"Need Painting Guide For Classical Indian Army" Topic

Well, after getting the bulk of the Macedonians done, I'd like to start on a Classical Indian Army yo oppose them. I have a good deal of info on the troop types, organization (more or less) and such, but I need some painting guides.

If anyone could list a few sources for me, I'd be greatful. I've gone through what I have on my shelves, and what the local library has, and done some searches online, but there doesn't seem to be a lot available. Maybe I'm missing it, or not looking in the right place(s).

So if you could offer any advice, I'll be in your debt.

V/R

"The Indians wear linen garments, as Nearchus says, the linen coming from the trees of which I have already made mention. This linen is either brighter than the whiteness of other linen, or the people's own blackness makes it appear unusually bright. … They wear ivory ear-rings, that is, the rich Indians; the common people do not use them. Nearchus writes that they dye their beards various colours; some therefore have these as white-looking as possible, others dark, others crimson, others purple, others grass-green. The more dignified Indians use sunshades against the summer heat. They have slippers of white skin, and these too made neatly; and the soles of their sandals are of different colours, and also high, so that the wearers seem taller …"

There's a couple of the Ajanta cave-paintings with soldiers in colour at link

I have a book on the Indian Army of the period in my collection somewhere.

I'll see if I can find it tomorrow.

Love that bit about the coloured beards, has to be done! :-)

Thanks, all!

FWIW, I do intend to use some "artistic license" with this army. There's too much good about the sculpts I have to NOT use some saffron/pink/green/etc on some of the clothing, as well as some decorations on the elephants, cavalry, etc.

I just wanted to put that out there. My intention is to use the historical evidence as the foundation for the "look" of the army, and then add in some color here and there as I think is warranted.

Sorry if that upsets some of the purists. And yes, I intend to add colored beards.

I've found the book.

I'm just about to watch Scotland versus USA in the Rugby World Cup so I'll get onto it right afterwards.

the more upper class the Indians are the paler they would be. The Forest Indians who provided skirmish bowmen would be darkest. then the infantry and then the cavalry, elephant riders and charioteers.

Armies of the Macedonian and Punic Wars by Duncan Head says:

'Infantrymen from northern India were tall and fairly light skinned although lower classes still tend to darker skin. Most were clean shaven although some wore beards. Hair was long, often piled in a topknot and tide with a simple strip of cloth. Clothing was a white cotton kilt.

Nobles would be armoured but with dyed clothing, red and green were popular, striped, checked or patterned. Beards were white, purple, red or green and wore jewellery.'

There are several pages referring to Indian troops of the period. I can quote other details if you email me.

I also have 'The Art of War in Ancient India' by P C Chakravarti first published in 1941. It appears to be an academic publication and is stuffed with details although not much on colours. I can make specific searches through it if you need.

jimduncan779 AT btinternet DOT com

Jim,

Thanks very much for all of that! I'll be in contact with you after I sort through all these minis and see where things stand.

V/R

Tim Kindred

Tim

You can get Duncan Heads Armies of the Macedonian and Punic Wars at:

link

Jim