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Convention Theme – July 26-29, 2007
"The story of English power and progress in India,
and the wars waged with Persia, China, and other contiguous countries,
is probably the most romantic and curious ever unfolded.
What deeds of heroism! What unforeseen and unexpected conquests!
What striking and singular providences! Over what variety and extent
of realm the flag of Britain has been unfurled! Through what remote glens,
and passes, and defiles, here sound of bugle and tap of drum have echoed!
On what historic, and yet far-off, fields and mountains the sheen of
her bayonets has gleamed in the blazing light of the Eastern sun!"
South Asia has been in turmoil since the beginning of recorded history. By 1800, European powers had been in South Asia for 200 years and the burgeoning British Empire was taking shape under the Honourable East India Company.
As the century progressed the East India Company continued to enlarge its hold on the subcontinent. The Maratha Wars, Anglo-Mysore Wars, Anglo-Sikh Wars, and the First Burma War the expansion of the East India Company’s control over more and more territory until the Indian Mutiny, following which Great Britain established direct rule over the government and forces in the country.
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Meanwhile, British forces thwarted plots hatched by rulers in Afghanistan to gain Indian territory (with and without Russian conspirators), known as “The Great Game”. Wars with various Burmese factions continued, and the ever-restless Pathan tribes on the Northwest Frontier resisted control by the British Raj. Indian nationalism grew stronger after World War I when Indian troops fought and suffered on several theaters of the, including France. During the Second World War, the Indian Army played the major role in stopping westward expansion of the Japanese Empire, eventually retaking Burma after over three years of brutal conflict. This despite Japanese attempts to exploit feelings of nationalism, and efforts to undermine the authority of the British Raj by the creation of the Indian National Army. |
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By the time India gained its’ independence, religious differences split the subcontinent into three distinct countries. For the past sixty years the specter of war has hung over the region with major conflicts taking place in 1947, 1965, 1971, and 1999. While in Afghanistan Islamic fundamentalists (the Taliban) took control of most of the country in the early 1990s, following ten years of violent Soviet occupation. While still at war with other factions, the Taliban supplied sanctuary and training to Islamic terrorists with worldwide connections led by Osma Bin Laden. The terrorists’ attacks on the United States on September 11th, 1991, brought an armed response from a coalition of forces headed by the United States to over-through the Taliban and protect a fledgling democratic government. |
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 Now, why a South Asia (circa 1800-2007) theme for historical miniature wargaming? Countless historical conflicts and wars, as well as a myriad of endless ‘what-if’ actions over the last two hundred years offers gaming scenarios as varied as the terrain over which they were fought. South Asia has jungles, swamps, hills, mountains, coasts, rivers, plains and deserts – all lending themselves to some of the most picturesque tabletop wargaming available. And yet, the theme works for Napoleonic, colonial, WWII and modern gamers to recreate battles and actions for these popular periods. From French and English colonial struggles to control the subcontinent and colonial frontier battles, to the many modern border wars and guerilla actions over the last sixty years (including the present conflict in Afghanistan), the Wars of South Asia – Afghanistan, Burma, India and Pakistan (1800-2007) convention theme for 2007, just could be for you!
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Theme Links
To briefly highlight the different parts of the theme, the following links are presented. These periods lend themselves to many fresh possibilities: big battles and expeditions of the British colonial era, World War II, as well as the modern years. Let’s see what various gamemasters come up with this year for the tabletop to game the Wars of South Asia (1800-2007). Click on the following links for some brief background.
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The Wars of South Asia, 1800-2007
For a complete list of many of the battles, campaigns and wars that encompass this year’s theme, click on the following link: The Wars of South Asia, 1800-2007. |
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Theme Games
Naturally, there will be many games of colonial action in Afghanistan, along the North-West Frontier, and in India and Burma. In addition, the early wars in India, as well as World War II in Burma, have some exciting actions for the tabletop. Post-World War II conflicts, including the Indo-Pakistani Wars, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and Operation Enduring Freedom (the United States and its allies against the Taliban), allow for some unique gaming and tabletops! There will also be some highlight games to support the theme, and certainly some games representing the Indian Mutiny's 150th Anniversary should also be strongly represented. However, final details will not appear until the Preliminary Event List (PEL) for all the theme games in mid-May, though advance photos of some of the games being presented at this year's convention can be seen on the following pages.
Important – Game Master Event Submission for HISTORICON: Event registration opens March 19, 2007; PEL deadline is April 20, 2007; Program deadline is June 1, 2007. Start planning now! |
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Special Guests
Due to 2007’s Wars of South Asia (1800-2007) theme covering Napoleonic, colonial, WWII, modern and everything in between, there could be a number of Special Guests (guests of honor and featured speakers) at the convention. Click on the Special Guests link at the left for complete details. |
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