Encyclopedia of Indian Military History (Set of 3 Vols.)

The military history of India dates back several millennia. The first reference of armies is found in the Vedas. The Rigvedic tribes of Indo Aryans were led by their tribal chieftain and engaged in wars with each other as well as other tribes. The Army of India was raised under the British Raj in the 19th century by taking the erstwhile presidency armies, merging them and bringing them under the Crown. The Indian Army is the world's second largest army in terms of military personnel, and the largest in terms of active manpower.