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Chapter 60: War Machine Of Mughal Empire
After the formation of the Bharatiya Institute of Science, a large building was commissioned to be built in Bengaluru. Vijay had plans to move the capital of Vijayanagara to Bengaluru since the formation of the imperial council, with the aim of making it the financial, political, educational, and cultural capital of the empire.
Currently, the architect is busy developing plans for the building of the Bharatiya Institute of Sciences. However, as Vijay reviewed the plans, he found that he didn't particularly like any of them. Coming from the future, he had different tastes compared to the people of this era. He preferred a more minimalistic approach to architecture rather than the complex and grandiose designs popular in his time. Nevertheless, he held immense respect for the craftsmen working on these pieces of art that lasted thousands of years.
In an effort to find a compromise, Vijay selected the building he liked the most from the future era, which also matched the style of the Research Institute he was about to build. After a few moments of contemplation, he made his choice. He took a canvas and drew the design of Vidhan Soudha of Bengaluru on it. He had always appreciated the majestic yet simplistic design of Vidhan Soudha during his time in ISRO. In his past life, it was a 500,000-square-meter megastructure designed by the renowned Indian architect Kengal Hanumanthaiya. The Vidhan Soudha served as the legislative house of Karnataka and was constructed in 1956 in the neo-Dravidian style.
Vijay took a similar approach to the design of the Bharatiya Institute of Sciences. He incorporated three Dome's into the structure, similar to the original design of the Vidhan Soudha. However, he replaced the emblem of India on the main dome with the symbol of Tilak, which represents the blessing of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Additionally, he added the emblems of Shanku and Chakra to the left and right domes respectively. The rest of the design planning was entrusted to the architect and the artist to develop further.
In the nearest School, the architects were engaged in discussions about various types of experiments that could be conducted. They had temporarily settled there while waiting for the new building to be constructed. Despite the temporary arrangement, the excitement was palpable, as everyone had a multitude of bright ideas on how to explore the world in new and innovative ways.
Some were discussing methods to improve iron production, while others were focused on experimenting with medicines and studying animals. There were even some enthusiasts who delved into discussions about the possibility of flight. It was safe to say that Vijay had ignited a passion for research by sowing the seeds of knowledge about experimentation.
Aghra, Mughal Empire:
The happiness was not only evident in the Vijayanagara Empire but also in the Mughal Empire. However, the happiness in Vijayanagara was destined to be short-lived, as there were undercurrents surging throughout the Mughal Empire.
In the royal palace of Agra, Emperor Muhammad the Fifth sat on his throne, contemplating matters of the Empire while stroking his chin. His contemplation, However, was soon interrupted by the arrival of an elderly man. This old man had a lean figure, appearing to be in his sixties. He wore red pyjama-style pants and a yellow jama. He walked with steady steps, supporting himself with a walking cane. At first glance, his face seemed kind, like that of a grandfather. However, his eyes told a different story – they were the eyes of a master strategist and schemer.
"What is it, Mustafa?" Mohammed, the emperor, asked in annoyance as his thoughts had been disturbed by the arrival of the old Prime Minister of the Mughal Empire.
"Your Majesty, I have very good news to deliver," Mustafa said with a jovial expression.
Mohammed was intrigued by those words, as Mustafa was very busy in normal times. Since he came to bring him news personally, it had to be either very good or terrible news. So he asked, "Oh, and what is the good news you are so happy about?"
"Your Highness, it's like this. We have finally completed the integration of this vast land and its resources. The rebellions have been reduced to a standstill, and all the rebels were eliminated by our might. Even the land and its people have been integrated, and we have spread our culture to every town in the empire. Along with the demolition of those blasphemous praying halls, we are awaiting Your Highness's order to increase taxes on the Hindus. With this, we will be able to convert most of these untouchables to the grace of Allah," Mustafa said with fervour.
*clap, clap*
Listening to the news, Mohammad clapped his hands with excitement, as he had been waiting for the integration to be complete for ages. He quickly inquired with eagerness, "So, what is the current status of my Empire?"
"Your Majesty, we currently cover a land area of around 3 million square kilometres with a population of approximately 100 million people. We have discovered that at least 700,000 square kilometres of this land area are very fertile and can grow multiple types of crops. Every inch of land in this Empire is like gold. Although the people here believe in some demonic devils, I have to say, that their craftsmanship is first-class, even compared to the Ottoman Empire or the Ming Dynasty. We could use this labour force to quickly build monuments of huge scale to please the great Allah."
"Moreover, we found at least 150 tons' worth of gold in coins and several ancient antiques, which could fetch a huge price with those white men."
Mohammed was very satisfied with Mustafa's response and excited about all the treasures of this land. He was eager to expand his empire again now that the integration had been completed.
"How about our military strength? When will the army be ready?"
Mustafa answered, "Your Highness, currently we have 400,000 infantry, 60,000 cavalry, 20,000 artillerymen, and the rest in logistical supplies. These armies are ready to move any time you wish, and with the help of the new cannon technology we've developed, we can blitz through any kingdom. If more soldiers are needed, we can train a new batch in a few months, formed of those untouchables. Although their combat effectiveness is low, they are cheap to raise, requiring only food and nothing else."
Mohammed was very pleased with the numbers and the strength of his army. As for the natives' lives, he didn't care at all.
"Very good, Call the general and arrange for a 200,000-strong army to march towards the Maratha Kingdom. Let's squash that small bug in our west first."
Mustafa was confused by the Emperor's order and inquired with doubt, "Your Highness, shouldn't it be the Vijayanagara Empire to the south? That Empire is growing stronger day by day, and I have an uneasy feeling about it. Moreover, I suspect that most of the gold on this land comes from the Vijayanagara Empire, as most of the gold we have confiscated had markings from Vijayanagara."
Mohammed's face contorted with greed upon hearing the question, which only intensified his desire to attack the Maratha Empire first. He had seen the daughter of the Maratha king on his secret visits through the empire, and upon seeing her, he had fallen in love. Unable to bear it any longer, he had even sent a marriage proposal to take the Princess of the Maratha Kingdom as his concubine, but the Maratha king had rudely rejected him and married off his daughter to the emperor of the Vijayanagara Empire. This humiliation had caused him to lose face in front of his family members. So, first, he wanted to annihilate that small Maratha Kingdom and then toy with the Vijayanagara Empire later.
However, all of these thoughts remained internal as Mohammed scolded Mustafa with a stern face, "Do as I said, Mustafa. Don't ask any questions, or your tongue will roll on the ground. Understand?"
Mustafa was terrified by his slip of the tongue and quickly knelt down, throwing his cane aside to apologize.
Soon, the spies in the Mughal Empire picked up on the unusual military actions, and the news reached Vijayanagara at the fastest speed. Roshan, who received the news, felt a cold sweat break out on his back. He personally sealed the information in a red secret letter and left to deliver the letter to the Emperor.