Sir,

This is with reference to KBG’s Abracadabra titled “India acquires ‘Shakti’ with Rafale: Remembering Ajit Doval’s Speech” in SOM dated July 30, 2020. He has rightly pointed out two reasons for the defeats of Hindu kings in different parts of what was called “Bharata” or “Bharatavarsha” by the invaders in the past — that is, the principle of dharma strictly followed by Hindu kings and secondly the presence of traitors inside the Palace.

In addition to these two reasons, one more reason may be added for the debacles of native kings. In many battles the kings have given more importance to the astrological predictions and the advices of religious heads about the auspicious time and date to make a move of attack than to the war strategy to be planned considering the strategy of the enemy and its size of army, their weaponry etc.

Here is an example how Sirajudaula Nawab of Oudh (of course, he was not a Hindu king) was defeated by Lord Clive in the battle of Plassey in 1757. The battle began at 8 am on June 23 (because the Nawab was 23 years of age considered to be auspicious day) with artillery fire from Nawab.

The Nawab’s army was strong with over 40,000 combatants while Clive commanded 3,000. A moment before Clive could respond to the first fire of the Nawab, the overcast clouds opened up with a heavy downpour. Clive had the tarpaulins to cover the gun powder and the weapons from drenching which the Nawabs army blatantly forgot to carry with them. Thus the tarpaulins won the battle of Plassey for Clive. Rest is history. [Courtesy: WEEK magazine dated Dec. 30 2018]

– V. Girish Gowda, KAS (R), Mysuru, 17.8.2020

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