NOVEL WEB Chapter 39: Indra War Strategy
The war tent was dimly lit, the flickering flames of oil lamps casting long shadows over the faces of the Rashtrakuta nobles and generals. At the center of the gathering stood Indra, his presence commanding and his expression unreadable. Before him lay a large map of the battlefield, the terrain carefully marked with enemy positions, rivers, and possible escape routes. The weight of the empire rested on his shoulders, and he would not allow Harishchandra to challenge his growing supremacy.
Senapati Vallabha, his most trusted commander, spoke first. "Maharaj, our scouts confirm that Maharaja Harishchandra has taken the field with only ten thousand men. He advances from the Hadoti region under the Suryavanshi banner."
Indra exhaled slowly, his gaze scanning the map. "Old Harishchandra is as sharp as ever. He knows we would track his movements. His plan is clear: he will hold our forces with his smaller army while his vassals, Raja Vikramaditya and Raja Vishvavarma, flank us from Gwalior and Mandsaur."
The Rashtrakuta nobles exchanged glances, some nodding in agreement, others silently contemplating the situation. The Hadoti region was strategically important, and Harishchandra's gamble was a daring one.
Vallabha nodded. "Yes, Maharaj. If we engage too quickly, we risk getting trapped. However, we hold the numerical advantage. Our twenty thousand warriors vastly outnumber his forward force."
Indra studied the arrangement of enemy forces, his mind racing through possibilities. "Harishchandra's plan is bold but flawed. He believes his ten thousand can delay us long enough for his allies to strike our flanks. He underestimates the might of the Rashtrakuta."
He turned to the gathered warlords, his voice firm. "We shall not grant him the luxury of time. We will break his line before his reinforcements can close in. Vallabha, we attack with our full force. Our cavalry will lead the charge, disrupting their formation. Behind them, our archers will suppress their archers, preventing them from supporting their infantry."
A murmur of approval rippled through the tent. Some commanders exchanged excited whispers, already envisioning the swift destruction of the Suryavanshi army.
Indra continued, his tone unwavering. "Once the cavalry breaks their front ranks, our elephants will advance, trampling through their defenses. Our foot soldiers will follow, cutting down any who stand in our way. The objective is clear: we must capture or kill Harishchandra before Vikramaditya and Vishvavarma can reinforce him. If we succeed, we will force the Suryavanshi empire to cede Gwalior and perhaps even Mandsaur to us."
He leaned over the map, his eyes gleaming with ambition. "My son, Indra II, prepares for his own campaign in the south. While I crush Harishchandra, he will move against the Chalukyas. Before my life ends, I will see our empire stretch from the Vindhyas to the seas. Rashtrakuta will be the undisputed power of Bharat. If I am not able to do this in my lifetime, my son or my son's son will rule the whole Bharat Varsha."
Vallabha smirked. "Harishchandra grows arrogant in his old age if he thinks he can withstand our might. We will grind his army into dust."
Indra nodded but remained thoughtful. "Do not underestimate him. He would not have survived this long if he were not a brilliant tactician. We strike at dawn. Make the preparations. Victory belongs to us."
The tent remained silent for a moment as the weight of Indra's words sank in. The Rashtrakuta nobles knew that the coming battle would be decisive. War horns would soon echo across the plains, and the clash of steel would decide the fate of two great empires.
As the generals departed, the war tent fell silent, save for the rustling of the map beneath Indra's fingers. He traced the outline of his enemy's formation, already envisioning the carnage to come. He could almost hear the sounds of battle—the thunder of hooves, the cries of dying men, the clash of swords on shields. The Rashtrakuta banner would fly high, and the legacy of his dynasty would be written in blood and conquest.
Outside, the night stretched vast and quiet, the last breath before the storm of war. The air was thick with tension, the distant howl of a jackal the only sound breaking the silence. A cold wind swept through the camp, rustling the banners of the Rashtrakuta forces. Soldiers sat by their fires, sharpening their weapons and whispering prayers to their gods. Some drank quietly, steeling themselves for the carnage to come.
Inside the tent, Indra straightened and looked at Vallabha. "Ensure our men are ready. Check their weapons, their horses, and their spirits. We march before the first light breaks the horizon."
Vallabha saluted. "It will be done, Maharaj. The Suryavanshis will not stand a chance."
Indra allowed himself a small, grim smile. He would make sure of that. The dawn would bring battle, and by dusk, the world would know the might of Rashtrakuta.
End of Chapter.
to be continued .....
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I posted a rudimentary map of this era in the last chapter's comment section. If anybody want to see that again, please comment.