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. He has presented a fresh perspective based on his experience  and expertise as a professional Army combat arms officer and a military historian, His book not only introduces a new theory for the Indian art of war but also grounds it in the historical context of the Indian Army’s post-independence experiences.

With a blend of theory and practical examples, the book seeks to provide insights into the challenges and strategies that may shape future military endeavours of the Indian Army.

It will be a useful and interesting reading for students and everyone who wants to delve into the future tactics, techniques, and procedures of the modern Indian Army.

Gautam Das considers himself a martial artist, and a theorist of war and deterrence. He has an M.A. in Defence Studies from Madras University. He was in the Indian Army from 1968 to 1991, and was an infantry officer of the 11th Gorkha Rifles. He was the topper of his batch of 514 Gentleman Cadets, and was awarded the Sword of Honour as the ‘Best All-Round Cadet’ and the President’s Gold Medal for being ‘First in Order of Merit’.

He served with troops in his own regiment, as well as on field tenures with the Assam Rifles in counter-insurgency operations prior to the 1975 cease-fire with the secessionists, and with the Special Frontier Force along the Sino-Indian high mountain border zone. He has served on General Staff assignments at Division and Corps levels, with an exposure to the General Staff at Command level. Along India’s contested frontiers, he has served along the Line of Control (formerly Cease-Fire Line) in Jammu & Kashmir, in the Rajouri, Kargil, Partapur and Ladakh sectors, and in the Kashmir Valley. He has also commanded troops on the Sino-Indian border in Sikkim. He has visited the ground on study tours in the Kameng and Lohit sectors of Arunachal Pradesh.

During ‘Exercise ‘BRASS TACKS-IV’ held in 1986 in the Rajasthan area of the India-Pakistan border he commanded a Combat Team composed of his own troops of 2/11 GR and ‘A’ Squadron 3 Cavalry of Vijayanta tanks as the major components.