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Module - II Establishment of The Delhi Sultanate
Military History of
Medieval India What You Have Learnt
Medieval India was divided among many princely states.
Rulers lacked unity which invited many foreign invasions.
The first such invasion was by Mohammed Ghori in 1191-1192 A.D.
Note The victory of Mohammed Ghori in the second battle of Tarain, led to
establishment of Delhi Sultanates.
The Rajputs were known for their valour and possessed numerically superior
military strength.
Despite the numerical superiority of the Rajputs the foreign invaders were able
to win the battle through efficient military strategy and battlefield tactics and
established Muslim rule in India.
Subsequently, the military underwent organizational changes with the establishment
of military commands and a permanent standing army.
With the arrival of gun powder, new weapon systems such as artillery were
introduced.
The Delhi Sultanates could not sustain their rule due to several reasons primarily
internal fighting for capturing the throne.
Finally, the era of Delhi Sultanates ended with another foreign invasion this time
under the Mughal ruler Babur.
Terminal Exercises
1. Give an account of the military tactics employed by Mohammed Ghori at the
second battle of Panipat.
2. What were the military reforms undertaken by the Delhi Sultanates?
3. Highlight the military contributions of Balban.
4. Mention any four reasons for the weakening of Delhi Sultanate rule.
Answers to Intext Questions
5.1
1. Unity among the states was lacking and hence it prompted invasions from abroad
aimed at conquering and acquiring wealth from India.
2. To gain foot- hold in India and also acquire its huge wealth.
3. Khyber Pass is the route that connects Kabul in Afghanistan and Peshawar in
Pakistan.
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MILITARY HISTORY