Mastering Civilization IV – Choosing the nation – Indian Empire

Sid Meier's Civilization was THE computer game when it was introduced back in 1994. The first real turn-based strategy ever, "Civilization" had several editions, with the latest PC playable version called "Civilization IV" (launched in October 2005).

3 years is an eternity for a computer game - but even today Civ IV is a very playable and enjoyable game. With the victory options and most the pre-game selections covered in previous articles in the series, (choosing the map, the climate and sea level, game speed and world size, Difficulty Levels (A,B)), we continue with a review of player's civilization choice. The next nation to be examined is India.

The Indians do not have a unique war unit. Instead, they have a Fast Worker (replacing Worker), which has 3 moves instead of 2. As the unit is fast, it can help you to improve your tiles with less of them.

This also means that winning by contest is not advisable here – maybe a diplomatic victory? Help other nations – and you might achieve one.

The starting technologies for the Indians are Mining and Mysticism. The latter suggest it would be wise to discover Polytheism or Meditation (founding Hinduism and Buddhism respectively) right away, and afterwards turn to Masonry and Bronze Working.

The civilization has 2 leaders – Asoka and Gandhi.

Asoka is defined as “Spiritual” and “Organized”

“Spiritual” means you have “No anarchy” during revolution. This means that you should change your civics and/or religion frequently (there is a general limit of 1 revolution in 5 turns however). Of course, when doing so you must take into account the effects of the chosen Civics and Religion. Temples are constructed at double speed, meaning that you should discover Priesthood and maybe think of founding several religions (discovering Polytheism is beneficial as it gives you both the Hinduism Religion and the path to Monotheism technology (with Masonry), which is required to Judaism). You should consider building missioners to spread religions, as it will lead to more happy people when switching to “free religion” civic in modern times.

“Organized” means you have to pay less for your civics – making the usually expansive Police State, Vassalage, Environmentalism and Organized Religion less painful. It also enables you to construct the “Courthouse” and “Lighthouse” at double speed, making the discovery of Sailing and Code of Laws logical. The latter is generally more important as the first to discover founds “Confucianism” religion. Courthouses will also lead you to the Forbidden Palace – reducing the corruption in your empire.

Mahatma Gandhi is “Spiritual” and “Industrious”.

With the benefits of “Spiritual" described above, “Industrious” will mean you have a double speed production of all Wonders and Forge. The latter must lead you to discovering Metal Casting (requires Pottery and Bronze Working) as soon as possible, with Crossbowman (enabled by Machinery) just one technology away. Colossus wonder should be built as well.