Discover the Mughal Army's strength and structure, from cavalry and mansabdars to war elephants and artillery, which played a pivotal role in shaping the Mughal Empire.

Cavalry and Mansabdars: The Backbone of the Mughal Military

• The cavalry formed the principal arm of the Mughal army, with mansabdars providing the majority.
• Ahadis were individual troopers recruited directly by the emperors, known as gentlemen-troopers, with higher salaries.
• Ahadis had diverse roles including clerks, painters, and imperial order carriers, often skilled as musketeers and bowmen.
• Footmen (piyadgan) comprised matchlock-bearers, porters, servants, newsrunners, swordsmen, wrestlers, and slaves.
• Royal bodyguards (walashahis) and palace guards served on foot in the citadel and palace.

War Elephants and Artillery: Complementary Forces on the Battlefield

• The Mughal emperors maintained a large stable of war elephants and a well-organized park of artillery.
• Artillery included heavy guns for fort defense and assault, and light, mobile artillery ('artillery of the stirrup').
• Artillery development included hiring Ottomans and Portuguese initially, improving significantly by Aurangzeb's reign.
• Infantry and cavalry strengths under Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb reflected the army's structure and capabilities.
• Comparison with European and Central Asian armies highlighted strengths and weaknesses in infantry and artillery.

Efficiency and Comparison: Evaluating the Mughal Military Machine

• Evaluation of the Mughal army's efficiency compared to Western, Central Asian, and Persian armies.
• European travelers' observations on Mughal infantry deficiencies in drill, organization, and leadership.
• Successes against neighboring states like the Uzbeks highlighted Mughal military capabilities in open contests.
• Development and challenges in artillery mirrored advancements and deficiencies compared to global powers.
• Integration of cavalry with the jagirdari system emphasized the interdependence of land relations and military strength.