UPPCS Mains 2012

Military Revolutions in India

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

First Battle of Panipat was fought between:

Solution & Analysis

Answer: D

Concept The First Battle of Panipat (1526) was a technological milestone in Indian history, introducing advanced gunpowder tactics and artillery to the subcontinent.

Explanation On April 21, 1526, Babur's smaller but modernised force defeated Ibrahim Lodi's massive but traditional army. Lodi was the last Sultan of Delhi, and his death on the battlefield ended the Lodi dynasty and the Delhi Sultanate.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Babur used the *Tulughma* (flanking) strategy and tied carts together (*Araba*) to protect his cannons, which terrified Lodi's elephants.
Logic 2: Ibrahim Lodi was abandoned by many of his generals during the battle, leading to a complete rout of his forces.

Active Recall

Question

How did Babur's artillery win the battle?

Answer

The loud noise of the cannons caused Lodi's elephants to panic and trample their own soldiers, while the cannons themselves decimated the infantry from a distance.

Core Insight

Panipat proves that superior military technology and tactics can overcome a numerical disadvantage of nearly five to one.