Chapter 40: Setting up Military structure

** Same day evening, Purana Qilla, Delhi. **

As the sun began its descent, casting long shadows across the land, the sounds of clanging swords and shouts of soldiers echo across the open training ground of the military camp. Rows of soldiers can be seen practicing formations and combat drills, their movements precise and disciplined.

Amidst this scene of organized chaos, Defense Minister Shadi Khan sits under a temporary shed, his gaze focused on a stack of detailed drawings and notes spread out on the table before him. Prince Aditya, his demeanor composed and thoughtful, sits across from him, sipping on a steaming cup of herbal tea made from freshly plucked tulsi leaves and fragrant elaichi.

Shadi Khan while studying the drawing replied ,"Aditya, these reforms you've suggested for restructuring your company's military support are truly innovative, especially given the smaller scale of your forces. Your attention to detail is commendable, considering we have entire divisions compared to your whole private support army."

Defense Minister Shadi Khan exclaimed with palpable excitement, "Your proposed military system has the potential to revolutionize our current imperial forces. If implemented, it could greatly enhance the efficiency of our support armed forces and lead to significant advancements in our campaigns."

Aditya nodded, recognizing the minister's enthusiasm. "Thank you, your grace. However, I would advise against rushing to adopt these ideas. They are still untested in battle and my little experiment. Allow me to provide you with a thorough breakdown of the structure."

"Please do," urged Shadi Khan, leaning forward attentively.

Aditya took a sip of his herbal tea before beginning. "At the lowest level, we have the squad, comprising 8 sepoys led by a sergeant. These squads form the building blocks of our platoons."

"Platoons," Aditya continued, "consist of 3 squads led by a second lieutenant. They serve as the primary operational unit on the battlefield, executing specific missions with precision and coordination."

Shadi Khan nodded, following along with Aditya's explanation. "And how do these platoons fit into the larger structure?"

"Platoons are grouped together to form companies," Aditya explained, "with each company comprising 10 platoons led by a captain. Companies specialize in various combat functions, such as infantry, cavalry, or artillery."

"Moving up the chain," Aditya continued, "we have battalions, each comprising 4 companies led by a colonel. Battalions are the backbone of our ground forces, responsible for executing tactical maneuvers and engagements."

Shadi Khan listened intently, absorbing the information. "And what about higher echelons of command?"

"At the regimental level," Aditya elaborated, "we have brigades, comprising 4 battalions led by a brigadier. Brigades oversee strategic operations and coordinate the efforts of multiple battalions."

Aditya's voice grew more animated as he explained further. "Divisions comprise multiple brigades and support units, ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 soldiers, led by a major general. They are responsible for conducting large-scale operations and campaigns."

"Finally," Aditya concluded, "corps consist of multiple divisions, with a strength ranging from 20,000 to 50,000 soldiers, led by a lieutenant general and that will be me."

Shadi Khan nodded in satisfaction, impressed by the comprehensive breakdown of the new military structure.

Shadi Khan inquired with curiosity, "Your Highness, it astounds me that someone of your age is capable of these reforms, and more than half of the council's drafts are influenced by your ideas.

If you don't mind, may I know how you come up with these ideas and where you were in earlier days?"

Aditya smiled at his minister's question, anticipating the interrogation. "Of course, Your Excellency. I was born in South Goa. My mother's name was Ratna.

Before my father, the emperor, could marry her, some mishap occurred, and she left without informing my father. He believed her to be dead."

Shadi Khan's expression turned somber upon hearing this, prompting Aditya to continue with his prepared story. "Honestly, if not for my father's fateful encounter when my mother fell ill, I don't know what would have become of me.

At that time, my father had come to Goa to gather his informants before his northern campaign, and that changed my fate. I was taken under his wing.

I used to serve a Portuguese noble, and I learned all these things from them."

Shadi Khan became emotional, remarking, "Truly, Your Highness, I can't imagine what you have been through. They say only diamonds can be found in rough mines."

He paused, then pondered for a moment before asking, "But, Your Highness, if you were able to learn so much as a child, doesn't that imply that they are more advanced than we know and potentially dangerous? Is it wise to maintain trade relationships with them?"

Aditya chuckled at the former general's quick assessment and replied, "Indeed, I would say they are like snakes, but I know them inside out.

Given the current scenario, with the threats surrounding us, it's better to extract their knowledge rather than risk it falling into the hands of the Bahmani Sultanates, who could be the Portuguese's next priorities in this subcontinent."

Shadi Khan nodded in understanding and reassured, "Don't worry, Your Highness. I will prepare a draft that will surely gain permission from the Samrat."

Aditya expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thank you, Your Grace. You've lightened my load. I was initially skeptical if you would permit my proposal, but now it seems you are satisfied."

Shadi Khan exclaimed enthusiastically, "Satisfied? I am beyond impressed, Your Highness. If it weren't for the rules, I would have already copied it for the imperial support military reform."

Aditya smiled, taking another sip from his cup, content with the progress of their discussion.

Looking at Aditya, who appeared a bit dazed, Shadi Khan inquired, "Your Highness, are you feeling alright? You seem a bit distracted."

Aditya snapped back to attention and responded, "My apologies, Your Excellency. I'm just feeling a bit exhausted from back-to-back meetings with other ministers. Plus, I was preoccupied with something else last night, so I'm feeling a bit unfocused."

Understandingly, Shadi Khan replied, "I understand your situation, Your Highness. But thanks to your foresight, we've been able to refine these reforms. However, I'm unsure how long it will take for these changes to be fully implemented across the empire, given our variances."

Aditya humbly deflected the praise, saying, "Oh, you're giving me too much credit, Your Excellency. Without the esteemed hard work of the council ministers, I wouldn't dare take all the credit. Just give it another month or two, and I'm confident we'll see the full implementation and effects of these laws throughout the empire. Once we establish the standard units, we can proceed with the pending reforms right away."

Shadi Khan smiled in acknowledgment and asked, "Is there anything you need, Your Highness? After all you've done, I can't let you leave empty-handed."

Aditya nodded appreciatively and replied, "Yes, Your Excellency. I actually need your assistance in selecting five Subedar-ranked officers, preferably from the lower Hindu caste, whom you believe deserve more responsibility than their actual rank."

Shadi Khan's interest piqued, and he inquired, "Certainly, but why only five, and why specifically from the lower caste?"

Aditya explained with a smile, "I want my company to uphold equality above religious values. I can't risk another incident like yesterday, and if it weren't for you, the inheritance law might have been delayed. So, I'm selecting only Hindus from the lower caste to set an example."

Shadi Khan assured, "Your Highness, have faith in me. I'll ensure this matter is taken care of. Give me three days, and I can also organize the recruitment of mercenaries from the lower Hindu caste. It'll be a boon for your ambitious project for the empire. You can rely on my word for its efficiency."

As Shadi Khan praised the prince for his foresight, Aditya being an opportunist, accepted the offer and compliments graciously, signaling his departure from the campsite.

He instructed Hari Singh to retrieve his cup before hurrying off, feeling relieved to escape the endless stream of praise and formalities from the ministers.

Initially bored to the point of frustration, he cursed his luck for missing his morning training session with Raamya, fearing her potential anger.

As he made his way, lost in thought, Aditya unexpectedly collided with Amira, who appeared out of nowhere. Much to his surprise, she seemed unusually angry with him for reasons unknown, and he found himself ignoring her greetings.

With a confused expression, he hastened to the palace gardens, where he spotted Raamya sitting alone, gazing at her reflection in the decorative water pool.

Before he could approach her, he was interrupted by the royal butler, Yashpal Singh, urgently summoning him to meet the Samrat.

Reluctantly, Aditya entered the king's chamber, mentally cursing his luck as he noticed the chessboard set up before the emperor.

As he joined the Samrat to begin the game and discuss his concerns, he was caught off guard by the unexpected question that followed.

Taking a step in the chess game, the emperor inquired, "So, what's going on between you and the daughters of the Finance Minister and Defense Minister of my empire, boy?"

Aditya's face paled as he realized the purpose behind the room's setup orchestrated by the Samrat.