Project UDBHAV

Source: PIB
GS III: Internal Security

Overview

Why in the News?

Minister of Defence Shri Rajnath Singh launched Project UDBHAV during the inauguration of the Indian Military Heritage Festival.

Raksha Mantri inaugurated the first edition of the Indian Military Heritage Festival in New Delhi.
The two-day festival aims to celebrate India’s rich military culture and heritage, through conversations, art, dance, drama, story-telling and exhibitions.
Festival seeks to create a benchmark in the domain of public engagement with military history.
Public engagement through interaction while adhering to the goals for developing the Armed Forces in the 21st century.

Project UDBHAV, is a collaboration between the Indian Army and the United Service Institution of India (USI).
It is an endeavour to revisit the roots of India’s ancient military thoughts.
Udbhav means origin or genesis
- The name acknowledges the vintage scriptures and writings of our Nation.
It spans centuries in the past.
Contains profound knowledge that can benefit modern military strategies.
It will facilitate an in-depth understanding of our knowledge systems and philosophies.
Also aim to comprehend their enduring connect, relevance and applicability in the modern day.

Combine historical knowledge with modern military tactics.
It aims to create a distinctive and comprehensive strategy to deal with current security issues.
Through the UDBHAV Indian Army has launched a groundbreaking effort that aims to combine traditional knowledge with modern military education.
It will facilitate under-explored thoughts and theories related to strategic thinking, statecraft and warfare, foster deeper understanding and contribute to enriching military training curricula.

Chanakya’s Arthashastra
- Literature like Chanakya’s Arthashastra underscores the importance of strategic partnerships, alliances and diplomacy.
- It aligns with modern military practices such as international cooperation and soft power projection.
- Chanakya’s teachings on statecraft and warfare are studied by various institutions the world over.
Thirukkural
- The classical Tamil text authored by Thiruvalluvar, the Tamil philosopher.
- It advocates ethical conduct in all endeavours, including warfare.
- This aligns with modern military codes of ethics of just war and principles of the Geneva Convention.
Ancient Rulers
- Chandragupta Maurya, Ashoka and Cholas flourished and expanded in influence, during their times.
Naval Battle of Saraighat in 1671
- Example of the use of clever diplomatic negotiations to buy time.
- Employ psychological warfare, focus on military intelligence and exploit the strategic weakness of the Mughals.
- Fought between the Ahom Kingdom and the Mughal Empire.
- Happened on the banks of Brahmaputra.
- Ahom Kingdom was led by Lachit Borphukan and the Mughal Empire was led by Raja Ram Singh.
- Ahoms won this battle
  - In 1672 after the death of Lachit Borphukan Guwahati was taken back by the Mughals in 1679.
- Again in 1682 the region was taken back by Ahoms in the Battle of Itakhuli.

USI is the oldest national security and defence services think tank.
It is based in New Delhi.
It was established in 1870.
USI operates two centres
1. Centre for Strategic Studies and Simulation (CS3) is focused on conducting research and analyses on national and international security issues.
2. The Centre for Armed Forces Historical Research (CAFHR) studies the history of the Indian Armed Forces.
USI operates centres for research in various areas of national security.

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