Kshatra – The Tradition of Valour in India

1 review for Kshatra – The Tradition of Valour in India

1. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Ashish Iyer (verified owner) – May 18, 2025

   Shatavadhani Dr. R. Ganesh’s Kshattra: The Tradition of Valour in India is a landmark work that reclaims a long-neglected yet foundational strand of Indian civilisational thought — the spirit and philosophy of Kshatra, or valour. Originally written in Kannada as Bharatiya Kshatra Parampare, this work transcends the boundaries of military history to offer a sweeping cultural, spiritual, and philosophical exploration of how the ideal of Kshatra has shaped and preserved Dharma across millennia.
   This work beautifully chronicles the illustrious history of the Kshatriya warrior tradition in India, tracing its evolution from the Vedic age to the modern era. It stands as a comprehensive and profound treatise, delving deep into the philosophy of Kshatra and its embodiment through warfare in the service of Dharma.
   Unlike typical military histories, Kshattra does not merely recount wars and warriors. It philosophically roots the concept of valour in the dharmic imperative to protect what is noble and sacred. Through evocative reflections on armed deities, the symbolism of divine weapons, and the concept of Vira-Svarga (heaven earned by righteous warriors), the book shows that Kshatra is not just about combat—it is about conscious action in defense of truth and beauty.
   Dr. Ganesh also draws a sharp and insightful contrast between the dharmic tradition of divine weaponry and the Abrahamic conception of formless, faceless gods who inspire conquest through fear. Where the sword of Vishnu promises Abhaya (freedom from fear), the Abrahamic martyrdom narrative is driven by dominance and intolerance. This comparison adds a provocative and timely layer to the book’s message about civilisational identity and continuity.
   What sets this book apart is its unique blend of erudition, poetic insight, and civilisational urgency. It speaks not just to scholars of Indian history but to every Hindu seeking to understand the spiritual and cultural DNA of their civilisation. While earlier works on India’s military history like those by Jadunath Sarkar and V.R.R. Dikshitar offered empirical depth, Kshattra offers philosophical resonance.
   In essence, Kshattra: The Tradition of Valour in India is a rare, pathbreaking contribution—equal parts historical, spiritual, and visionary. It opens new doors for civilisational research and self-discovery, offering a powerful reminder that Dharma survives not by chance, but through the lived, valorous tradition of Kshatra.