Short Answer

Alauddin Khalji strengthened his military to protect his empire and expand his rule. He built a large, well-organized army and introduced new systems to improve discipline and efficiency.

His main steps included branding horses (dagh), keeping records of soldiers (chehra), paying regular salaries, and maintaining strict control over the army. These measures made his military strong and reliable.

Detailed Explanation:

Strengthening of Military by Alauddin Khalji

Creation of a Large Standing Army

One of the most important steps taken by Alauddin Khalji was the creation of a large standing army. He maintained a permanent army instead of depending only on temporary soldiers.

This army was always ready to defend the empire from attacks, especially from the Mongols. A strong standing army also helped him in expanding his territories.

Dagh System

Alauddin Khalji introduced the “dagh” system, which means branding of horses. Under this system, horses were marked with a special symbol of the state.

This helped in preventing corruption, as soldiers could not replace good horses with weak ones. It ensured that the army had strong and capable horses for battle.

Chehra System

Another important reform was the “chehra” system. In this system, detailed records of soldiers were maintained.

Information such as the name, appearance, and details of each soldier were recorded. This helped in identifying soldiers and prevented fake entries in the army.

Regular Payment of Salaries

Alauddin Khalji ensured that soldiers were paid regular salaries in cash. This made the soldiers loyal and motivated.

Since he had introduced market reforms to control prices, soldiers could live comfortably even with fixed salaries. This system helped in maintaining a strong and satisfied army.

Strict Discipline

Discipline was very important in Alauddin Khalji’s army. He enforced strict rules and regulations for soldiers.

Any act of disobedience or corruption was punished severely. This created a disciplined and efficient military force.

Strong Spy System

Alauddin Khalji also used a powerful spy system to keep an eye on his army. Spies reported any misconduct or conspiracy within the military.

This helped him take quick action against problems and maintain control over the army.

Fortification and Defense

He strengthened the defense system by building forts and improving border security. Special attention was given to the north-western frontiers to protect against Mongol invasions.

Strong defenses helped in preventing enemy attacks and maintaining the safety of the empire.

Control over Nobles and Commanders

Alauddin Khalji kept strict control over military commanders and nobles. He did not allow them to become too powerful.

This prevented rebellions and ensured that the army remained loyal to the Sultan.

Use of Military for Expansion

His strong army helped him in conquering many regions in India. He expanded his empire into Gujarat, Rajasthan, and the Deccan.

The efficiency and strength of his military played a key role in his success as a ruler.

Conclusion

Alauddin Khalji strengthened his military through various reforms such as the dagh and chehra systems, regular salaries, and strict discipline. His strong army helped him protect his empire and expand his rule. These measures made his military one of the most powerful in medieval India.