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How did the Mughal and Ottoman military systems differ from one another- What was the policy behind each administrations choice of a military system?

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User Avhi
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The Mughal and Ottoman empires were two of the most powerful and influential empires in history, and their military systems played a key role in their success. While there were some similarities between the two systems, there were also some significant differences.

The Ottoman military system was highly centralized and bureaucratic. The sultan, who was both the political and military leader of the empire, had direct control over the military, and all soldiers were ultimately loyal to him. The Ottomans relied heavily on the use of Janissaries, a corps of elite soldiers who were trained from a young age and were highly disciplined and loyal to the sultan. The Janissaries were supported by a large standing army, which was composed of soldiers from all parts of the empire.

In contrast, the Mughal military system was more decentralized and relied more heavily on local rulers and nobles to provide troops and resources for the military. The Mughals had a large standing army, but it was not as centralized or as highly disciplined as the Ottoman military. Instead, local rulers and nobles were given significant autonomy in how they raised and commanded their troops.

The policy behind each administration's choice of a military system was based on their respective geopolitical situations. The Ottomans were facing constant threats from their neighbors and had to maintain a strong, centralized military to protect their borders and maintain control over their vast empire. The Mughals, on the other hand, faced more internal threats from local rulers and nobles who often rebelled against imperial authority. To manage these threats, the Mughals relied on a more decentralized military system that gave local rulers and nobles a vested interest in the success of the empire.

Overall, while both the Ottoman and Mughal military systems were effective in their own ways, they reflected the unique geopolitical circumstances and strategic considerations of each empire.
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User Matthew Slattery
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