Concept notes: The use of artillery in the Indian subcontinent marked a significant shift in military technology and tactics. The conflict between the Bahamani Sultanate and the Vijayanagara Empire was one of the first instances where artillery was employed, changing the dynamics of warfare. The Tungabhadra Doab, a region between the Tungabhadra and Krishna rivers, was a contested area between these two powers, but the struggle for this region had historical precedence.
Explanation: The history of the Indian subcontinent is rich with military conflicts and technological advancements that have shaped the region's political and cultural landscape. One such significant development was the introduction of artillery in warfare, which occurred during the conflict between the Bahamani Sultanate and the Vijayanagara Empire.
The Bahamani Sultanate, a Muslim state in the Deccan region of India, and the Vijayanagara Empire, a Hindu kingdom in South India, were two powerful entities that often found themselves at odds over territorial control. The Tungabhadra Doab, a fertile region between the Tungabhadra and Krishna rivers, was a key area of contention due to its agricultural wealth and strategic importance.
The first use of artillery in the Indian subcontinent is attributed to this conflict. The introduction of artillery marked a significant shift in military tactics, as it provided a new means of siege warfare and battlefield dominance. The use of cannons and other artillery pieces allowed for more effective sieges of fortified cities and castles, changing the nature of warfare in the region.
However, the struggle for the Tungabhadra Doab was not unique to the Bahamani-Vijayanagara conflict. The region had been a focal point of conflict for many years prior, with various kingdoms and empires vying for control over its fertile lands and strategic importance. The region's history of conflict predates the Bahamani-Vijayanagara conflict, indicating that the struggle for the Tungabhadra Doab had historical precedence.
In conclusion, the first statement is correct as the use of artillery in the Indian subcontinent was indeed first seen in the conflict between the Bahamani Sultanate and the Vijayanagara Empire. The second statement is incorrect, as the struggle for the Tungabhadra Doab had historical precedence and was not unique to this conflict. Therefore, the correct answer is (A) 1 only.