UPSC CDS II 2022

Medieval Military Technology

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

What was a munjaniq in medieval period?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept Before the arrival of gunpowder and cannons, specialized machinery was used to breach the thick walls of forts. The Turko-Afghans introduced several Central Asian siege technologies to India.

Explanation A Munjaniq was a type of catapult or stone-throwing machine. It was a key piece of siege equipment used by the Delhi Sultans to launch large boulders or fireballs into fortified cities.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Option B is correct. It functioned on the principle of mechanical leverage to throw projectiles.
Logic 2: It was distinct from cannons (which used gunpowder) and was widely used during the 13th and 14th centuries before the artillery revolution.

Active Recall

Question

Which other machine was commonly used alongside the munjaniq?

Answer

The 'Arrada' was a smaller, more mobile version of the catapult often used for closer-range bombardment.

Core Insight

The introduction of the munjaniq fundamentally altered the advantage of defensive fortresses in the Indian subcontinent.