Toradar

The toradar (Hindi: तोरादार, Persian: تورادار, Punjabi: ਤੋਰਾਦਾਰ) was a type of matchlock musket that played a pivotal role in shaping the military landscape of South Asia, particularly within the Mughal Empire, from the 16th to the mid-19th century. This firearm gained widespread recognition for its simple yet remarkably effective design, exceptional reliability across diverse environmental conditions, and its enduring popularity among Indian forces long after more technologically advanced firearms had been introduced elsewhere. The toradar's widespread adoption and enduring popularity across South Asia can be largely attributed to its economic and practical advantages in production. This matchlock musket's design was particularly well-suited to the existing skills and resources of local craftsmen, making it an ideal firearm for widespread manufacture throughout the region.

This toradar is probably used for hunting. The decoration on the stock shows various animal figures e.g. buffaloes, panthers, etc.

History of Muskets and Firearms in South Asia

Early Adoptions

Bahmani Sultanate and Vijayanagara Empire

The introduction of firearms to the Indian subcontinent can be traced back to the 14th century, with the Bahmani Sultanate and the Vijayanagara Empire being among the earliest adopters.

First Battle of Adoni (1366)

One of the earliest recorded uses of firearms in South Asian warfare occurred during the First Battle of Adoni in 1366. This conflict, between the Bahmani Sultanate and the Vijayanagara Empire, marked a significant moment in military history. The Bahmani forces, under Muhammad Shah I, employed primitive firearms alongside traditional weapons.

Vijayanagara's Adaptation

The Vijayanagara Empire quickly adapted to this new technology. By the early 15th century, Vijayanagara had established a corps of matchlock-wielding infantry, integrating this new technology into their existing military structure.

Portuguese Influence

The arrival of the Portuguese in India at the turn of the 16th century marked a significant escalation in firearm technology and availability in South Asia.

Vasco da Gama's Arrival (1498)

When Vasco da Gama reached Calicut in 1498, his ships were equipped with advanced artillery. This demonstration of firepower made a strong impression on local rulers and accelerated the adoption of firearms across the region.

Establishment of Goa (1510)

The Portuguese establishment of Goa as their base in 1510 led to the introduction of more advanced European firearms and artillery. Portuguese gunsmiths and artisans began to work with local craftsmen, leading to a fusion of European and Indian gunsmithing techniques.

Technology Transfer

While the Portuguese initially tried to maintain a monopoly on firearm technology, knowledge and skills inevitably spread. Indian craftsmen, particularly in coastal regions, began to replicate and improve upon European designs.

Widespread Adoption: Post-First Battle of Panipat

The true proliferation of firearms across South Asia came in the wake of the First Battle of Panipat in 1526.

First Battle of Panipat (1526)

This pivotal battle, which saw Babur defeat the Delhi Sultanate's Ibrahim Lodi, demonstrated the decisive role firearms could play in warfare. Babur's use of artillery and matchlock muskets, combined with innovative tactics, proved superior to the traditional warfare methods employed by Lodi's forces.

Mughal Empire's Embrace of Firearms

Following his victory, Babur established the Mughal Empire, which would become a major force in the promotion and development of firearm technology in South Asia.

• Akbar's Innovations: Emperor Akbar (r. 1556-1605) was particularly interested in firearms. He established imperial workshops for gun production and actively recruited skilled gunsmiths from various regions.
• Standardization: The Mughals worked towards standardizing firearm production, improving quality and reliability.
• Integration into Military Structure: Firearms became an integral part of the Mughal military, with specialized units of musketeers (banduqchi) being formed.

Spread to Other Indian States

The success of the Mughals prompted other Indian states to adopt firearms more widely:

• Rajput States: Initially resistant to firearms, Rajput kingdoms gradually incorporated them into their armies, especially after repeated defeats by the Mughals.
• Deccan Sultanates: States like Bijapur and Golconda became major centers of firearm production and innovation.
• Maratha Empire: Under leaders like Shivaji, the Marathas effectively combined traditional guerrilla tactics with the use of firearms.

Indigenous Production and Innovation

By the mid-16th century, several regions in India had become centers of firearm production:

• Gujarat: Renowned for producing high-quality matchlocks.
• Lahore: Became famous for its cannon foundries.
• Bidar: Known for its bidri-work decorated firearms.

Indian gunsmiths began to innovate, creating designs suited to local conditions and warfare styles. The 'toradar', a distinctly Indian matchlock musket, emerged during this period.

Technological Developments

As firearms became more widespread, technological improvements followed:

• Improved Ignition Systems: The transition from matchlocks to more reliable flintlocks began in the late 17th century, though matchlocks remained common well into the 19th century in many parts of India.
• Barrel Manufacturing: Indian metalworkers developed techniques for creating strong, accurate gun barrels.
• Ammunition: Local production of gunpowder and shot became widespread, with some regions developing unique formulations.

Cultural Impact

The proliferation of firearms had significant cultural impacts:

• Changes in Warfare: Traditional concepts of chivalry and individual combat were gradually replaced by more impersonal, firearm-based warfare.
• Social Changes: The ability to produce and use firearms became a source of power and prestige.
• Artistic Representation: Firearms began to appear in Indian art and literature, reflecting their growing importance.

See also

• Military history of India
• Gunpowder warfare
• History of gunpowder

Further reading

• Iqtidar Alam Khan. "Gunpowder and Firearms: Warfare in Medieval India". Oxford University Press, 2004.
• Jos Gommans. "Mughal Warfare: Indian Frontiers and Highroads to Empire, 1500–1700". Routledge, 2002.

Toradar matchlock remained to be the preferred firearms mechanism well until about 1830. Part of the reason why the matchlocks were still more popular than the wheellocks and flintlocks was because the matchlocks were easier and cheaper to produce. Toradar was sometimes used as a hunting gun.

Description

A toradar is basically an Indian matchlock. They were found mostly in the Mughal-influenced Northern and Central India. Two types of toradar exist: one has a very slim, from 3 feet (91 cm) to 6 feet (180 cm) long, straight stock with pentagonal-shaped section, and a light barrel; the other type is always between 5 feet (150 cm) to 6 feet (180 cm) long, has a curved stock with diamond-shaped section and a very heavy barrel, much enlarged at the breech. Both have the regular Indian type of lock, which is covered with a pan cover that usually swings on a pin. The iron side plates which reinforce each side of the stock extend for some distance on each side of the lock.

The barrel is usually fastened to the stock by wire band or leather thongs which frequently pass over silver saddles on the barrel. The rear sight of the first type have ogival shape, or an open V, while the second usually has a very large open rear sight. Both types' muzzles are generally fastened with moulded ring. The front sight are made very long so as to show above them. This front sights were often shaped into figurative forms e.g. the nose of a man, or shaped like tiger's head. Some toradar have square-shaped barrel, even with square bores. Both types generally have a clevis for a sling strap and some have two.

Compared with the European matchlocks, the stock of a toradar has a more simple shape than the fish-tail shaped butt of the European matchlock. The stock is also too small to be placed against the shoulder, so the Indian toradar were normally held beneath the arm.

A toradar used for sporting gun had painting of hunting figures, e.g. birds, other animals, and landscapes.

Artistic decoration and depiction

A Rajasthani Toradar with paintings of flowers.

Officer of the Mughal Army with large Matchlock during Akbar's reign

Decoration of a toradar reflects the local culture where the toradar is created. For the toradar, craftsmen produced some very complex ornate art from ivory bone or precious metal inlays on the barrels and the stocks. 16th century paintings, especially in the paintings during Mughal emperor Akbar's time, depict a few soldiers using matchlocks. Akbar's reign saw the rise of the tufang. Up to the middle of the 18th century, the weapon was looked on with less favour than the bow and arrow. 17th century Mughal emperor Shah Jahan was depicted holding a matchlock with floral decoration. A toradar from 18th-century Mysore, in the southern Indian state of Karnataka is exquisitely decorated with incised flowers and foliage. The decorations are entirely gilded. The incised side plates are made of iron. Animal figures are thoroughly represented in the toradar; the match holder of toradar usually has a serpentine naga-like shape, figures of tiger are impressed in the trigger of the Mysore toradar. A 19th-century toradar from Narwar has a tiger's head shaped around the muzzle.

Cited works

• Blair, Claude (1979). Enciclopedia ragionata delle armi. Milano: Arnoldo Mondadori Editore.
• Gahir, Sunita; Spencer, Sharon, eds. (2006). Weapon - A Visual History of Arms and Armor. New York City: DK Publishing. ISBN 9780756622107.
• Richards, J.F. (1995). The Mughal Empire. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 9780521566032.
• Stone, George Cameron (2013). A Glossary of the Construction, Decoration and Use of Arms and Armor: in All Countries and in All Times. Dover: Courier Corporation. ISBN 9780486131290.