The more we read history, the more we would see the recurring pattern of human psychology and how it expresses itself in form of trickery, deceit, egos and jealousy. The tools of the expression have changed, but the expression continues till date. One such expression is the fabrication of optics of strength in various battles rulers participated in.
In 1296, Alauddin Khilji, the fierce and infernal sultan of Delhi, defeated the Yadavas of Devagiri through a ruse. He had first spread out a rumor that he is invading Devagiri with 20,000 cavalry while his horse strength was just a diminutive 1000. He then used these 1000 horses to create a spectacle of dust storm so that the Yadavas believe the rumor and the eerie consequences of the onslaught of Khilji's army. Thus the optics of a ghost army melted the steel of Yadavas and they surrendered even without a fight.
A few decades later and down south in the Deccan, a similar ruse helped the Bahmani Sultan Ahmad I against his brother Firoz, in an internecine rivalry. He lined up his bullocks behind his few horses to put out an optic that his army is stronger than that of the opponent. Firoz accepted defeat and Ahmad I became the sultan of northern Deccan.
Fast forward a few centuries, and we see that nothing much changed - the battles for power, the trickery, and the reliance on optics of strength. Politicians today use photoshop to show that huge masses attended their rallies, twitter bots to show that their opinions have immense acceptance etc.
Only the tools have changed.
From fake horses, to fake people.
Because if horses brought power in monarchies, people bring power in democracies. And the power seekers will continue to fabricate optics of strength in their pursuit of power.
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