Camels in Indian Warfare
Camels have played a significant role in Indian warfare and military logistics, particularly in the arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan and Gujarat. From ancient times through the medieval period to the modern era, camel-mounted units were deployed for combat, transport, and patrol duties.
Historical Use
Camels, known as Ushtra in Sanskrit (later Uttra in Prakrit and Unta in Apabhramsa), are referenced in Vedic texts and depicted in early Indian art, including friezes at Sanchi and panels from Mandor. Archaeological evidence of camel bones has been found in sites of the Indus-Saraswati civilization, including Daimabad in Maharashtra.
Indian armies of ancient and early medieval periods used camel-mounted troops (Ushtra-sadi) and camel carts (Ushtra-vami) for mobility and transportation. The Pratihara dynasty included camel forces, and sculptural representations are found in temples across Rajasthan, including Merta, Kiradu, Chittor, and Eklingaji.
In religious texts and tradition, camels have divine associations. Kalakarni Devi, Unta Devi, and Mahamaya—the clan goddess of the Jadeja Rajputs of Kutch—are all depicted with camels as mounts. Camels also feature prominently in the folklore of Pabuji Rathore, a 14th-century Rathod Rajput warrior revered for his valor and association with camel herding communities.
Medieval and Early Modern Period
During the medieval period, camel riders featured in the armies of Rajput kingdoms. A 1673 CE memorial tablet from Nadol, South Rajasthan, depicts a camel-rider armed with a sword. Camel-mounted lancers appear in miniature paintings from the Rajput courts.
Camels were also used to carry light artillery in the form of zamburaks or shutarnals, which were swivel guns mounted on camels. These mobile artillery units were used extensively until the early 19th century when more advanced horse-drawn guns became common.
Colonial and Post-Independence Use
Under British rule, camel corps were vital for policing and patrolling desert regions. The most notable unit was the Bikaner Camel Corps (Ganga Risala), established by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner. These units participated in various British campaigns, including in Sindh and Afghanistan.
During the Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971, camel-mounted troops from 13 and 17 Grenadiers, including former princely state contingents from Bikaner and Jaisalmer, carried out cross-border raids and captured territory in the Thar Desert region of Rajasthan.
Camel Breeds and Military Utility
India recognizes four main breeds of camels:
- Bikaneri
- Jaisalmeri
- Kutchi
- Mewari
Camels bred in Marwar (Jodhpur) were also historically noted for their military use. Mewar camels are known for navigating hilly terrain, while Jaisalmeri camels are prized for endurance and speed—able to cover long distances without water, sometimes up to 100 miles in a single night.
However, camels have limitations in direct combat. Unlike horses, camels tend to shy away from artillery fire and are not as suited for charging enemy formations. They are more effective in transport, patrolling, and mobile light artillery roles.
Cultural and Economic Significance
The Raika and Rabari pastoral communities of Rajasthan have long bred and trained camels for both military and civilian use. Uniquely, these communities do not consume camel meat, and camel usage in these regions extends to ploughing, water-drawing, and milk production. Camel products—milk, hair, leather, and bones—form an important part of the local desert economy.
The National Research Centre on Camel, located in Bikaner, preserves and advances knowledge about camel breeds, health, and utility in India.
Legacy
Camels have served not only as animals of war but also as cultural symbols and economic lifelines in the Thar region. Their role in Indian military history—particularly in the defense and administration of desert frontiers—demonstrates their unique value in regions where conventional cavalry and vehicles struggle.