Uma Prasad Thapliyal was born in Uttarakhand in 1938. He retired in 1996 as the director of the History Division, Ministry of Defence, Government of India. He has published several books on Indian history and military. He is the recipient of various awards for his original research works on Rajbhasha. In recognition of his outstanding research acumen, he has received Senior Fellowship by the Indian Council of Historical Research in 1997.
This book covers all major aspects of the military history of India, including the organizational and operational dimensions. Beginning with ad 1600, it examines the role of the military from ancient times to the present day. The book also catalogues the various operations undertaken by the Indian Army through the centuries within the country and overseas. Indian Navy, Indian Air Force and Paramilitary Forces have been adequately covered to highlight their role in the defence of the country. Major organizational changes introduced in the military apparatus and the operations conducted from time to time have been narrated in detail. This book will serve as a useful guide to the history and relevance of the armed forces, for both the general and the informed reader.
