ABOUT THE BOOK

Panipat has been the cockpit of Indian history for nearly four centuries. The fate of India was decided three times in fiercely contested battles in the area around Panipat. However, an objective study of the battles- from a military standpoint- is conspicuous by its absence. It has been downplayed by the historical context of the battles, which have gained significance. In this book, the three battles fought at Panipat will be analyzed from a military perspective.

14 January 2011 will be the 250^th anniversary of the Third Battle of Panipat. The word ‘Panipat’ has entered the Indian strategic lexicon as a failure to do anything until the enemy has reached your doorstep. The Indian leadership ostensibly suffers from the Panipat ‘ Syndrome’ even today.

Even in this age of rapid technological change, the history of previous combat is relevant. It serves to provide a platform to judge effects of new weapons or methodologies, and affords an insight into the performance of leaders. This book explains that, while modern warfare has changed, the nature of war fighting and the principles according to which all wars are fought, are enduring. It also analyzes the reasons why Panipat had been a battleground through the course of Indian history. The Battles are graphically represented, through maps and sketches, in order to afford the reader a more dynamic picture of their conduct.

The book also includes three disquisitions on “Elephants in Battle”; “Cannons in the Indian Medieval Period”; and “The Theory of Battle”.

ABOUT Author

Col Harjeet Singh took early retirement from the Army in 1998 after a tenure as Instructor at the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington (India). A prolific military writer and thinker, he is a regular contributor to several professional journals. He is well known in military circles for his erudition and perspicacity of analysis. He holds a Master’s degree in Defence Science and an M Phil in Strategic Studies from the University of Madras.

He edits the “South Asia Defence and Strategic Year Book”. Among his published books are “Doda: Insurgency in the Wilderness”, “Soldiering with Faith:The Sikh Light Infantry” and “Evolution of Strategy: From Sun Tzu to Clausewitz”. His research interests include defence and strategic issues, with emphasis on South Asia.