Page 18 - MILITARY-STUDIES-1

Concept and Evolution of Military Studies Module - I

Military Studies
2.3.1 Military Education in Medieval India

We have seen how soldiers were trained in the art of fighting in ancient India. Let us
see what changed came when Muslims invaded India and established Mughal rule.
What changed during Mughal rule and in the rest of India ? Major changes were:-
• Use of fire arms;
• Use of artillery or guns; Note
• Use of horse cavalry and archers on horse back;

• Changes in tactics in the battlefield.

Because of these changes, the subjects changed. With a change in subjects the teaching

methods and places of training also changed. For example, in olden times any open
field could become a school. With the advent of firearms and guns, large areas were
identified to train soldiers where specialised facilities like firing ranges were established.

Why were large areas required for training in artillery guns? The need for safety from
firearms and the longer distance to which guns could aim and fire, were the reasons for
the requirement of large areas.

2.3.2 Stages of Training in Armies

In the medieval period, training of the army consisted of three parts -

THREE TIER TRAINING OF ARMIES IN THE MEDIEVAL AGE

Table 2.1 - Training Structure

(a) Training for Combat : Combat training was organised for individual soldiers
as well as for the army units. This training also included games that helped in
combat. The army had to be alert and ready at all times for war.

Therefore, their training was continuous and it was part of daily routine for the
soldiers to train for battle. The basic training for combat consisted of the following
types of training:-

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MILITARY STUDIES 11