WBCS.LIVE practice question

Who used ‘Tulghumah’ as a military tactic for the first time in India?

Solve this multiple-choice question and check the correct answer with its explanation below.

Answer options

  1. Alauddin Khilji
  2. Muhammad bin Tughluq
  3. Babur
  4. Akbar

Correct answer and explanation

Correct answer: Babur

Explanation: The military tactic ‘Tulghuma’ was first used in India by Babur during his campaigns, especially at the First Battle of Panipat (1526 CE). 📚 Other Information: ▪️ Tulghuma refers to a flanking or pincer movement on the battlefield. ▪️ It involved dividing the army into centre, right, left wings, and flanking detachments. ▪️ Babur combined this with the use of artillery (Ottoman-style cannons). ▪️ This tactic helped him defeat Ibrahim Lodi and establish the Mughal Empire. ▪️ Babur’s military brilliance is recorded in his memoir Baburnama. ▪️ He introduced gunpowder warfare and new cavalry techniques in India. ▪️ His forces were smaller but tactically superior due to discipline and technology. ▪️ Tulghuma became a standard Mughal military formation under later rulers.