WHAT WAS A TYPICAL SOLDIER LIKE IN THE ARMY?
The most basic infantry soldiers were Sepoy. The army also heavily consisted a cavalry on various animals. Most soldiers were armored on most of their body with separate armors to cover different parts of their body. The armor is mostly chain mail with metal plates on it for extra protection in more vital areas. With armor, the soldiers occasionally had shields. These shield would be made of hides and skins of animals or even bamboo, iron, or steel.
WHAT TYPE OF ANIMALS AND WEAPONS WERE USED IN THE ARMY?
Unlike other empires and armies, The Mughals did not rely solely on horses for their cavalry. They used large elephants and camels. Both these animals were still fierce in battle when mounted with soldiers and weapons. Horses were still used in the cavalry as well. Like the soldiers, animals were well armored on most of their body. Camels even had guns mounted on them. The zamburak was a camel with a mounted swivel gun upon its back, which proved to be deadly.
Soldiers of the Mughal army had typical weapons of any army. They had Talwars, which were curved swords used like any swords. Although the Mughals had bows and arrows, the type they used were advanced. Instead of the typical long bow, they used primitive versions of recurve bows, which are bows with the limbs arcing in the opposing direction of the riser in order to generate more force with each shot. Troops were also provided Jamhadars, or Small daggers. When the 2 handles of the jamadhar were squeezed together, they would open in a scissor like motion to reveal the third blade within. the artillery of the Mughals was also a force to be reckoned with, especially under king Akbar’s and king Babur’s rule.
Soldiers of the Mughal army had typical weapons of any army. They had Talwars, which were curved swords used like any swords. Although the Mughals had bows and arrows, the type they used were advanced. Instead of the typical long bow, they used primitive versions of recurve bows, which are bows with the limbs arcing in the opposing direction of the riser in order to generate more force with each shot. Troops were also provided Jamhadars, or Small daggers. When the 2 handles of the jamadhar were squeezed together, they would open in a scissor like motion to reveal the third blade within. the artillery of the Mughals was also a force to be reckoned with, especially under king Akbar’s and king Babur’s rule.
WERE THERE DIFFERENT RANKS IN THE MUGHAL ARMY?
Every successful empire to date always have had some sort of organization within their armies, the mughals are no exception. Those of higher rank commanded those of lower rank. The army was divided in multiples of 10. For example, 1 man would lead 10 men while another led 10 groups of 10 and so on. Mansabdars were in charge of troops, cavalry, and artillery. Mansabdars were also in charge of the state. Assistance was provided to the Mansadars by Dakhlis who shared their wealth. Mir Bakshis were even higher than Mansabdars, but still served to manage. The King would always be commander in chief.
WHAT WAS THE PRIMARY ROLE OF MUGHAL MILITARY IN SOCIETY?
The main purpose of the military in society was to govern. The military was to govern and rule the states within the empire. The job was emphasized for Mansabdars. The main cities and capitals were mostly due to them being military political center. This dictated much of life within those cities and states.
WHAT WERE SOME OF THE BATTLES THAT THE MUGHALS FOUGHT IN?
The First Battle Of Panipat
The first battle of Panipat was a battle between king Babur of the Mughals and King Lodi. The battle took place in a small village known as Panipat, in current Haryana. Lodi’s army was much larger than king Babur’s, almost 10 times larger. Although, Lodi had more men, Babur had the greatest advantage. Babur’s army had artillery and Lodi’s did not. Not only did the artillery kill many men, but it also frightened Lodi’s elephants causing them to trample his own men. Babur employed tactics of inning the enemy from multiple sides. Lodi ended up dying in battle, after being abandoned.
The Safavid War
Safavid war took place between the Mughals and Safavid of Iran. The Battle was over a fort. The Safavids were
trying to re-capture the fort of Khandahar which was captured by the Mughals. The Mughals were unprepared when the Safavids launched their siege on the fort. The Mughals lost quickly and the fort was returned to the Safavids.
trying to re-capture the fort of Khandahar which was captured by the Mughals. The Mughals were unprepared when the Safavids launched their siege on the fort. The Mughals lost quickly and the fort was returned to the Safavids.