What was a munjaniin medieval period?

In the medieval period, a 'munjaniq' (also spelled munjani or manjaniq) was a type of catapult or siege engine used for hurling heavy stones or projectiles at enemy fortifications. These mechanical devices were essential for conducting sieges before the widespread adoption of gunpowder-based artillery. While the provided snippets discuss the later use of cannons and firearms in India, noting that artillery was not common before Babur , historical records from the Delhi Sultanate period confirm that munjaniqs were frequently employed by rulers like Alauddin Khalji during his various sieges. These engines operated on the principle of a counterweight or tension to launch missiles, distinguishing them from the later 'cannon' which utilized gunpowder [1]. The munjaniq was a precursor to modern artillery, serving as the primary heavy weapon for breaching fort walls during medieval warfare.

Sources

1. [1] Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science, Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 2: Reshaping India’s Political Map > The Mughals > p. 36