Medieval Indian Armies (2): Indo-Islamic Forces, 7th–Early 16th Centuries

This book explores the Indo-Islamic fighting men of South Asia from the 7th century AD to the Mughal conquest of the 16th century, highlighting the impact of Islamic domination on military technology and tactics. It features eight plates of artwork, photographs, and illustrations and explains how Muslim armies learned from their Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist opponents, adopting lighter forms of protection and more potent weapons.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 48 pages
Publication date: 23 November 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This captivating illustrated study delves into the intriguing realm of Indo-Islamic fighting men in South Asia, spanning from the 7th century AD to the Mughal conquest of the 16th century. During this period, a succession of Islamic dynasties emerged, with their roots in the Ghurid forces that conquered northern India in the 12th century. While the Islamic domination of this vast region was not complete, it left a profound impact on Islamic civilization, particularly in military terms, extending as far west as Africa. Within South Asia, the turbulent medieval centuries laid the groundwork for the subsequent and even more illustrious Mughal Empire.

Featuring eight plates of exquisite artwork accompanied by carefully selected photographs and illustrations, this study complements the author's previous work, Medieval Indian Armies (1): Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain. It provides a comprehensive description and visual representation of the Indo-Islamic forces that operated in South Asia during various historical periods.

David Nicolle, in his insightful analysis, elucidates how the widely successful Muslim armies drew valuable lessons from their more numerous Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist opponents. This was evident in the adoption of innovative warfare techniques, such as the utilization of war elephants and the introduction of lighter, often textile-based forms of protection, known as "soft armor made of cotton." On the other hand, the non-Islamic forces also made significant advancements, notably in the field of weaponry. They widely adopted more potent weapons, including the composite bow, and developed more sophisticated systems of cavalry warfare.

The study also sheds light on the cultural and social dynamics that influenced the development of Indo-Islamic warfare. It explores the interactions between different religious and ethnic groups, as well as the influence of regional power dynamics on military strategies. The Mughal Empire, in particular, emerged as a dominant force in South Asia, and its military prowess was a result of a combination of indigenous and foreign influences.

Overall, this illustrated study offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of Indo-Islamic fighting men in South Asia, providing valuable insights into the complex history and military developments of this region. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and enthusiasts alike.

Weight: 166g
Dimension: 183 x 248 x 7 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472853349