Hemu - Hemu's Army

Hemu's Army

Hemu's army was a result of long process of military development during Sur rule in north India. Michael Bradwin states that Hemu's army was five times superior to the army of Akbar. However, recruitment of Hindus considerably increased during his rule. His army consisted of infantry, cavalry, artillery and large elephants. He had created a formidable force which included generals and soldiers from various castes of Hindus and Muslims which included Rajputs, Afghans, Indian Muslims, Ahirs, Gurjars, Jats, Brahmins, Baniyas etc. His infantry ran on Portuguese lines. Hemu, according to Maulana Muhammed Hussain 'Azad', was very proud of his artillery. The superiority of artillery which the grandfather of Akbar enjoyed over the former's campaigns against the Lodhi ruler, was not seen there in this case. General Ram Chandra (Rammaya), a Brahmin and Shadi Khan Kakkar, the Afghan governor from Sambhal were two of his most noted generals who commanded large forces in the Second Battle of Panipat.