Hello All,
I Have a proposal for troop type changes for the Classical Indian Army for possible -
Inclusion in the forthcoming DBMM Army lists.Will also effect II/1 & II/2 armies.
Proposal.Change Indian Javelinmen too - All Irr Sp(I) or All Irr Ax(I),Pre Mauryas 500 B.C to 322 B.C.
Reg Sp(I) or Reg Ax(I) Mauryas 321 B.C to 180 B.C.
0 - 1 Javelinmen per 4 Archers or on a separate line as 0 - 6 or 8 elements maximum. I think the
1 per 3 Bw elements was to facilitate the Bw(X) DB elements,not now an option for Indian armies,
but I may well be wrong.
The option for Sp(I) is to allow the use of Javelinmen as `shock troops`.
The option for Ax(I) is to allow the use of Javelinmen as Light troops.
Argument.Current opinion on the use of large two handed swords by Indian infantry would suggest this was an
exception rather than as a standard for all.As Indian archers have been regraded in DBMM to reflect
this in conjunction with a less powerful bow,I would argue that Bd(I) as the definition stands is a
rather generous one for Indian Javelinmen.As there primary weapon was the javelin or spear and as
Indian infantry were also the lowest arm of Indian armies in terms of prestige,one can only guess as
to the military training they received but I do not think they can be classed as partially trained ?
swordsmen.Massed spearmen in either a shock role or as light troops,bearing in mind that most were
unarmoured would seem to be a better classification.
Evidence.Unfortunately there is little evidence on Indian infantry to support the changes,but here goes;
That which contains
big stones, dry or green trees, and ant-hills is the ground for the infantry.
That which is free from thorns, not very uneven, but very expansive, is an excellent ground for the infantry.
Book X, ?Relating to War,? of the Arthas?stra of Kautilya.Possible support for Auxilia.
Always carrying the weapons
to all places; and fighting--these constitute the work of the infantry,
Book X, ?Relating to War,? of the Arthas?stra of Kautilya.Possible support for Auxilia.
In their left hands they carry small shields of untanned hide, narrower than their bearers, but not much shorter. Some have javelins in place of bows. All carry a broad scimitar, its length not under three cubits; and this,
when they have a hand-to-hand fight -- and Indians do not readily fight so among themselves -- they bring down with both hands in smiting, so that the stroke may be an effective one.ARRIAN.BOOK VIII.XVI.Possible support for Auxilia.
Also the Arthasastra of Kautilya mentions spears 6ft long,possibly an alternative to the shorter -
javelin or used in conjunction with them.possible support for Spears.
DBM Army lists Bk2. 2 Mountain Indian.notes.
7,000 Indian mercenaries are described by
Diodorus fighting against Alexander with
javelins and large but
flimsy shields and fighting in a fairly static style.possible support for Spears/Auxilia (I).
Those are my proposals,hope it generates some discussion,
Happy gaming.
