Medieval Indian Armies (2)

This study explores the Indo-Islamic fighting men in South Asia, detailing their evolution and military strategies from the 7th century to the Mughal conquest, as presented in Medieval Indian Armies (2).

This illustrated study delves into the Indo-Islamic fighting men of South Asia from the 7th century AD until the Mughal conquest in the 16th century. Beginning in 1206, a series of Islamic dynasties governed vast areas of what is now India, as well as parts of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Although the Islamic rule was never absolute, it significantly influenced the broader Islamic civilization, especially in military aspects, with impacts felt as far as Africa. The tumultuous medieval period in South Asia laid the groundwork for the subsequent rise of the illustrious Mughal Empire.

Featuring eight stunning plates of artwork, along with carefully selected photographs and illustrations, Medieval Indian Armies (2) complements the author's previous work on Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain military forces. It vividly describes and illustrates the Indo-Islamic forces that operated in South Asia, tracing their evolution from the Umayyad Caliphate's frontier in north-western India and Afghanistan in the late 7th century to the various sultanates, including the Delhi Sultanate and the Bahmani Sultanate, during the 15th and 16th centuries.

David Nicolle provides insights into the advancements in arms, armor, fortifications, and transport, both on land and at sea. The successful Muslim armies learned from their Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist adversaries, adopting strategies like the use of war elephants and lighter forms of protection such as soft armor made from cotton. Conversely, non-Islamic forces enhanced their capabilities with improved weaponry, including the composite bow, and developed sophisticated cavalry tactics. This richly illustrated account sheds light on centuries of warfare in South Asia.