CANNON VERSUS ELEPHANTS: The Battles of Panipat

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”.