Why did kingdoms like the Vijayanagara Empire and the Ahom Kingdom manage to resist conquest Class 8

Why did kingdoms like the Vijayanagara Empire and the Ahom Kingdom manage to resist conquest Class 8

Why did kingdoms like the Vijayanagara Empire and the Ahom Kingdom manage to resist conquest for a longer time compared to others? What geographical, military, and social factors contributed to their success? Class 8

Answer:

Kingdoms like the Vijayanagara Empire and the Ahom Kingdom were able to resist conquest for a longer time due to a mix of geographical advantages, strong military tactics, and social unity. The Vijayanagara Empire benefited from the natural protection of Hampi's rocky and hilly terrain, which made it hard for enemies to attack. Under rulers like Krishnadevaraya, they built a strong army and maintained unity through support for religion and culture, especially by building temples and encouraging literature.

On the other hand, the Ahom Kingdom in Assam used its dense forests, rivers, and hills to its advantage. They relied on guerrilla tactics and deep knowledge of the land to defeat larger invading forces, as seen in the famous Battle of Saraighat in 1671. Their paik system also helped build a flexible army by requiring every man to serve when needed. Both kingdoms had strong local support, which gave them social strength and stability. So, their geography, clever military planning, and strong community bonds helped them stay independent for longer than many others.