Consider the following statements about cavalry warfare in India : 1. The iron stirrup made it possible for the armoured warrior to sit firmly on horse without falling off. 2. The iron stirrup also allowed a cavalry charge with lances held tightly to the body, without the rider being thrown off by the shock of impact. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The introduction of the iron stirrup revolutionized cavalry warfare in India by providing unprecedented stability to the rider. Before its adoption, horsemen relied solely on leg strength to maintain balance, which limited their combat effectiveness. The stirrup allowed the armored warrior to sit firmly and maintain stability even while maneuvering at high speeds. Crucially, it enabled the 'shock' tactic of a cavalry charge; by bracing their feet in the stirrups, riders could transfer their body weight through the saddle to the horse. This allowed them to deliver powerful strikes with lances held tightly to the body without being thrown off by the force of impact. While earlier civilizations used horned saddles for some stability, the iron stirrup provided the necessary leverage for heavy cavalry to become a decisive force in medieval Indian warfare.