The Legacy of Muslim Rule in India c8.s4.3

c8.s4.3

There were also Muslim mercenaries or volunteers enrolled on the eve of a campaign. The volunteer element in the army was known by the name of Ghazi. The Ghazis were not entitled to any salary, but relied mostly on rich pickings from the Indian campaigns. Prospect of loot whetted their thirst for war, the title of Ghazi spurred their ego. The victories of the Ghaznavids had attracted these plundering adventures to their standards. The tradition of enrolling Ghazi merecenaries was continued by the Turkish sultans in India.¹²⁶ Right up to the Tughlaq times and beyond, merecenaries (Muslims says Afif for Firozs times) joined the army for love of plunder and concomitant gains. These enthusiasts naturally added strength to the regular army, and also to its character.