UPPCS Pre 1996

Evolution of Military Technology

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

At which of the following battles was artillery used for the first time by one of the two armies?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: A

Concept The introduction of heavy cannons (artillery) fundamentally changed the nature of Indian warfare, making traditional fortresses and massive elephant corps vulnerable.

Explanation While gunpowder existed in India before, the systematic use of artillery in an open-field battle occurred for the first time at the First Battle of Panipat (1526). Babur brought Ottoman-style gunners and cannons, which decimated Ibrahim Lodi's army.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Babur's cannons provided a psychological and physical edge that Lodi's traditional forces could not counter.
Logic 2: This 'Military Revolution' allowed the Mughals to dominate the subcontinent through technical superiority rather than just troop numbers.

Active Recall

Question

Who were Babur's master gunners?

Answer

Ustad Ali and Mustafa were the specialist Ottoman gunners who managed Babur's artillery at Panipat.

Core Insight

Panipat marked the end of the 'Age of Chivalry' in Indian warfare and the beginning of the 'Age of Gunpowder'.