The Administration of the Sultanate of Dehli c12.96

c12.96

As regards strategy, due regard was paid to the terrain, wind and sun.² The arts of ambushing and surprise attacks were studied and skilfully applied.³ The disposition of the forces was traditional. The centre, the two wings, a vanguard, a rearguard were the divisions known in the days of the Prophet.⁴ To these should be added the two *jināḥ* or flanking parties; and the array known to the sultans of Dehlī is complete.⁵ The *Ṣubḥ-u'l-a'shā* mentions that the sultan stood in the centre surrounded by the *'ulamā*. Before and behind him were the archers. The wings were on either side. In front stood the elephants protected by iron plates, with towers on their backs carrying warriors. The elephants were preceded by armed slaves.⁶ This description, incomplete as it is, substantially agrees with the array suggested by the *Ādāb-u'l-mulūk*, which recommends four lines of infantry and archers in front with gaps for the cavalry to ride out and give battle to the enemy.⁷ These lines would make a solid block against sudden attacks; and being covered by the elephants and the archers in the towers, the formation should be practically unassailable. It is interesting to note that this plan contains the germs of the strategy which Bābur employed so effectively against Ibrāhīm Lodī and Rānā Sāngā.⁸ It is needless to add that troops were always arranged in serried ranks.⁹