Q. Who among the following was the first to make use of artillery in warfare in medieval India?
(a) Babur
(b) Ibrahim Lodhi
(c) Sher Shah Suri
(d) Akbar
Ans: (a) Babur
Explanation: Babur is recognized as the pioneer of artillery usage in India during the first Battle of Panipat in 1526. It was under his command that artillery was employed on a significant scale. Babur’s artillery commanders, Ustad Ali and Mustafa, played crucial roles in this regard. Following this pivotal moment, the utilization of artillery became a common practice in warfare throughout the Mughal period. It continued to be employed by subsequent rulers and factions, including the Marathas under the leadership of Hyder Ali, Tipu Sultan, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, and the East India Company. This enduring legacy of Babur’s introduction of artillery set the stage for its continued importance in Indian warfare for centuries to come.
