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Module - II Establishment of The Delhi Sultanate

Military History of
department and was under the control of a Minister called the 'diwan-i-arz'. He was
Medieval India
responsible for recruitment of soldiers, training and maintenance of discipline in the
army. Branches of the army consisted of infantry, cavalry and elephants. Loyalty of
these branches was ensured through keeping them under the command of experienced
and trusted people. The cavalry branch was considered paramount as it had great
mobility and proved effective as well.
Note
During the rule of Ghiyas-ud-din Balban of the Slave dynasty a strong central army
was maintained to
(i) put down internal uprisings. The military was reorganized into commands. Each
command was responsible

(ii) for maintaining law and order and provide support to the Sultan during rebellions.
Borders were fortified to ensure strong rule and an efficient intelligence or spy
system was put in place.

During the days of Khilji dynasty (Map 5.2) under Alauddin Khilji (1296-1316) a
large standing permanent army was established for further expansion of the empire as
well as to protect
his empire from
Mongol invasion.
The Mongols were
using gunpowder
and hence it spread
to India as well.
However, the use of
firearms and canons
by the Delhi
Sultanates was of
limited nature and
varying degrees
during military
operations. You will
see that it was only
during the Mughal
rule that the
effective use of
these weapons was
made.

Map 5.2.Khilji dynasty

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MILITARY HISTORY