This is a pack of units for classical Deccan plateau states in India. In Bakuel's own words:
Spoiler :
Little is known about the origin of the Vakatakas or even their history, the founder of the dynasty was Vindhyasakit (250-270). While the next ruler was Pravarasena (270-330) who supposedly conquered all of the Deccan and a large part of the Northern Plains. It is highly doubtful that his conquests were as glorious as recorded and, even if he manged to have a successful campaign northward, any control over the region was short lived. Nonetheless, he seems to have controlled a large part of the Deccan. Later rulers would be contemparies with the Guptas and would be well known for being patrons of the arts, philosophy and religion as well. The latter dynasty would leave behind numerous large monuments in the Deccan including the later parts of the Ajanta Caves. However, according to the Dashakumaracharita, the last Vakataka ruler, the son of Harishena (c.475-500) would give himself up to the pleasures of life and while intelligent in all the scholarly arts would neglect the study of politics and most of his kingdom followed suit. In the end his folly caught up with him and he was betrayed by his own feudatories and killed in battle while defending his kingdom. But the Dashakumaracharita text is not a serious history so no one really knows for sure.
Now the question has to be asked, "Why a Vakatakas set?" The reason why there is a Vakatakas set is because of the large amount of art work the dynasty left behind in the Ajanta caves. The armies presented in these frescoes offer a startling contrast to the newer, Kushan/Indo-Saka/Hellenic inspired armies to the north. Helmets are rare, the soldiers are mainly armored in short jackets which show more alignment with later Angkor Wat figures then the Persian/Kushan style going on in the Northern Plains. Now, because of the position of the Deccan between Southern and Northern India, these units can be used inside of both unit sets without major incident. Some Indian Infantry in the Gupta dynasty was probably outfitted much like the warriors shown here. Thus, much like the Kushans, the Vakatakas can be used with the Guptas as well. Besides all that, the set offers a nice, if simple, look at native Deccan Indian army costume during Late Antiquity.
Now the units,
Spoiler :Vakataka Longbowman, (Ajanta Caves)
Vakataka Crossbowman, (Ajanta Caves)
Vakataka Spearman, (Ajanta Caves)
Vakataka Light Infantry (Turban Wrap) (Ajanta Caves)
Vakataka Light Infantry (Bare Headed) (Ajanta Caves)
Vakataka Light Infantry (Gold Headband) (Ajanta Caves)
Vakataka Cavalry
Vakataka Cavalry (Sword)
All of these units are based off of a fresco in the Ajanta Caves which was financed by a Vakataka official. The scene features a parade/military scene were most of the troops are bare headed with only bands and turban wraps and are armored with short jackets which were probably padded, possibly a few were scaled as well. The infantry are mostly armored with short Khukari-esque swords with a forward curve and short spears, plus shields probably of leather. Much like ancient Germanic and Celtic warriors, most probably counted on the large shield and sword to protect them rather then armor. Widespread infantry archers are suspiciously absent, the archers are instead on top of elephants. The cavalry seems to be as lightly armored as the infantry, and is few in number a group in a corner of the fresco, probably as a light scouting or skirmishing force. I really like how some of these models turned out, they are simple and pleasant.
Vakataka Heavy Infantry (Fancy Helmet)
Vakataka Heavy Infantry (Plumed Helmet)
Vakataka Heavy Infantry (Helmet)
These heavy infantry are made from a combination of the view helmet types shown on the fresco and armor found other places in the Ajanta caves. The Fancy helmet is based off of a elephant rider who seems to be wearing a helmet of this type but the fresco is slightly damaged, the rider looks like he could be wearing bronze or golden gilded scale but it's hard to tell as certian colors on the fresco have eroded away. The Plumed Helmet is another odd helmet found in the painting. The more modest Perisan/Northern Indian inspired helmet is based on different painting then all the rest. I *think* this one was also fancied by the Vakatakas but I'm not sure, I made it anyway and stuck it on the Vakataka infantryman
