A mod for Age of Empires 2 DE based on the history of warfare, trade, and cultures of the Indosphere. The aim of this mod is to showcase the diversity of the region in the medieval period as well as the cultures influenced by the greater cosmopolis that existed during this period. Mod contains dozens of new civs, new units, new buildings and brand new mechanisms that makes each of them unique. A lot of time and love has been pored into it. Hope you like it! 
Assamese
“Various people groups have settled the fertile plains of the Brahmaputra valley and established various states since antiquity. Eastern Indo-Aryans such as the Kamrupi, various Tibetic peoples, and even the Ahom who originally hailed from Guangxi have found their footing here. The Ahom state that remained unconquered for more than 600 years. These groups coalesced to form the Assamese culture. The archers of Kamrup were famous for their accuracy and sharp shooting ability. Combined with incredible indegenously built gunpowder weaponry they proved a formidable force to reckon with to their enemies.”
Overview
As an archer civilization, the Assamese have fully upgraded Archers. Their archers get bonus attack vs Infantry making them deadly and these archers can regarrison in archery ranges to fire from inside while in protection acting as a tower. To further the advantages the Assamese also get a unique unit ####### a commander unit that boosts the speed and heals health of nearby archers. This commander unit can also train another unique unit called Karpai Dhenu which is an archer with low health but with bonus damage against other unique units. The ####### are built for free at zero cost and training time equal to the number of castles they own. For some more survivability of the archers it is advisable to mix in a few Elephant Archers into their army composition. Their economy is easy to manage as they can build storages as an all in one drop site in place of lumbercamp, mining camp and mill. Though they must require building barracks or dock along with the storage in dark age two fill in the two dark age buildings count. And their economic units, that is their villagers, trade units, fishing boats are cheaper. By researching Hengdang Sword all their militia line units gain pierce damage equal to the melee damage they deal, thus making them an excellent choice to mix in the army. Being the earliest inventors of indegenous toaps (cannons), Assamese are also able to research Bortop Mithaholong which replaced the gold cost of bombard cannons with food thus making them a lot more affordable.
Characteristics
Unique Units
########## = Commander Unit, trained at Castle, build limit equals the number of castles you own. Can train Karpai Dhenus, heal and speedup nearby archers.
Karpai Dhenus = Archer with bonus against other unique Units, trained at Castle and ###############
Unique Buildings
Storage = Acts as a common drop off site, contains all researches from Mill, LumberCamp, Mining Camp.
Unique Technologies
Hengdang Sword = Swordsmen do pierce damage equalling their melee damage.
**Bortop Mith######### = Bombard Cannons gold cost replaced with food.
Civilization bonuses
- Archer units +2 vs Infantry
- Garrisoned Archery Ranges fire arrows
- Economic units are 10% cheaper
- Need only one dark age building to advance to Feudal Age
Team bonus
- Guilds research free
In-game dialogue language
Wonder
Bengalis
"Navigate the winding rivers and dense jungles of Bengal as a thriving economy is built to fuel unstoppable armies of elephants. Bengal is the hub of trade and religion and universities that date back a millennium years. Bengali agricultural and material wealth was matched by none; indeed, the economy of Pāla Bengal at its peak with their possession along the Ganges alone outstripped all of Europe at the time. Bengal is a land of Vedic and indigenous legends as well as the hotbed of the kind of Buddhism that dominated during the Pāla period which influenced all of South East Asia, Mahāyāna and ####################
Overview
The Bengalis are an Elephant and navy civilization. Their Elephant corps is very formidable, having not only Elite Battle Elephants, Elephant Archers, and Siege Elephants, but also nearly every upgrade for them, only lacking Thumb Ring for the Elephant Archer. In addition, their Elephants take -25% bonus damage and resist conversion, and Paiks gives them faster attacking speed. Their Monks have great survivability, on account of having +3 armor against both ranged and melee attacks. The other land units, however, are average, as lacking Thumb Ring hinder their Arbalester and Skirmishers. Their Stable units are limited to Light Cavalry (other than excellent Battle Elephants). The infantry are mediocre, lacking both Supplies and Plate Mail Armor. Unlike other Indian civilizations, the Bengalis have no gunpowder units on land, and lack Siege Onagers. Their unique unit, the Ratha, can compensate for lacking Knights and Cavalry Archers, since it can switch its attack. But on the Monastery, defense, and economy line, there is only one technology missing from their technology tree, their navy can regenerate, and they get additional Villagers from Town Centers every Age advanced. Mahayana also makes full use of the population. So they have good economy, defense, and navy. In addition to all this they can also tran Ramdao an infantry from Barracks which can switch between charge (higher attack and speed) and defend mode (higher armour).
Characteristics
Unique Units
Ratha = Chariot unit that can switch between melee and ranged attacks.
Ramdao = Infantry unit that can switch between charge and defend modes, trained at Barracks
Unique Technologies
Paiks = Rathas and elephant units attack 20% faster.
Mahayana = Villagers take up -10% population space.
Civilization bonuses
- Elephant units receive 25% less bonus damage and are more resistant to conversion\n
- Town Centers spawn 2 Villagers when the next Age is reached\n
- Ships regenerate 15 HP per minute
- Monks +3/+3P armor\n
- Melee Cavalry gain +2 bonus damage vs Skirmishers
Team bonus
- Trade units yield 10% food in addition to gold.
In-game dialogue language
- Units in-game speaks Shadhu Bengali, a historical literary register of the Bengali language most prominently used in the 19th to 20th centuries during the Bengali Renaissance. Sadhu language was used only in writing, unlike its standard counterpart, which follows up with the colloquial form of the language.
Wonder
Deccanis
“The name Deccan has an ancient derivation that originates from a local Prakrit which equates to the South. Various megalithic cultures resided in the dry plateaus of Deccan that eventually gave rise to powerful polities. Various cultures from the Karnata, Maharashtrian, and Telangana realms have vied for power here and amalgamated with each other along with various native tribes of the region, including the Gonds. Owing to their wealth derived from trade and local resources, they’ve garnered a lot of attention and immigration from Persia, Yemen, and even the Horn of Africa who contributed to the Dakhni/Deccani culture. Deccanis were considered seasoned fighters with fortifications that were loaded with artillery, among which there is the longest cannon in the world Malik-e-Maidan.”
Overview
Deccanis are a gunpowder civilization, their bombard towers are cheaper and their handcannoneers regenerate health and have faster speeds when around bombard towers. To boost their economy they get extra boar in the start of the game which if carefully gathered can help them a lot in early aging ups. Their main focus should be to rush in aging up process as most of their advanced features come late. By researching Malik-e-Maidan their castles upgrade into a Bombard Castle firing a bombard shot in each burst of fire along with arrows. They have two unique units, one is Pindari trained at the Castles. He is a horse rider arsonist who throws fire bombs at enemies that ignore armour. And the second unique unit Shishpar Cavalry is trained at the stables. He is a mediumly armed horse cavalry with a hammer that damages the enemy armour. In Imperial Age they are able to research Bhalaeet Spear that make their spearline units regenerate health and have extra line of sight. They are able to research all techs for free in the University in Imperial Age. Siege Towers are half priced for them and their allies, thus making them a more effective siege weapon into their army. They also are able to train fully upgraded cavalry archers which comes in handy with their fast moving army.
Characteristics
Unique Units
Pindari = Cavalry unit trained at Castle that throws fire bombs, ignoring armour.
Shishpar Cavalry = Cavalry unit trained at Stable that damages enemy armour in each hit with its hammer.
Unique Technologies
Malik-e-Maidan = Upgrade Castles with a Bombard Cannon Shot.
Bhalaeet = Spearmen regenerate health and have extra line of sight…
Civilization bonuses
- Start with 1 extra Boars
- Bombard Towers are 15% cheaper
- Bombard Towers boost health and speed of nearby Hand Cannoneers
- In Imperial Age your University comes with all techs free to research
Team bonus
- Siege Towers are 50% cheaper
In-game dialogue language
Wonder
Hindustanis
“The claim to the populous, diverse lands and lucrative trade routes of Hindustan can be attained as one steps into the conqueror’s shoes themselves. With its sophisticated division of the labour system, significant scientific achievements, bustling trade networks, and powerful military technology let allowed Hindustanis to flex their might from the Ganges, through Punjab, Khyber and beyond. This coveted land named after what lays beyond the Indus River, has historically invited a multitude of invasions in all directions. The nomadic Scythians, Kushānas, and Hunas all sought to control the trade routes by taking the prized possession of Mathura. It was later Kannauj that was fought over by the Gurjāras, Bengalis, Deccanis, and even the Kashmiris. But none could outclass the brilliance of Delhi that was snatched by the Islamic powers. To profit from these magnificent cities, one must exert their power in all directions, whether into Afghanistan, Bengal, Deccan, or the Arabian Sea.”
Overview
The Hindustanis are classified as a Camel Rider and gunpowder civilization. As such, they have excellent Camel Riders with a unique upgrade, faster attack rate, an additional attack bonus against standard buildings, and all upgrades. They also have access to the Hussar which also shares the attack bonus against standard buildings, but no Knights at their disposal. Their archers and Cavalry Archers are usable and their Skirmishers are fully upgraded. They have excellent Hand Cannoneers getting all possible upgrades and getting another +2 range from Shatagni, combined with additional armor, making the Hand Cannoneer one of the most prominent unit in Hindustanis armies. Their infantry misses out on the final armor upgrade and Halberdier, but the Ghulam is a great anti-archer unit. The siege weapons are quite good apart from the missing Heavy Scorpion and rare Siege Onager upgrades, due to having extra armor on their Bombard Cannons and Siege Elephants, which are almost as good as Siege Rams. Their navy is not good, since the Fast Fire Ship, Heavy Demolition Ship, Dry Dock and Shipwright are missing. Their Monks are average. Their defenses are weak, but their economy is good with cheaper Villagers, faster gold income due to Grand Trunk Road, and their unique building, the Caravanserai, which heals and increases speed of Trade Carts in a 10 tile radius. They are also able to train Gazis, who gain +1 attack for every 10 of the Gazis that have fallen in battle (Murattab), the unit becomes battle hardy as it fights on.
Characteristics
Unique Units
Ghulam: Infantry unit that thrusts its spear through multiple targets.
Gazi: Cavalry Unit trained at Stables that gains +1 attack for every ten of them felled.
Imperial Camel Rider: Upgrade of the Heavy Camel Rider, provides additional HP and attack
Unique Buildings
Caravansarai = Building which heals and speeds up nearby Trade Carts.
Unique Technologies
Grand Trunk Road = Increases the speed of all gold income by +10%.
Shatagni = Gives Hand Cannoneers +2 range.
Civilization bonuses
- Villagers are 10%/15%/20%/25% cheaper in the Dark/Feudal/Castle/Imperial Age.
- Camel Riders attack 20% faster.
- Gunpowder units units have +1/+1 armor.
Team bonus
- Camel units and light cavalry units have +2 attack against standard buildings.
In-game dialogue language
- Hindustani units speak Hindi.
Wonder
Kalingans
“The tales of the ######## are as old as the Vedic Age. Stretching from the Utkala region near Bengal, to the Kalingāndhra region in the South, and into the deep jungles of Kosala in the West, the Odra people groups were a sturdy and culturally important bunch. Maintaining their independence since the age of classical antiquity, this land of Khandayat warriors never gave up. Legend has it that ancient mariners from this region colonized south-east Asia, and even founded the kingdoms of Funan (Khmer) and Shailendra (Malay). Their artforms with unique masks and mudras are observed even as far as Bāli. Multiple empires sprang up from Kalinga that thundered its adjoining neighbors with its martial tradition.”
Overview
Kalingans are a defensive civilization. They start with a gold and a stone mine near town center meaning so they can save some wood from building mining camp early on. Their farms produce infinite food which further saves some wood but with a catch that there are no mill upgrades thus they will need to build more farms to be efficient. But these little wood savings can help them build ships early on domintating the seas reflecting the ancient maritime traditions of Kalinga. Their trade cogs are able to attack like galleys, so they can defend themselves if the need arises. And they can research all their dock techs free when they reach the imperial age. Them and their allies get extra 0.5 extra range for their archers and buildings which gives a slight advantage for ranged warfare. Their unique unit Khandayat is multi-talented trained from the Paika Akhadas. Trained at castle, he can ride into battle on horses able to switch between sword and bow and continuing the fight on foot if felled. Researching Ghumura Chhau allows them to train foot unit Khandayats at Barracks. And their second unique unit Prahari comes with a Khond Battle Axe charging into massed units dealing trample damage though it is fragile in terms of health and can be shooten out afar by archers, used carefully they can be very fruitful. Researching ######## Emperors lets them be trully the lord of Elephants by making their gold cost replaced with wood. Though they are unable to research their elite versions so they will need their numbers for advantage.
Characteristics
Unique Units
Khandayat = Multirole Unit trained at Castle, can switch between melee cavalry (phadikara), ranged cavalry (dhanuki) and after felling becomes melee infantry (dhenkiya), ranged infantry (banua).
Prahari = Cavalry unit with low HP and high trample attack, trained at Stable
Unique Technologies
Ghumura Chhau = Allows the creation of Khandayat Infantrymen at Barracks.
########## Emperors** = Elephant units cost wood in place of gold.
Civilization bonuses
- Start with a Gold and Stone mine near Town Center
- Farms produce infinite food
- Trade Cogs can attack like Galleys
- In Imperial Age your Dock comes with all techs free to research
Team bonus
- Archer units and buildings +0.5 range
In-game dialogue language
- Kalingan Units speak Odia
Wonder
Kannadigas
Karu Nādu which either means ‘elevated country’ or ‘black country’ named after either the increasing elevation or the black cotton soil, exists in the lower reaches of the Deccan. With its unique geography, we’ve seen Konkan region kings by the coast, native power houses within the mountainous Malēnādu, the southern ki### that border Kongu Nādu in the Tamil country, and the northern kings who contested for power in the upper Deccan with various Deccani kings. This region is the home to massive empires such as the Chalukyas, Hoyasalas, and Vijayanagara that asserted power in all directions. The earliest attestation of the Kannada language is observed in the Kadamba period while the Kannada literary culture was started in the upper Deccan by the Kannada speaking Rashtrakutas who ruled from what is now Maharashtra. The language and culture was revered by native and non native kings alike, and the linguistic Kannadiga identity was built through the ages. The lands of Karnataka was protected by its most loyal and prominent generals that kept the enemies at bay with an aggressive stance, so much so that the rump state of Mysuru survived even till the 20th century.
Overview
Kannadigas are an aggressive civilization. Fear not to aggressively strike your enemies as you are able to defend and quickly recover yourself from any devastation at home. Their houses cost -10 wood saving you the resources to invest in other areas. It is an great idea to invest your early resources on scout rush as your cavalry upgrades are free and researching arson affects your stable units as well thus letting them burn down everything faster. To assist your fast moving army you can also recruit cavalry archers. Adding to this you can also train tanky Eleohant Archers and Battle Elephants. Your infantry is no less either. Researching the Nayankara System allows your Nayakas to manage your armies more efficiently to make them take up 0.9 population so you can make more of them. Your unique unit Karnatabala is the pride of your army, as it spreads fear in the minds of enemy unique units, doing bonus damage against them and is unconvertible by monks rendering them useless and able to regenerate health over time. In the Imperial Age you are able to build Workshops that heal nearby buildings. Researching the City of Victory allows you to build massive fire towers and makes your defensive structures like walls, gates, towers auto repair over time. The prosperity of Vijayanagar attracts traders from abroad allowing your allies to research market techs instantly.
Characteristics
Unique Units
Karnatabala = Cavalry unit that is unconvertible, regenerates health and has bonus against other unique units.
Unique Buildings
Firetower = Powerful tower that spews fire at short range.
Workshop = Heals nearby buildings.
Unique Technologies
Nayankara System = Infantry Units take 0.9 population space.
City of Victory = Can build fire towers and all towers, walls and gate regenerate health.
Civilization bonuses
- Houses cost -10 wood
- Cavalry armor upgrades for free
- Arson upgrade affects Stable units
- In Imperial Age you can build Workshops that heals nearby buildings
Team bonus
- Market techs research instantly
In-game dialogue language
- Kannadiga Units speak Kannada
Wonder
Nepalis
“The hill people residing in the foot hills of Himalaya are collectively known as the Paharis. Though Nepal was first referred to as Kiratadesa, the ancient tactician, Chānakya, is the first person to use the name referring to the Nepalis. However, they still weren’t a monolith. Various ethnicities and states sprung up in the region. In the medieval period, part of this region was called Khasdes. The Khasi Gorkha kingdom later unified Nepal and much of the Pahari people creating an empire that extended to Kashmir and parts of Tibet in the North West and to Sikkim in the East. The well defensible fortress of a nation of the Gorkhas couldn’t even be conquered by the mighty British empire.”
Overview
Nepalis are a Monk and Monastery Civilization. They get their theocracy and block printing researchs free, so monk rush is a viable option. Their monks move 10% faster, and their monasteries heal nearby villagers. They are also able to train Bhikshus from Town Centers that are special monks that can dodge projectiles and able to heal and convert but unable to pick relics. Researching Abode of Gods spawns 2 relics at their castle, thus always making them the key to relic victories. They and their allies can get +5 population space from monasteries. Their unique unit is Gosain which is a peculiar mercenary ascetic that is not visible on minimaps and generates gold when attacking enemy units. After researching Kukri Knife they are able to deal bonus damage when fighting uphills so now they are the boss of fighting in rugged terrains. Their Trebs are able to move faster and are cheaper to purchase. They are able to train Steppe Lancers without the Elite upgrade and Cavalry Archers which can be fully upgraded only missing the ring archer armor. The lancers can be quite effective in use with Battle Elephants.
Characteristics
Unique Units
Gosain = Infantry Unit trained at Castle, invisible on Minimap, generates gold while fighting enemy units.
Bhikshu = Monk that can dodge projectiles, trained at Town Centers
Unique Technologies
Abode of Gods = Spawns 2 Relic at your Castle.
Kukri Knife = Your units do bonus damage fighting uphill.
Civilization bonuses
- Theocracy and Block Printing is free
- Trebuchets move 35% faster and 15% cheaper
- Monks move 10% faster
- Monasteries heal nearby Villagers
Team bonus
- Monasteries provide +5 population
In-game dialogue language
- Nepali Units speak Nepali
