The winter season created problems for the Mughal Sultanate in many ways.
Of course the Mughals came from Central Asia but the climate of India troubled the Mughals. Be it summer or winter here. However, fog and cold increased the difficulties the most. The winter of North India was known for its severe cold even at that time. Especially Punjab, Delhi, Agra and Lahore areas were more affected by fog. Due to less water during that period, the Mughals had to change their routes. Difficulties had to be faced for the movement of the army, delivery of supplies and for elephants and horses to cross the road. Mist and fog prevented them from moving forward.
This also created difficulties in keeping an eye on the enemies and increased the risk of ambush. The short days and nights limited the time for military activities.
Long distance travel and increasing problems of ration
Elephants, horses and camels were considered very important parts of the Mughal army. Cold winds increased their problems. The risk of illness or death increased during long distance journeys. Many battles either ended before winter or winter campaigns were conducted so that the threats could be controlled.
Agra Fort.
The winter season also created obstacles in the supply of ration. Winters created difficulties for the logistics system of such a large sultanate. The difficulty for the Mughals also increased because in North India this was the season of sowing of wheat and Rabi crops. In those times, if excess or forced supplies were taken from the farmers, there was a possibility of dissatisfaction. Efforts were made to ensure their storage before winter.
Soldiers need relief
During the Mughal era, the use of fire was necessary not only for cooking food but also to protect the soldiers from the cold. The labor of cutting wood from trees was increased and transporting it to the Sultanate through animals was not an easy task in itself. Be it a soldier or a senior official of the Sultanate, the demand for warm clothes, quilts, blankets and tents increased.
The help of the royal factories of Delhi, Agra and Lahore was taken for winter-protecting clothes and bedding. From here, woolen clothes, pashmina and fur jackets were made for the officials of the Mughal Sultanate who held high positions. Their cost was also high.
The strategy was made considering the weather
Be it Mughal or any other Sultanate, there was a possibility of attacks due to weather. This was the reason why the Mughals’ opponents, the Rajputs, Afghans, Marathas and Sultans of Deccan, used to make strategies keeping the weather in mind. Thick walls to prevent cold air in the fort. There were arrangements for lighting fires at various places. People in high positions in the palace easily got direct benefits from it, while the struggle increased for the soldiers outside.
limited services of doctors
During the Mughal era, the services of natural medicines and doctors were limited. Pneumonia, fever and respiratory diseases increased the problems of the soldiers. The morale of the army fell when soldiers became ill or died during long distance campaigns. A similar situation used to arise especially in Kashmir, Afghanistan border, hilly areas and the routes leading to Deccan. In winter, the strong cold winds in the mountains, the danger of snow, slip, and landslides worked to demoralize the army.This was the reason why winter brought many problems for the Mughals compared to summer.
Also read: The finance minister of the Mughals who came from the enemy’s court, made Akbar rich.