ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the constitution, meaning and analytical usefulness of the idea or concept of Indian strategic culture(s) and focuses on definitions, starting with the actual meaning of the word ‘strategy’ in strategic culture. It also focuses on multi-dimensional conceptualisation of culture. The chapter argue that distinct strategic subcultures exist in India which have shaped Indian national security. Apart from this basic ontological consensus, a number of issues are very much disputed among proponents of the strategic culture concept. Concerning the sources of change, scholars are divided between those who regard strategic culture as rooted in tradition and deep history and those who ascribe change to recent developments and crisis reaction. Many existing theories are conceptualised too coherently because they assume that a state’s strategic culture incorporates no contradictory strands. Kanti Bajpai was the first to introduce such a non-monolithic approach to the study of India’s strategic culture.
