Babur's Innovative Warfare Technique: The Tulughma

Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire in India, was known for his military innovations and tactics, which played a crucial role in his victories against larger forces. One such technique he introduced was a specific method of arranging and moving his army to gain a tactical advantage, particularly in flanking and surrounding the enemy. This technique is explicitly described in the question as dividing the army into different divisions to flank the enemy from all sides.

Let's examine the options provided in the context of Babur's warfare:

• Charah: This term is not typically associated with the primary flanking warfare technique introduced by Babur. While military terminology can be complex, 'Charah' does not fit the description of dividing the army for flanking maneuvers.
• Khums: This term refers to a type of tax or, historically, a share of war booty or plunder (typically one-fifth). It is an administrative or economic term related to the spoils of war, not a method of military deployment or maneuver during battle. Therefore, Khums is incorrect in this context.
• Tulughma: This is a Turco-Mongol military tactic. It involves dividing the army into several divisions, including the main centre, right wing, left wing, vanguard, and rearguard. Crucially, it includes flanking parties or divisions (sometimes referred to as the tulughma itself) positioned on the extreme wings. The primary purpose of these flanking divisions was to wheel around and attack the enemy's flanks and rear, thereby surrounding them. This technique precisely matches the description in the question: dividing the army to flank the enemy from all sides. Babur effectively used the Tulughma technique, notably in the First Battle of Panipat in 1526, where his smaller army defeated the much larger forces of Ibrahim Lodi.
• Araba: 'Araba' refers to carts, specifically those used in conjunction with artillery, often forming a fortified line or laager. This is associated with the Ottoman (Rumi) method of warfare, which Babur also adopted. While Babur used Araba in combination with Tulughma and artillery, 'Araba' itself describes the use of carts for defense and artillery placement, not the specific tactic of dividing the army into flanking divisions to surround the enemy.

Based on the analysis, the technique described in the question, involving dividing the army into different divisions to flank the enemy from all sides, is known as Tulughma.

Therefore, the correct answer is Tulughma, as it accurately describes the warfare technique introduced by Babur where the army is divided into divisions to flank and surround the enemy.

Revision Table: Key Terms in Babur's Military Tactics

Additional Information on Babur's Military Innovations

Babur's success in establishing the Mughal Empire was significantly attributed to his superior military strategy and tactics, which combined traditional Turco-Mongol methods with new techniques acquired from the Ottomans. The First Battle of Panipat is a classic example where he combined the Tulughma tactic with the Rumi method (using Araba and artillery) to achieve a decisive victory.

• Combination of Tactics: Babur didn't rely on a single tactic. He combined the mobility and flanking ability of the Tulughma with the defensive strength and firepower provided by the Araba and artillery.
• Psychological Impact: The flanking maneuver of the Tulughma often caused panic and disarray in the enemy ranks, especially when combined with the shock and noise of artillery fire.
• Training and Discipline: Implementing these complex tactics required well-trained and disciplined troops, which Babur commanded.

Understanding these tactics, like the Tulughma, is vital for comprehending the military history of the early Mughal period.