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Module - II Establishment of The Delhi Sultanate

Military History of
Medieval India

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Note
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE

DELHI SULTANATE

The Medieval period dates roughly between 6th A.D and 16th A.D. During this period
many dynasties ruled India. The period was marked by several battles which some
developments of new weapons and new military strategies. The focus of this lesson
will be on the onset of the rule of Delhi Sultanates in 1206 A.D. up until the last of the
Mughal rule under Bahadur Shah Zafar and his overthrow in 1857 by the Britishers,
which subsequently paved the way for the establishment of Colonial rule in India. The
battles were many as were the methods adopted in each of them. The overall objective
was to defeat the enemy and win the war.
You will learn that the number of soldiers in battles did not matter; rather it was the
strategy and bravery that mattered when it came to victory. Hence the innovations and
methods adopted by different rulers during period contributed to an experienced military
in different regions of India. In this lesson, you will first learn the developments in
military starting with the onset of foreign invasions and then study the major battles that
led to consolidation of Muslim rule. You will also learn the major battle field techniques
employed and the reasons for their failure.

Objectives

After studying this lesson you will be able to:
 explain the factors responsible for foreign invasion of India and its impact;

 describe the developments in Military system and

 identify the reasons for the weaknesses of Delhi Sultanates.

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MILITARY HISTORY