What is Gunpowder: The Begining of Gunpowder Journey in History

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“In the medieval Indian subcontinent, conflicts and battles were a regular occurrence. Indian, Afghan, and Mongol soldiers clashed with swords and shields in hand. The power of strong metal swords resonated in the history of the Indian subcontinent. The pages of the war chronicles turned, and one war followed another, playing a significant role in shaping the history and civilization of the Indian subcontinent.

The battles of Tarain, the three battles of Panipat, the Battle of Khanwa, the Battle of Plassey, and the Battle of Buxar, among other major conflicts, have repeatedly altered the political landscape of the subcontinent. At one point, war instruments like swords, shields, spears, and bows defined warfare. Soldiers fought on elephants or horses, marching into battles on foot. However, an exceptional event occurred.

In the first Battle of Panipat, Babur, the Mughal warrior, faced off against Ibrahim Lodhi. Lodhi’s forces, armed with swords, shields, and archers, were superior in every aspect. Yet, despite having a fivefold larger army, the Mughals suffered defeat at the hands of Lodhi.

What mystical force led to the downfall of Lodhi’s army when the Mughals had no significant advantage? The answer lies in gunpowder. With the help of a destructive magical substance known as gunpowder, a new era dawned in the history of the Indian subcontinent — the era of the Mughal Empire. In various ages and in different countries, gunpowder has played a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of civilizations.”

“The use of gunpowder turns the tide in the Battle of Panipat.”

The Search for Immortality:

In words, it is said, ‘Necessity is the mother of invention.’ While this statement holds true in many cases, when it comes to the discovery of gunpowder, I present it to the readers for consideration. Because the discovery of gunpowder happened without any perceived necessity.

The extraordinary story begins in ancient Cathay (present-day China). In the year 156 BCE, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty ruled over China. He instructed his alchemists to find a path to immortality. Following the emperor’s orders, they began their research. After days and nights of experimentation, they stumbled upon a chemical compound made by mixing sulfur and potassium nitrate.

This substance had the explosive power to destroy everything in its vicinity. They thought, ‘Let’s show something swift and powerful in the path to immortality!’ With this idea in mind, they kept this formula close to them. However, slowly they realized that what they had discovered could not be a path to immortality.

If used carelessly, it could lead to destruction and death. Eventually, they understood that what they had discovered could never be a path to immortality. Instead, if misused, it could lead straight to the realm of death.

“Gunpowder was discovered by Chinese alchemists.”

Ancient Gunpowder Manufacturing System:

In the year 300 BCE, a Chinese scientist named Ge Hong documented the explosive gunpowder preparation method in that era. He created it by combining sulfur, saltpeter, and charcoal. During that time, the Chinese produced saltpeter through a special method involving animal dung.

When ignited, gunpowder rapidly releases gas, expanding its volume significantly. As a result, a large explosion occurs swiftly.”

“The correct mixture of gunpowder was unknown to the Chinese”

In the early days, the Chinese used this gunpowder to create fireworks in the sky. Through this, they would pray to ward off evil spirits. It is believed that modern fireworks originated from this Chinese practice.

Initially, they were not aware of the correct proportions and ratios in the mixture for making gunpowder. Therefore, its use was limited during ceremonies. In some instances, however, gunpowder was directed towards enemies, tearing cloth and causing harm in certain cases.

Gunpowder Revolution in China:

Around the 7th century, scientists in the Tang Dynasty began creating gunpowder by mixing elements in the correct proportions. During special occasions in the emperor’s reign, gunpowder was used to launch fireworks. The idea that using gunpowder could lead to victory in war gradually took hold, shaping the Chinese mindset for another two hundred years.

In 904, the Chinese, with the aid of gunpowder, created rockets made of bamboo. When ignited, these rockets swiftly moved towards the enemy.

Additionally, they discovered a simple form of gun, combining stones with gunpowder through a bamboo tube. This marked the invention of a small-scale firearm.

Chinese using gunpowder have been winning one war after another. The Chinese emperors made great efforts to ensure that the secret of gunpowder did not fall into the hands of the rest of the world. However, towards the end of the 11th century, the use of gunpowder spread beyond China’s borders.

Fire-Breathing Gift:

The Chinese used gunpowder in wars against the Mongols. The destructive nature of this weapon fascinated the Mongols, prompting them to seek the secrets of this lethal tool. After several years of research, Mongol scientists successfully unraveled the mystery of gunpowder.

Essentially, the Mongols’ discovery of this technique later spread worldwide. In the 13th century, Chinese gunpowder, facilitated by the famous Silk Road through India and the Middle East, reached the lands of Europe via the Mediterranean coast.

There is debate over who and for what purpose gunpowder was brought to Europe. According to many, during the time of the Third Crusade, warriors returning to Europe imported gunpowder. Upon returning home, they depicted gunpowder as a demonic breath, viewing it as an otherworldly force.

According to another view, gunpowder was brought to Europe for mining purposes, breaking rocks and building roads. In the 17th century, gunpowder was not used in European wars. The use of gunpowder for breaking mountains continued until the invention of dynamite in the 19th century.

However, there is still uncertainty about whether this description is accurate. Behind the importation of gunpowder to Europe, the name of one person has consistently emerged. He is William of Rubruck. He was an envoy of the Mongol court. With his assistance, the gunpowder production technique was transmitted from the Mongol court to Europeans.

Gunpowder in Arab Lands:

Around the 12th century, various manuscripts found in Arab countries provide information about the gunpowder production process. Gunpowder was known to the Arabs as “Chinese snow.” It is believed that gunpowder reached the Arabs through the Silk Road during the medieval period of smuggling.

In the 14th century, Arabs used gunpowder to create hand cannons. Although the use of gunpowder in weaponry brought revolution, they did not achieve great expertise in firearms until the 14th century. In the 15th century, the Arabs used gunpowder to make bows for war against the enemy.

Second Generation of Gunpowder:

At one point, Europeans noticed some flaws in the use of gunpowder, especially the rapid ignition of the gunpowder and the excessive pressure it created on the weapon. Therefore, in the 15th century, Europeans produced slightly larger-grained gunpowder.

It was observed that controlling the size of the gunpowder grains could regulate its combustibility. This discovery made the use of gunpowder in weapons more manageable. Initially, gunpowder was mainly used in the pockets of crossbows.

Despite the revolution in the use of firearms, in the 15th century, Europeans had not yet achieved the skill to use gunpowder extensively. The use of gunpowder was limited in firearms during this period. In some cases, gunpowder explosions occurred, causing fabric covering the gun to tear apart, posing a risk to the shooter.

For so long, several European countries, including Germany and France, have gained fame as advanced gunpowder manufacturers. This advanced gunpowder became the focus of international trade, leading to the beginning of commerce across the Atlantic shores, reaching the soil of the United States.

After Europe, the next evolution of gunpowder was initiated by an American soldier. A soldier named Thomas Rodman developed a type of gunpowder that showed several times more increase in its explosive power compared to the earlier versions. Over time, gunpowder, with its enduring mysteries, has been instrumental in transforming the concept of warfare.

Gunpowder commerce has played a significant role in reaching the United States through the Atlantic trade route, following its development in Europe. The subsequent versions of gunpowder in Europe were further refined by an American soldier named Thomas Rodman, who achieved significant improvement in its incendiary properties.

Innovations in gunpowder have been ongoing, contributing to the continuous evolution of warfare strategies in various military forces around the world. The use of gunpowder has seen revolutionary changes in military tactics, with its adaptation and improvement being a constant theme throughout history.

In the realm of military operations, the skillful use of gunpowder has been demonstrated by various renowned military leaders. Notable generals have achieved victories in battles using the expertise of their gunners.

General Patton, a prominent military leader during the Second World War, notably utilized gunpowder-based artillery to secure victories for his forces. His words about the effectiveness of his artillery units in battle echo his success: “Who won the war? Tell them it was the gunners!” This signifies the crucial role that gunpowder and artillery played in shaping the outcome of significant conflicts.

Gunpowder’s journey through history reflects its gradual integration into warfare, constantly influencing and shaping military strategies and tactics. Its application in artillery and military operations has evolved over time, leaving an indelible mark on the nature of warfare across different eras and regions.

The continuous advancement and refinement of gunpowder technology have been pivotal in the development of military capabilities and the overall trajectory of human conflict.

The gradual discovery of gunpowder’s enduring mysteries has continued to reshape the concept of warfare. Revolutionary changes have been observed in military forces worldwide as they adapt to the evolving nature of gunpowder.

Substantial transformations have taken place within military forces in various countries, reflecting ongoing advancements in gunpowder technology. The use of skilled artillery units has been particularly effective in achieving victories on the battlefield.

Among the renowned military leaders who demonstrated expertise in the use of gunpowder, General Patton stands out, especially during the Second World War. His acknowledgement of the effectiveness of his artillery units is encapsulated in the statement:

Who won the war? Tell them it was the gunners!” This underscores the pivotal role that gunpowder and artillery played in determining the outcome of significant conflicts.

The discovery of gunpowder’s enduring qualities has led to continuous innovation, influencing warfare throughout history. Its integration into military strategies has been a driving force behind the adaptability and success of armed forces.

The impact of gunpowder on the trajectory of human conflict remains a testament to its significance in shaping the course of history.

The use of gunpowder in warfare has undergone a gradual evolution, impacting not only military tactics but also the overall landscape of international relations.

The ongoing advancements in gunpowder technology have played a crucial role in shaping military capabilities and contributing to the development of human conflict. The journey of gunpowder through history reflects its transformative influence on warfare, leaving an indelible mark on the nature of armed conflicts across different eras and regions.

Source: Quora