Army composition (India) recommendations needed.

[Professor Von-Wulfen ]

Hello all.
Edit; Now playing Pandya.
I have just started a new game as Pandya.
The mercenary units appear to be composed of elephants, heavy infantry, and light cavalry.
Would anyone with experience in this theatre be so kind as to advise me on the best mix of units and tactics to employ.

[Jean le Chauve]

Pandya has no elephant or cavalry, but heavy infantry.

Just click on the provinces of your future victim to know the strategic resources to which he has access.

You must also take into account the supply map mode to compose your armies. I think 2 elephants (6 weight) per major armies is a good compromise.

You need 1 cohort to besiege 1 province and 5 cohorts per level of fortification. I advise you to make armies of 5 (6 max if too much global attrition and a replacement too low) light infantry to besiege fortresses and armies of 1 to 2 cohorts (preferably light cavalry, but you do not have at the beginning) for the taking of cities without fortification.

Never besiege fortresses with more armies than needed, especially where the supply limit is low (and never with elephants or heavy cavalry / infantry) or you will lose all your manpower in attrition.

[Professor Von-Wulfen ]

Originally posted by Jean le Chauve:

Pandya has no elephant or cavalry, but heavy infantry.

Just click on the provinces of your future victim to know the strategic resources to which he has access.

You must also take into account the supply map mode to compose your armies. I think 2 elephants (6 weight) per major armies is a good compromise.

You need 1 cohort to besiege 1 province and 5 cohorts per level of fortification. I advise you to make armies of 5 (6 max if too much global attrition and a replacement too low) light infantry to besiege fortresses and armies of 1 to 2 cohorts (preferably light cavalry, but you do not have at the beginning) for the taking of cities without fortification.

Never besiege fortresses with more armies than needed, especially where the supply limit is low (and never with elephants or heavy cavalry / infantry) or you will lose all your manpower in attrition.

Many thanks Jean.
Restarted as Pandya and taking Sri Lanka as my first conquest.
Have got a few allies and will restructure my armies as per your advice.

[Jean le Chauve]

Sri Lanka have many exceptional resources. Taking it as your first conquest was a good idea.
Don't forget that your capital region gives you +25% productivity and must be your second target.
Have fun :).

[Professor Von-Wulfen ]

Originally posted by Jean le Chauve:

Sri Lanka have many exceptional resources. Taking it as your first conquest was a good idea.
Don't forget that your capital region gives you +25% productivity and must be your second target.
Have fun :).

Many thanks.
I managed to capture Sri Lanka and the small province to the east, on the cost.
I used a mod to change capitals to Sri Lanka.
With a single crossing and a strong navy I will be able to defend my new capital from enemy invasion :)