Project Udbhav: Indian Army revives ancient strategic wisdom from Mahabharata for modern use
Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande
India, which is known for its rich culture the world over, will now look to its epics like the Mahabharata to train its army.
On Tuesday (May 21), Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande said that the Indian Army has explored the epic battles of the Mahabharata, heroic exploits of eminent military figures and India's rich heritage in statecraft under project Udbhav.
Project Udbhav: Where past meets the future
Launched last year, Project Udbhav has delved deep into ancient texts such as Vedas, Puranas, Upanishads and Arthashastra. This, as per a report in the PTI news agency, has revealed substantial intellectual convergences between eminent Indian and Western scholars.
Speaking during a conference titled "Historical Patterns in Indian Strategic Culture," the army chief said that "Udbhav" aims to promote indigenous discourse in the Army by integrating India's ancient strategic acumen into the contemporary military domain. This, he said, is being done with a focus on making the force "future-ready."
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
National Handloom Day 2026: From Alia Bhatt to Samantha Ruth Prabhu; Actresses who celebrated India's textile heritage as brides
)
The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS
)
Unitree Robotics targets $9 billion valuation in landmark IPO backed by DeepSeek and Tencent
)
India names 27 sites in Arunachal Pradesh
)
Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata OTT: When will Kangana Ranaut's film stream online?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
How many soldiers operate one S-400 battery?
)
Shakib Al Hasan ready to return to Bangladesh—under one condition
)
‘Fake news’: MEA rejects report claiming India sought defence pact with Israel after Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey deal
)
Rockstar to unveil GTA 6 extended look ahead of November launch
)
Russia forms Ukrainian Volunteer Spetsnaz Brigade to fight Ukraine
)
Drug-resistant fungus that hides in hair and enters bloodstream reported in 23 US states
)
Technology transfer deal boosts India's defence manufacturing ambitions
)
Border row erupts in Europe after Ceuta crossings, Spain imposes border controls on Italy
)
Morale plummets on USS Abraham Lincoln: Are US sailors reaching a breaking point? | GRAVITAS
)
'Security can't be bought with Pakistan, Turkey deal': Iran tells Saudi Arabia
)
Baba Vanga's 2026 prophecy: 2 predictions 'already came true', 3 terrifying ones remain. Details inside
)
Colombia’s new president Abelardo de la Espriella vows to ‘defeat narco-terrorists’, signals hardline shift
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New Friday OTT releases (August 7, 2026): Operation Safed Sagar, Vadhandhi, Main Vaapis Aaunga- 6 movies and TV shows on Netflix, Prime Video and more
)
Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth scripts history as Indian Air Force gets its first woman ‘Top Gun’ pilot
)
RSS says Gen Z protests reflect genuine distress
)
Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'
)
IAF officer held for sharing sensitive information in 'honey trap' case, booked under Official Secrets Act
)
Stray Kids under scrutiny? Fans react to Grammy submission silence after BTS boycott
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why the Su-30MKI doesn't need external fuel tanks to fly vast distances
)
Jugal Hansraj reunites with Shekhar Kapur after 40 years for Masoom: The Next Generation
)
New speed limits, automatic challans: Big traffic change coming to Delhi-Meerut Expressway. All you need to know
)
India officially names 27 places in Arunachal to counter China's renaming claims
)
Trump calls White House ballroom ruling a 'national disgrace' as court says Congress approval needed
)
US sanctions Iran’s crypto network after Strait of Hormuz attacks, offers $15m bounty for intel on IRGC finance
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why the Su-30MKI is one of the heaviest fighters ever built
)
Uttarakhand young innovator builds India's own flying vehicle, conducts first test flight: WATCH
)
Chilling video shows students take cover as teen opens fire at Thai school
)
Reese Witherspoon's father hospitalised after poolside incident in Nashville: Report
"The project has delved deep into ancient texts such as Vedas, Puranas, Upanishads and Arthashastra, which are rooted in inter-connectedness, righteousness and ethical values," said Army Chief Pande.
"Furthermore, it has explored the epic battles of the Mahabharata and the strategic brilliance during the reigns of Mauryas, Guptas and Marathas, which has shaped India's rich military heritage," he added.
The army chief also said the project has revealed substantial intellectual convergences between eminent Indian and Western scholars. This, he said, was worth noticing as it highlights the "resonance between their thoughts, philosophies, and perspectives."
It has also led to the discovery of new territories by showcasing India's tribal traditions, the Maratha naval legacy, and the heroic achievements of military figures, especially women, he added.
"The project strengthens the whole-of-nation approach, by fostering civil-military collaboration among academia, scholars, practitioners and military experts."
"Such collective efforts broaden the scope of study of ancient India's defence and governance, and enrich the nation's strategic outlook."
Also read |India’s VP Jagdeep Dhankhar to visit Iran, pay condolences to Ebrahim Raisi, FM at funeral
"As we explore more into our military heritage, we understand that undertaking such projects remains a continuous endeavour. The vast experiences, sacrifices and triumphs of battle-hardened Indian armed forces, will continue to shape our strategic culture," said the army chief.
"I am confident that the project's findings in the form of Udbhav Compendium shall benefit the Indian Armed Forces to remain progressive and future-ready, by drawing insights from the nation's historical military wisdom," he emphasised.
(With inputs from agencies)
