Why did kingdoms like the Vijayanagara Empire and the Ahom Kingdom manage to resist conquest for a longer time compared to others? What geographical, military, and social factors contributed to their success?
The Vijayanagara Empire and the Ahom Kingdom successfully resisted conquest due to a combination of geographical advantages, military organisation, and social factors.
Geographically, the Vijayanagara Empire was located in the Deccan region with natural defences. The Ahom kingdom was situated in the Brahmaputra Valley surrounded by dense forests, hills, and rivers. These terrains made invasion difficult for enemy armies unfamiliar with the landscape.
Militarily, the Ahoms used the unique paik system where every able-bodied man provided service to the state through labour or military duty. This allowed them to maintain a large standing force without a permanent army.
They also used guerrilla tactics and knowledge of terrain to defeat larger forces. This was evident in the Battle of Saraighat (1671), where 10,000 Ahom soldiers defeated 30,000 Mughal troops.
The Vijayanagara rulers, especially Krishnadevaraya, built a powerful military and secured dominance over the Deccan.
Socially, the Ahoms assimilated local culture, promoted agriculture, and encouraged diverse faiths, creating social cohesion. The Vijayanagara Empire patronised art, culture, and temples, which fostered loyalty among subjects.
Both kingdoms' ability to adapt and integrate local populations contributed to their resilience.
Explanation
The chapter describes how the Ahom kingdom's paik system called on every able-bodied man to provide service to the state, enabling them to create public infrastructure and maintain forces. At the Battle of Saraighat, Lachit Borphukan led 10,000 men to defeat a Mughal force of 30,000. The chapter notes that Ram Singh, the Mughal general, praised the Ahom warriors' versatility. For Vijayanagara, the chapter mentions that Krishnadevaraya expanded and secured the empire's dominance, achieving both military power and cultural renaissance. The geographical advantages of both regions are highlighted as key factors in their resistance.
Solution Steps
Geographical advantages: Vijayanagara in the Deccan with natural defences; Ahom in the Brahmaputra Valley surrounded by forests, hills, and rivers.
Military organisation: Ahoms used the paik system for manpower and guerrilla tactics; Vijayanagara built a powerful military under rulers like Krishnadevaraya.
Key battle example: Battle of Saraighat (1671) where Ahom forces used terrain knowledge to defeat a larger Mughal army.
Social factors: Ahoms assimilated local culture and promoted agriculture; Vijayanagara patronised art and temples to foster loyalty.
Conclusion: Adaptation and integration of local populations were key to their long-term resilience.