Theory and Practice of Muslim State in India c9.s2.7

c9.s2.7

The soldiers in the permanent employment were paid a regular salary. Since war (Jihad) was a permanent and ever expanding activity of the Muslim regime, most sultans maintained a large standing army on a permanent basis, and did not disband troops after a conquest was accomplished or a foreign invasion repulsed. According to Farishtah Alauddin Khalji's regular army consisted of 4,75,000 horsemen well equipped and accoutered. There were two separate forces. One was meant to repulse Mongol invaders while the other was sent out on the conquest of newer regions.³⁹ The annual salary paid to a cavalrymen by the Sultan was 234 *tankahs*. In addition 78 *tankahs* were paid to a *do aspa* or to one who possessed an additional horse because maintenance of an extra mount added to the soldier's efficiency.