Chapter 18: Strategic Division

After gaining the unwavering support of everyone present, Mahbub looked at his assembled courtiers and generals. He let out a sigh of relief, feeling a weight lifted from his shoulders.

In his heart, Mahbub silently called to the system, saying, "System, are you there?"

"Yes, host. What is it?" the system replied promptly.

"System, how can I effectively command the army?" Mahbub inquired, seeking guidance.

"You simply need to convey your strategic plan to me, and I will ensure the army understands it," the system responded confidently.

"I see. System, I'm going to explain to my courtiers and generals how I plan to divide my army. You can listen closely and manage the divisions accordingly," Mahbub said decisively.

"Understood, host. As you wish," the system replied.

In the chamber, Mahbub turned his attention to the courtiers and addressed them, "Now that everyone is willing to support our cause, please listen carefully to the plan for our actions."

The atmosphere shifted, becoming serious as Mahbub unfurled a detailed map of India and began to explain.

"To successfully divide and deploy a large force across various British-controlled regions, I have devised multiple strategies over the years, carefully considering their potential outcomes. Ultimately, I have formulated the most effective plan to overwhelm British forces in critical areas and disrupt their capacity to reinforce and regroup. My strategy revolves around two major objectives.

1. Primary Objective: Seize strategic cities and military cantonments to incapacitate British command and control centers, disrupt their communications, and take control of vital supply lines.

2. Secondary Objective: Isolate British forces in smaller outposts, preventing reinforcements from reaching them from other parts of the empire."

After articulating his strategy, Mahbub surveyed the court members and continued, "Bengal is our primary target as it is the most populous and economically significant region, housing the capital and major British military infrastructure. According to my spies' reports, the British forces in the entire Bengal Presidency number around 30,000 to 40,000 soldiers, with Calcutta housing the largest contingent of approximately 10,000 to 12,000 troops. Therefore, my targets will be key cities such as Calcutta (Fort William), Allahabad, and Patna.

I have allocated 100,000 troops for this mission, with the following distribution:

70,000 troops assigned to seize Calcutta and Fort William.

30,000 troops designated to secure Allahabad and the crucial railway lines linking Calcutta to the rest of northern India."

Once control over these cities is established, I have ordered the stationed forces to be prepared for further deployment across the Bengal Presidency. The courtiers nodded in agreement as Mahbub continued.

"Next, we must turn our attention to Punjab. This region is vital for controlling the northwest and defending against potential British reinforcements coming from Afghanistan or Central Asia. This is why I placed Punjab as the second priority. Based on my spies' intelligence, the British forces in the North-West Frontier total approximately 40,000 to 50,000 soldiers. The major strategic points here are Lahore, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, and Quetta.

I have allocated 120,000 troops for operations in Punjab, broken down as follows:

60,000 troops will target Lahore, aiming to disrupt British command in Punjab.

40,000 troops will focus on Peshawar and the frontier areas, which are crucial for controlling the Khyber Pass and blocking any British reinforcements.

20,000 troops will be sent to secure Quetta and Rawalpindi, ensuring we maintain control over these key outposts."

Mahbub paused momentarily, noting the silence from the assembly, before continuing.

"Next, we must address the Bombay Presidency, which is crucial for controlling western India and the Arabian Sea. This region provides access to vital trade routes and allows us to disrupt British maritime logistics. According to my spies, the British forces in the Bombay Presidency are estimated at around 25,000 to 30,000 soldiers. Our primary targets here will be Bombay (Mumbai), Poona (Pune), and Karachi (Sindh).

For this campaign, I have deployed 90,000 troops as follows:

50,000 troops are designated to seize Bombay and Fort Bombay, which are key to controlling the western coastal region.

20,000 troops will target Poona, an important British military base.

20,000 troops will be assigned to Karachi, securing the port and access to Sindh." Mahbub looked around the chamber, gauging the reaction of the people, before proceeding.

"Finally, we turn our focus to the Madras Presidency, which serves as the administrative and military center of southern India. Control of this area will significantly strengthen our southern flank. Spies have reported that British troop strength in the entire Madras Presidency is approximately 20,000 to 25,000 soldiers. Our target points will include Madras (Chennai), Fort St. George, and Secunderabad, which is already close to Hyderabad.

For this campaign, 90,000 troops have been allocated.

50,000 troops are assigned to seize Madras and Fort St. George, ensuring control over this vital area.

40,000 troops are tasked with securing Secunderabad, which serves as a significant British cantonment near Hyderabad, to ensure we face no unexpected threats from the south." Next comes:

"The Central Provinces. These provinces are crucial for controlling the heart of India and effectively cutting off British reinforcements that may try to move between northern and southern India. Spies have reported that the British forces in the central provinces number around 20,000 to 25,000 soldiers, with Nagpur and its surrounding areas identified as the main targets.

I have deployed 60,000 troops to capture Nagpur and other key locations. This strategic move will serve as a central hub to consolidate our gains and prevent British forces from reuniting."

Mahbub paused briefly to drink some water before continuing his detailed explanation.

"Next in line is Rajputana and the Princely States. The British forces stationed there number between 5,000 to 7,000 soldiers. Although the Rajputana states are under indirect British control, they may either choose to join our cause or resist the rebellion. Seizing these territories would significantly bolster the revolt's strength and eliminate any potential opposition. My strategic focus will be on key states such as Ajmer (a British enclave), Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Bikaner.

For this deployment, I have allocated 50,000 troops as follows:

30,000 troops will be deployed to secure crucial Rajputana states like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Bikaner.

20,000 troops will target Ajmer to eliminate British influence and prevent any interference from their forces."

Mahbub proceeded to explain further.

"Next, we turn our attention to Assam and Burma, where the British have stationed approximately 10,000 to 15,000 soldiers. While these regions may not pose an immediate military threat, they are essential for preventing British reinforcements from Burma. Our targeted locations include Shillong, the capital of Assam, and Rangoon (Yangon).

For this operation, I am deploying 30,000 troops in the following manner:

20,000 troops will be dispatched to Shillong to ensure control over the northeastern frontier.

10,000 troops will be sent to Rangoon to block any British attempts to use Burma as a staging ground."

Mahbub then paused, looking at his courtiers before continuing.

"Next, we have Kashmir and Jammu. Control over Kashmir is vital for securing the northern frontier and preventing potential British counterattacks from the north or reinforcements from Central Asia. In these areas, the British forces are estimated to be between 10,000 to 12,000 soldiers. The main targets for our operations will be Srinagar and Jammu.

I have deployed 30,000 troops to secure these two strategic locations, ensuring we maintain control over the critical northern front." Mahbub then took a breath and added:

"Lastly, we must consider Ceylon, where, according to my spies, British troops number between 5,000 to 7,000. Gaining control over Ceylon is imperative for ensuring we can effectively challenge British naval power and trade routes in the future.

To this end, I have allocated 10,000 troops for operations in Ceylon, with our primary targets being Colombo, Trincomalee, Kandy, and Galle." Mahbub glanced around the room, observing the expressions of the people present, as if anticipating questions.

A general spoke up, asking, "Your Highness, what about the remaining troops?"

Hearing this, Mahbub responded, "The remaining troops will be divided into two categories:

1. Reserve Forces and Mobile Units

I will allocate 20,000 troops as strategic reserves. These units can be mobilized swiftly to reinforce regions under attack, fill gaps in the frontlines, or respond to unforeseen British counterattacks.

2. Guerrilla Forces and Intelligence

An additional 10,000 specially trained soldiers will be organized into light cavalry or guerrilla units, tasked with:

Disrupting British supply lines and communications.

Harassing British reinforcements as they move between regions.

Sabotaging railways and telegraph lines, which are critical for British communication and movement."

After Mahbub finished addressing the question, the general nodded in understanding. Then a minister raised another important query: "Your Highness, what about our naval capabilities? As you know, the British excel in naval warfare. Although they may not have a significant number of ships stationed in India, they can still receive support from Britain."

Mahbub replied thoughtfully, "I have already considered this situation. Reinforcements from Britain will take at least 30 to 40 days to arrive, provided they encounter no disruptions along the way. This timeframe is sufficient for us to establish control over India, provided our plans are implemented successfully.

In terms of confronting the British navy in India and nearby colonies, we currently have adequate naval forces at our disposal. Additionally, I have ordered special forces to capture British ships as they dock. This operation must be conducted in secrecy; therefore, I have specifically appointed 10,000 special forces for this task, who will remain stationed in coastal areas.

As for the remaining 10,000 naval forces, I will distribute them across major ports once we have captured them. Control over the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean will be crucial for preventing British reinforcements from arriving by sea. These troops should be allocated to coastal defense, particularly along the western coast near Bombay and Karachi, the eastern coast near Madras and Calcutta, and, importantly, the northeastern coastal area in Trincomalee, Ceylon. This strategy will allow us to confront British naval reinforcements before they can dock. Without a secure place to refuel or resupply, their only option will be to retreat to nearby colonies, giving us precious time to fortify our positions."

He then looked at the military generals and instructed, "As my army mobilizes, I expect you all to be ready to take back control of our Hyderabad army. Remove any who are not loyal, and once you regain control, you will await further orders from me."

"Yes, Your Highness," everyone responded in unison, feeling a surge of motivation and purpose.

"One final and crucial point," Mahbub continued, his tone serious. "We will leverage the power of the press to publicize our victories and promote strong anti-British sentiments across the nation. By controlling the narrative, we will galvanize public support, which will be essential for our success. With the people on our side, not only will we increase our chances of victory, but we will also be able to manage and control the situation throughout India more effectively.

To achieve this, I have already established INDIAN DAILY NEWS, a newspaper that many of you have likely heard of due to its recent actions. It has already begun playing a key role in shaping public opinion, and its reach will only grow."

As Mahbub finished speaking, the room fell into silence, filled with awe at the young ruler's wisdom and foresight. At just 15 years old, he had already won the admiration and respect of everyone present, his strategic mind and vision for the future outshining even the most seasoned leaders among them.

After laying out his strategies, Mahbub took note of the time—it was already 8 PM. He then addressed the people present in the court, saying, "You have two hours. After this time, my army will commence its operations; I have already given the necessary orders. In these two hours, you may send letters to your family, friends, or relatives to inform them of their safety but be cautious not to leak any news of our plans." Everyone nodded in acknowledgment.

"Hope Allah Almighty Bless us in our cause"

After praying, Mahbub exited the chamber, and the courtiers hurriedly set about informing their families and friends of the unfolding situation.

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Summary of Force Distribution:

Bengal Presidency: 100,000 troops

Punjab and North-West Frontier: 120,000 troops

Bombay Presidency: 90,000 troops

Madras Presidency: 90,000 troops

Central Provinces: 60,000 troops

Rajputana: 50,000 troops

Assam and Burma: 30,000 troops

Kashmir and Jammu: 30,000 troops

Ceylon: 10,000 troops

Strategic Reserves: 20,000 troops

Guerrilla Units: 10,000 troops

Coastal Defense: 20,000 troops

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