Military Of Classical India

[Shaitan]

Here are some units shown in the art work. These are relevant for the dates of 3rd Century BCish to 1st-2nd Century ADish. Not relevant to dates of 2nd Century++. That needs separate post which can be done.

 

[Shaitan]

Spearmen, some of these are probably more, “guards”, than actual wartime infantry. The ones that look more, “standard”, are the ones with the tunics, large bell shaped shields, and sash/or abdominal guard.

 

[Shaitan]

Standard bears, or umbrella holders. There are A LOT more standard designs then this.

 

[Shaitan]

Pole-axe men

Maceman

 

[Shaitan]

 

[Shaitan]

Longbow men, most common

Bowmen with Smaller recurved bows

 

[Shaitan]

Bowmen with very long recurved bows

 

[Shaitan]

 

[Shaitan]

Swordsmen, large broadswords were popular. You can see their sheaths in a criss-cross strap.

 

[Shaitan]

Toe stirrup used - first of it’s kind, and also used in military application. This horse rider has an interesting saddle for the time period.

 

[Shaitan]

Interesting saddle design for the period

Light Cavalry were the most common, these could be bases for them

 

[Shaitan]

Horse Archer, this has to be rare, but here is a model in the art work. This is a battle scene, with a dedicated horse archer with 4 quivers full of arrows. He’s using a very long bow.

 

[Shaitan]

Could be charioteers, but they’re covered in some sort of armor.

Well armored soldier, head is well encased, has a neck guard.

Helmet with a plume like in the western style. Has ear flaps, and also has the same neck guard like the above example.

Heavy Cavalry, rare, but these could be bases for such a unit.

Most are unarmored, “rushers”.

Armored War Elephants, seem to be rare, but here’s an example of a well armored war elephant. This elephant seems to have a chanfron for head protection or decoration, much of the body is padded. The rider is well protected as well, with his longbow hanging down, within reach.

War Elephants

 

[Shaitan]

Charioteer with two female guards with composite bows

Charioteer with scale armor, long recurved bow, with crescent shaped arrow head.

Possible Charioteers covered in armor

Chariot, two to four horses pulled

 

[Shaitan]

Most common shield in ancient India. “Bell” shaped shield that covers much of the body. This style seems to die out around the Gupta period.

Long, curved shields, this style becomes even more popular around the Gupta period

 

[Shaitan]

Other shields, less common than the bell shaped shields

Shields, mostly bell shaped.

 

[Shaitan]

 

[Shaitan]

Broadsword, seems to be the most common. The ancestors to the medieval Khanda. Similarly, both can give a devastating blow. A lot of these also flares to the tip, has more weight on the tip.

Curved Swords, forward curved swords, a influence from the Greeks. This style becomes even more popular in the Gupta period. Unlike the broadswords new avatar, “Khanda”, this ancient popular style will die out all over the subcontinent except in Nepal, “ Kukri”.

Swords

These are some units relevant to ancient Indian armies from Late Maurya period to the Late Satavahana period. 3rd Century BC to 1st Century AD. Not for Gupta period.

 

[Kunal Biswas]

I copied your post here : http://defenceforumindia.com/forum/...mprires-and-weapons.7479/page-12#post-1259618

Its easy to keep track of updates through one mega thread, Continue your further post in mega thread ..

 

[Shaitan]

I copied your post here : http://defenceforumindia.com/forum/...mprires-and-weapons.7479/page-12#post-1259618

Its easy to keep track of updates through one mega thread, Continue your further post in mega thread ..

Yes, but Gupta, with Classical Indian art need to be separated. So it doesnt cause confusion to people who use this as references.

All of what I posted is already there actually.