“Our job was to hit targets, not count body bags,” said Air Marshal A.K. Bharti, speaking about the precision of Operation Sindoor. This one sentence captures the essence of India’s evolving military strategy: calculated, focused, and deeply aware of the high stakes. While global war literature often points to Sun Tzu’s Art of War or Clausewitz’s On War, India has its own rich tradition of military strategy and warfare documentation, stretching from ancient texts to modern accounts of national defense and intelligence. But war isn’t just about well-planned strikes and border tactics. It is also about lives disrupted, families broken, and the emotional aftermath that lingers long after the gunfire fades.
In this blog, we bring you ten books by Indian authors that cover the many dimensions of war, from military memoirs and espionage accounts to personal reflections, emotional legacies, and stories of resilience. These books do not just describe war; they help us understand it.
1. Wars of India: An Operational Perspective by J.S. Nagra
Brigadier J.S. Nagra’s Wars of India is an essential read for anyone trying to understand the scope of India’s defense strategy across time, from the Partition to modern-day border skirmishes. Nagra, with his military background, delivers both technical and human insights into the 1947–48 Kashmir War, the 1962 Sino-Indian conflict, the 1971 liberation of Bangladesh, and beyond.
2. The Kaoboys of R&AW: Down Memory Lane by B. Raman
The Kaoboys of R&AW, written by the late B. Raman, one of India’s foremost intelligence officers, takes us deep into the corridors of India’s external spy agency, R&AW. From cross-border operations to quiet diplomacy, this book explores the vision of R.N. Kao (the founder of R&AW), covert operations in neighboring countries, and the strategic choices India made during critical periods like the Bangladesh Liberation War.
3. 1962: The War That Wasn’t by Shiv Kunal Verma
Shiv Kunal Verma, a former journalist and defense analyst, delves into not just the battle tactics and terrain challenges but also the flawed political and bureaucratic decision-making that led to the debacle. Verma’s analysis is clear-eyed and courageous, highlighting how strategic misjudgments and political hesitations shaped the course of that fateful war.
1962: The War That Wasn’t reads like a thriller but hits with the impact of a tragedy. It's an essential read for those seeking to understand how miscommunication and miscalculation can shape national destiny.
4. A Soldier’s General by General J.J. Singh
In this candid autobiography, former Indian Army Chief General J.J. Singh walks us through his career and pivotal leadership roles. From his days at the National Defence Academy to leading the Indian Army, Singh reflects on military discipline, strategy formulation, and the delicate dance between political and defense leadership.
It’s not a dense policy book, but a reflective one, making it highly readable for both civilians and defense enthusiasts.
5. The Unending Game by Vikram Sood
Beyond cloak-and-dagger tales, the book offers a sharp understanding of global intelligence networks and how India navigates its complex geopolitical terrain. Sood reflects on the increasing complexities of cyber warfare, cross-border terrorism, and global intelligence alliances. His insights are not only strategic but also philosophical, raising questions about ethics, privacy, and national interest in a connected world.
6. The War Diary of Asha-san by Lt. Bharati 'Asha' Sahay Choudhry (Translated by Tanvi Srivastava)
At seventeen, Bharati 'Asha' Sahay joined the Rani of Jhansi Regiment of the Indian National Army during World War II. Her diary offers a firsthand account of her journey from Tokyo to the jungles of Thailand, training in military tactics, and her experiences in the fight for India's independence. This memoir provides a rare glimpse into the role of women in the armed struggle against colonial rule.
7. The Kargil Girl by Flight Lieutenant Gunjan Saxena & Kiran Nirvan
Recently adapted into a movie, this is the story of one of India’s first female combat aviators, Gunjan Saxena. The book traces Gunjan Saxena’s role during the Kargil War and the struggles she faced in a male-dominated profession, making it a moving testimony of courage and quiet defiance.
8. Small Acts of Freedom by Gurmehar Kaur
This memoir, deeply personal and emotional, spans three generations of women impacted by war. Gurmehar, who lost her father in the Kargil War, weaves a poignant tale of memory, healing, and identity. It reminds us that war doesn't end on the battlefield; it echoes across generations.
9. Land, Guns, Caste, Woman: The Memoir of a Lapsed Revolutionary by Gita Ramaswamy
Gita Ramaswamy's memoir details her involvement in the Naxalite movement during India's Emergency period and her subsequent activism with landless Dalits in Telangana. This unconventional memoir reflects on Ramaswamy’s years as an activist and her entanglement with caste-based and gendered violence. While not about traditional warfare, it expands the definition of conflict to include grassroots resistance, internal strife, and ideological struggle.
10. Arthashastra by Kautilya (Chanakya)
No list of Indian strategic thought is complete without the Arthashastra. Written over two millennia ago by the brilliant economist and philosopher Kautilya (also known as Chanakya), this treatise goes far beyond warfare. It deals with economics, governance, diplomacy, and of course, military strategy. One of the earliest and most influential texts on statecraft and military strategy, Arthashastra remains foundational in understanding India's ancient approach to war and governance. Kautilya’s advice on war preparation, troop management, and even psychological warfare feels surprisingly relevant, even today.
These books, penned by those who have either experienced wars firsthand or studied them extensively, offer valuable perspectives on how India navigates conflicts in a complex world. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a student of political science, or someone interested in strategic studies, these books provide a comprehensive understanding of India's military and strategic landscape.