The book "Army of Empire" tells the story of the Indian Army during World War I, highlighting its significant contributions to the Allied victory and challenging the traditional narrative that portrays India as a passive participant in the conflict. The author, Neil Smith, argues that the Indian Army played a crucial role in shaping the course of the war and that its experiences offer valuable lessons for understanding the nature of modern warfare and the importance of technological advancements in military history. The book begins by exploring the pre-war context of the British Raj, the colonial administration of India, and its relationship with the Indian Army. Smith explains how the British East India Company's expansionist policies led to the creation of a large and well-trained army, which became the backbone of the British Empire's military power. However, this also created tensions between the British and Indian soldiers, leading to mutinies and resistance movements. As the war began, the Indian Army was deployed to various theaters, including Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Europe. Smith describes how the Indian troops adapted to different climates and terrains, from the scorching deserts of North Africa to the freezing trenches of France.

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