Forgotten Fronts: 8 Books on the Untold Military History of India

Few wars in modern Indian history have been as decisive as the 1971 Indo-Pak conflict, which led to the creation of Bangladesh. Maj Gen Ian Cardozo—himself a decorated war hero—curates a gripping collection of first-hand accounts from soldiers, officers, and airmen. 1971: Stories of Grit and Glory from the Indo-Pak War captures not just battlefield strategy but also the human side of war: acts of bravery, the anguish of loss, and the grit that defined India’s forces. 

Cardozo gives voice to those who fought on the frontlines and those who supported them from behind, making it an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the true scale of the war.

Operations often remain classified, hidden from public memory even decades later. Operation SINDOOR by Lt Gen Dhillon, PVSM, UYSM, YSM, VSM (Retd), breaks this silence by revealing details of India’s deep strikes into Pakistani territory—missions that were critical but never widely acknowledged. The book combines personal experience with declassified details, offering readers a rare glimpse into how high-stakes operations were conceptualised and executed. 

More than just a war memoir, it highlights the sharp thinking, courage, and improvisation that allowed Indian forces to succeed in high-risk situations, making it a landmark contribution to the untold military history of the subcontinent.

India’s Wars by Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Arjun Subramaniam, AVSM, is a sweeping chronicle of India’s military engagements in the first quarter-century of independence. From the Kashmir conflict of 1947 to the wars with China and Pakistan, Subra

What makes this book stand out is its ability to blend strategy, personal accounts, and broader geopolitical narratives. It’s an invaluable resource for readers who want to move beyond headlines and understand the continuity of India’s military evolution during its formative years.

Sometimes, untold military history lies in the shadows of intelligence work. In The Chief Minister and the Spy, former RAW chief AS Dulat unravels the delicate relationship between intelligence agencies and state leadership during volatile times. 

Though not a conventional military chronicle, it explores how espionage, political decision-making, and intelligence gathering intersect with conflict. By pulling readers into this web of secrets, the book shows how wars are not only fought on battlefields but also in the minds of policymakers and spies working behind closed doors.

In the aftermath of Bangladesh’s liberation, few know the harrowing tale of how India’s military and intelligence community ensured the safety of Sheikh Hasina, now Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Neha Dwivedi’s The Lone Wolf reconstructs this covert rescue mission with a blend of investigative detail and narrative flair. 

The book underscores the quiet heroism of operatives whose work had enormous geopolitical consequences. By spotlighting this mission, it reminds readers that some of the most significant military victories unfold away from the limelight.

For readers who prefer a visual and comprehensive exploration, Shiv Kunal Verma’s Yodha is a masterstroke. This two-volume illustrated history spans centuries, weaving together text, over 1600 photographs, maps, and artwork to narrate India’s long military tradition. 

From ancient battles to modern conflicts, the set captures the sweep of history with accessibility and depth. By combining storytelling with visuals, Verma ensures that both casual readers and serious enthusiasts can immerse themselves in India’s often-overlooked military past.

The Battle of Saragarhi (1897) is one of the most legendary last stands in military history, yet it remains inadequately represented in mainstream narratives. Brig Kanwaljit Singh revisits this iconic moment when 21 Sikh soldiers of the British Indian Army held their ground against thousands of Afghan tribesmen. 

More than a recounting of battlefield heroics, The Iconic Battle of Saragarhi honours the spirit of resilience, duty, and sacrifice. By telling the story through meticulous research and a veteran’s insight, Singh ensures Saragarhi finds its rightful place in the untold military history of India.

The Kargil War of 1999 is often remembered for its political impact and media coverage, but behind the headlines were countless individual sagas of courage. Journalist Rachna Bisht Rawat dives into these personal stories—of soldiers who climbed icy heights, of families who endured the waiting, and of sacrifices that defined the nation’s resolve. Kargil: Untold Stories from the War serves as a reminder that history is not just about victories and losses but also about the deeply human experiences that wars leave behind.

What unites these eight books is their commitment to illuminating the untold. They go beyond strategy maps and official communiqués, instead presenting war as lived reality—full of grit, mistakes, triumphs, and sacrifices. For students of history, they provide context that is often missing from academic accounts. For general readers, they open doors to stories that inspire pride, empathy, and reflection.

India’s untold military history is far richer and more nuanced than popular memory suggests. By exploring these forgotten fronts, we not only honour the men and women who served but also gain a deeper appreciation of the complex forces that have shaped the nation’s destiny.

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