Book Review | Anecdotes for Army Buffs
It seems like every book on bookstore shelves these days was written by a famous person, even actors and athletes. The common reader in India is generally advised to stay away from such books written by celebrities, whom publishers these days turn into prolific but often casual pen readers. Former Indian Army Commander Gen. Manoj Naravane’s book is an exception; is a resourceful and energetic composition of essays on military life, traditions, and more.
The book consists of 25 chapters divided into six sections, one of which starts with uniforms and continues with the importance of military symbols, some historical terms, real heroes, military skills, and finally some great traditions. One of my favorite chapters is titled “Loud Rum, sips of sweet nectar in the tropics,” which, as the title suggests, is about the remarkable longevity and enduring popularity of this iconic alcoholic beverage. The good general gives us a brief summary of the origins of the drink and how it gained widespread popularity in the Indian Army.
According to the author, the story begins in 1805 when “an English industrialist named John Maxwell set up the subcontinent’s first distillery at Kanpur, specifically to supply spirits to the British Army. He hired an expert named Robert Carew, who bought the company from Maxwell, which gave rise to Carew & Co. in 1847. Another important distillery was founded by British businessman (and father of the infamous General Reginald) Edward Abraham Dyer in 1919.” Jallianwala Bagh Dyer, famous for its breweries and later distilleries in the Solan hills in the mid-19th century, as well as another distillery founded by HG Meakin. The second was Mohan Meakin, which eventually produced India’s best-known rum: Old Monk. Another equally famous brand, the General informs us, is “Hercules XXX, produced specifically for army use.” “These two iconic brands continue to exist to this day.”
General Naravane’s book contains information about some military ranks, uniforms etc. is full of similar stories on a variety of topics, including their apparent complexity. The author clearly has a sense of humour, and this is reflected in his writing style, which is far from the boring style one might expect from a former Army chief. For example, his article on military abbreviations is both informative and entertaining.
The book will be an interesting read for those who enjoy trivia and military topics. Many of the anecdotes and military traditions discussed are intriguing and interesting. However, the average reader may not find this book interesting, nor may those who want to gain more basic knowledge of the workings of India’s military system. This book is not intended for the second group of readers.
Curious and Secret: Understanding Military Myths and Mysteries
Written by: General Manoj Naravane
Rupa
page 220; 595 rupees/-
