Dharmanic Religions are underrated.

[Sergeant Flutter]

The three Indian religions are really OP.

Hindus have a massive Holy Order and can raid.
Buddhists have learning buffs and can Designate Heirs
Jains have a vassal opinion boost, and have demesne bonus.

All three religions are tolerant of one another (No riots), so you can revolve around the three with via decision. You could easily complete a WC and have a stable realm.

The problem is, it's nearly impossible to break through the Middle East.

However, there are Buddhists in Khotan and Mongolia, I believe they're nomadic as well. It'd be an interesting campaign.

 

[RagingJaws]

The problem is, it's nearly impossible to break through the Middle East.

Why do you say that?

 

[KlinkerFyren]

Yeah I have broken into the Middle East blobs as Indians. Once control over India has been established, then pretty nothing can stop you.

 

[Sergeant Flutter]

I suppose It all comes down to whether or not the Arabian Empire maintains control over Persia and Africa.

If they lose Persia, you can easily take on the smaller Dukes/Kings.

Even if they control Persia, if they don't troops from Africa, I think you could take them on.

I don't think you could take on the Arabian Empire if you control India, I'm not exactly sure how many levies you'd be able to field though.

Of course, you could abuse the religions and switch to Buddhism for a generation or two and get really OP Military Tech.

 

[Bernard95]

Altaic culture and a Buddhist or Jain religion is crazy OP, since you make up for your limited or nonexistent holy war cb with the invasion cb. Then you can have all of the benefits without the only drawback to either religion.

If you happen start late enough (circa 1200?), there are some Turkish invaders that have set up kingdoms in India. Converting would be trivial with one of those starts, and you also don't have to be bothered settling down.

 

[Meeg]

Khotan isn't nomadic (just FYI)
In my experience I have problems with negative opinion modifiers with different religion vassals even between the Indian religions (I know its lower than Abrahamic religions but still).
The subjugation CB is a big win (although Germanic pagans get same thing).
I was just thinking how the Indian religions are underdeveloped and could use more flavor events (especially Buddhists and Jain)

 

[Sergeant Flutter]

Khotan isn't nomadic (just FYI)
In my experience I have problems with negative opinion modifiers with different religion vassals even between the Indian religions (I know its lower than Abrahamic religions but still).
The subjugation CB is a big win (although Germanic pagans get same thing).
I was just thinking how the Indian religions are underdeveloped and could use more flavor events (especially Buddhists and Jain)

Oh.

You could always play as one of their neighbors, conquer, and then convert.

I'm fascinated by Buddhism and it's rather annoying that they're no in game difference between Mongolian and Indian Buddhism.

I think that I'm going to start a Mongolian Buddhist game after Reaper's Due comes out.

 

[Duarte]

Oh.

You could always play as one of their neighbors, conquer, and then convert.

I'm fascinated by Buddhism and it's rather annoying that they're no in game difference between Mongolian and Indian Buddhism.

I think that I'm going to start a Mongolian Buddhist game after Reaper's Due comes out.

If yuo want to take RP to a new level yuo could try the Khitans, either the Liao or Qara Khitans are Buddhists, roleplay the unique verity of Buddhism they could have had.

 

[DarthDanMan]

Jain/Buddhists are really great for getting non-stop good eugenic rulers. They're also really good at revoking vassal titles because you can flip religion easily.

 

[Griff Lancer]

Its better done than Christianity IMO.

 

[RX2000]

Dang you guys are making me wanna start a game in India, even tho I swore I never would!

 

[Naughtius Maximus]

They definitely have more flavor than Christianity. I just haven't figured out where the best two duchies are. It appears to be the southwestern coast of India, but I'm not sure if there are comparable duchies to have as a capital.

 

[Voy]

Dang you guys are making me wanna start a game in India, even tho I swore I never would!

You definately should, its history is very interesting too.

I recommend Ceylon for a first start in 1066. A little William the conquerer a la India if you will.

 

[Bernard95]

They definitely have more flavor than Christianity. I just haven't figured out where the best two duchies are. It appears to be the southwestern coast of India, but I'm not sure if there are comparable duchies to have as a capital.

Duchy of Lahore is a larger duchy, on par with a Baghdad or Flanders. I've used it as a capital the few times I've gone into India.