The 4 Must-Read Indian Military Books

If you like reading military history books and you are tired of Bollywood movies that usually portray high distorted and unrealistic version of Indian military history, then check out this list of must-read list of books which will motivate you. Even if you aren't a bookworm, you will definitely find yourself attached to these books. 

1. India's Wars: A Military History, 1947-1971   

Written by Air Vice Marshal Arjun Subramaniam (Retd), the book gives an account of India's military history starting from the colonial era. One of the most important aspects of India's wars is that it coveys how strategic posture and warfighting capability of Indian armed forces changed between 1947 and 1971. It retraces the bitter lessons learned in 1962 and sweet victory in 1971. It's easy and interesting to read - basically an amalgam of strategic, operational, tactical and human aspects of war. I definitely recommend reading it.
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2. Eagles Over Bangladesh: The Indian Air Force in the 1971 Liberation War

The name says it all. The book is basically a blow-by-blow account of how IAF obliterated the enemy and achieved total air superiority in a matter of days. The air battles and raids are so detailed that reading this book is like watching a movie (heck, even movies aren't that detailed). There are sections about army ground movements and PARA SF specials operations in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). It also has a great collection of rare images (gun camera stills, BDA, Airfield ops etc.) A must-read for all aviation military aviation enthusiast.
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3. India’s Most Fearless: True Stories of Modern Military Heroes

 Written by Shiv Aroor and Rahul Singh, this book needs no introduction. Fourteen true stories of courage and valor.

"This book by the authors documents 14 such real-life encounters which happened in the recent past. The real incidents include events include as recent as the surgical attacks which happened couple of years ago and took the nation by storm for Indian armed forces bravery. Of these 14 incidents none is better than others and stay on equal footing. Each narration is bone chilling only makes us to stand and salute the bravest soldiers. What amazes me most is the commitment shown by the family of the soldiers in supporting the dream of their father, son or husband. They deserve even more respects and salutations from all of us as well. I am thankful to have read this book which passes high for both the narration and the real-life stories." - Balakumar
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4. The Brave: Param Vir Chakra Stories

 By Rachna Bisht Rawat
The official description of the Param Vir Chakra is as follows: 'The Param Vir Chakra is awarded for most conspicuous bravery or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice, in the presence of the enemy, whether on land, at sea, or in the air.'. Only 21 soldiers have received this award to date - 21 stories of singular act of bravery. The book gives a detailed account of the background of the Param Vir Chakra awards and their deeds on the field of battle. Each chapter of this book will definitely fill you with a deep sense of duty and pride.
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