethos
Military History
An instrument such as Dundubhi was used to wake up troops at dawn, signify the end
of Ancient India
of a day's fighting at dusk or commence fighting at the designated hour. Like the
Dundubhi, conch or shank was also used extensively in battle. The use of conch shells
slowly faded with time and was replaced by other instrument such as a trumpet.
All armies of the world, even today have military bands, trumpets and bugles as part of
their armed forces. Indian army infantry units maintain a band platoon, which is used to
Note play martial music to motivate troops and also to train them in marching. In war the
soldiers of the band platoon act as paramedics and help wounded soldiers to be
evacuated to hospitals.
3.3 Bravery and Valour
The people of India look up to the Indian soldier as the saviour of country frontiers. A
good soldier demonstrates qualities of courage, self-sacrifice, integrity, strength of
character and commitment to the cause of the Nation. It is therefore, the duty of the
Nation to recognise and honour the sacrifice of a soldier. The valour in the soldier is a
trait that goes back to ancient times.
Bravery of soldiers has often been described in poems, which form an authentic source
of historical evidence. Mothers were described to be proud of their sons joining the
army even after the death of their husbands in war. This was considered as the final
contribution to the Kingdom.
It is said that Valour, Honour, Pride and Clarity of mind were the four fold traits of a
good soldier.
Intext Questions 3.1

1. Who carried the flag to the battlefield?
2. Name any three animals used as a symbol in the flag or emblem.
3. Name any three war music instruments.
What You Have Learnt

 A well-organized army requires certain customs and traditions to be followed so
that they fight with motivation and valour.
 Each aspect of the customs and traditions had a particular meaning and became
an essential aspect of the battlefield.
 The flag or Dhwaj, war music and musical instruments became a part of the army
and an important symbol of war.
 The Kingdoms were recognized by the flags, emblems they created whether as a
flag or coin or artefacts.
 The valour of the Indian soldier was second to none. Soldiers' mothers and wives
were equally brave and examples of the pride of knowing the death of their sons
in the battlefield has been eulogized in a number of poems.
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MILITARY HISTORY
Military Ethos Module - I
Military History
Terminal Exercises of Ancient India
1. What is the difference between a `Pennant' and a `Flag'?

2. What was the purpose of playing the `Dundhubi' or `War drums' in the battlefield?
3. What are the important qualities of a `good soldier'?
Note
Answers to Intext Questions
3.1
1. Flag bearers.
2. Fish, Tiger and Lion, bow
3. War drum or Nagara, Conch and Dundubhi.
MILITARY HISTORY 17

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Module - I Military Ethos

3.1 Flag or Dhwaj

Fig. 3.1 Flag

Fig. 3.2 War Drum horn or Nagara

Intext Questions 3.1

What You Have Learnt

1. What is the difference between a `Pennant' and a `Flag'?

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