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The Evolution of Artillery in India: A Historical Perspective

Artillery has played a pivotal role in shaping military outcomes throughout history, and India is no exception. The first recorded use of artillery on the subcontinent dates back to 1368 during the Battle of Adoni, where Mohammed Shah Bahamani deployed a formidable array of guns against the Vijayanagar Empire. This battle marked the beginning of a significant chapter in Indian warfare, illustrating the growing importance of artillery on the battlefield.

Fast forward to 1526, and we witness a monumental moment in Indian military history at the First Battle of Panipat. Here, Babur’s cannons were instrumental in crushing Ibrahim Lodhi’s forces decisively. This victory not only solidified Babur’s position but also underscored the effectiveness of artillery in warfare, a trend that would flourish under subsequent rulers.

During the Mughal era, artillery received considerable attention and resources, with emperors investing in advanced cannon technology. Similarly, down south, Tipu Sultan embraced artillery as a vital component of his military strategy. He is known for pioneering India’s first gun-location efforts during the BattleOfKittur, foreshadowing the modern practices of Surveillance & Target Acquisition we see today.

The landscape of Indian artillery changed significantly after the 1857 rebellion. Most Indian artillery units were disbanded, but mountain batteries were preserved, proving their worth during campaigns on the North West Frontier and in the Afghan Wars. In 1923, the establishment of the School of Artillery in Kabul marked a renewed emphasis on artillery training. This was followed by the opening of training centres in Dehradun, Lucknow, Ambala, and Mathura, which set the groundwork for modern artillery education in India.

A significant milestone in this journey came in 1925 with the inception of the modern Indian SATA Gunner, initiated by “The Nine Originals” under Captain E.B. Culverwell at the Kakul School of Artillery. By 1942, this small cohort had evolved into the 1st Indian Survey Regiment, marking a crucial step in the development of Indian gunners.

Notably, only three Indians were first commissioned into artillery from Woolwich—Prem Singh Gyani, P.P. Kumaramangalam, and A.S. Kalha—who joined the A Field Brigade in 1935 at Bengaluru. Their contributions opened doors for future generations and highlighted the importance of Indian talent in the artillery domain. Meanwhile, the legacy of the Bombay Mountain Battery (established in 1827) continues to be commemorated during #GunnersDay, celebrating the rich history and contributions of artillerymen in India.
As we reflect on this fascinating evolution of artillery in India, it is evident that the integration of technology and strategic innovation has forged a legacy that resonates in modern military practices. The story of Indian artillery is not just about the weapons themselves, but about the resilience, adaptation, and ingenuity of those who wielded them.

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