From Mughal cannons to mountain mules: the evolution of Indian firepower
In short: The Indian Army's Regiment of Artillery provides massive firepower today, yet its origins reach back to 16th-century gunpowder. From Babur's first field guns to the specialized mountain batteries carried by mules, this combat support arm evolved through centuries of technological shifts to become the second-largest branch of the military.
The history of artillery in the Indian subcontinent is a narrative of rapid technological adoption and strategic adaptation. Although the 1526 Battle of Panipat is often linked to Babur's debut of field artillery and gunpowder weapons, historical accounts indicate that King Mohammed Shah of Gujarat utilized them during the 15th century, and Bahmani monarchs employed them as early as 1368. The Portuguese later introduced the concept of 'command of the seas' with cannon-armed man-o-wars, a maritime leap that local rulers like the Zamorin of Calicut quickly emulated by arming their own ships with naval gun pieces.
During the 18th century, various regional powers professionalized their arms. The Marathas organized their artillery in professional lines, while the Sikhs under Maharaja Ranjit Singh pioneered horse-artillery modeled after the East India Company. The British initially restricted the artillery arm to Europeans, viewing it as a critical military advantage. Only when recruitment needs grew did they permit a small percentage of natives to join as support staff, known by terms like Golandaz or Serangs. However, the Indian Rebellion of 1857 led the British to disband almost all native field artillery units in 1862, fearing further mutiny.
Following the 1857 uprising, the Indian military's artillery role was largely restricted to 'Mountain Artillery.' These units were unique because their guns were light enough to be disassembled and transported by pack mules across impossible terrain. These batteries were famously manned by Punjabis—half Muhammadan and half Hindu (mostly Sikhs)—selected for their height and strength. They served with distinction in the North-West Frontier, Afghanistan, and across the globe during the Great War and World War II. By 1944, the arm began to 'Indianise' rapidly, establishing independent medium batteries and air observation posts to provide the massive firepower that now constitutes nearly one-sixth of the Indian Army's total strength.
Today, the Regiment of Artillery serves as a combat support arm providing massive firepower through a diverse arsenal including guns, mortars, rocket launchers, unmanned aerial vehicles, surveillance systems, and missiles. It stands as the second-largest arm of the Indian Army, a legacy built on centuries of transitioning from heavy siege guns to specialized mountain warfare and modern high-tech systems.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Regiment of Artillery (India)
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