The Position of Indian Elephant in Ghaznavids’ Army Deployment

Elephants’ use dates back to ancient times. As one the after-Islamic dynasties Ghaznavid could take advantage of this animal as one of the pillars of their militarism in the extraterritorial and intra-territorial battles due to their numerous army deployments along the Indian borders. The present study aimed to investigate the militaristic properties of the war elephant in Ghaznavids’ army through a descriptive-analytical method. The elaboration and explication of the position and function of elephant in Ghaznavids’ army deployment is the most important issue of this article. The question is “which of this animal’s militaristic properties were employed by Ghaznavid army and what have been the strengths and weaknesses of using them in the army deployments?”The present study’s findings indicated that the creation of terror and dread, disintegration of the enemy’s army lines, treading of the soldiers, supporting friendlies, carriage of weapons and troopers and destruction of the enemy army’s fortifications have been the most important strengths of this animal. Being hit by an arrow, damage to the trunk and stampeding have been amongst the most distinct weaknesses of this animal in the course of the combats. It has been so that the supply of food and water, taking care and even providing a shelter for them have been amongst the most substantial problems for elephant-keeping.