The Qutb Shahi Sultans organised their military system on the model of Bahmani Sultans with minor changes. A strong and efficient army was maintained by the Qutb Shahis. The standing army was under the direct control of the Sultan and was stationed at the capital city. The armies of Golconda Sultans faced strong challenges from contemporary Deccani Sultans, Vijayanagara, and Mughal rulers. The Military Department was headed by Ain-ul-Mulk. The Sultan granted Jagirs to Tarafdars to maintain a fixed number of armed forces. The Qutb Shahi army consisted of Hindus, Muslims, and Iranis. The Qutb Shahis allocated a huge amount from their treasury or revenue to maintain their army. According to one version, during the period of Abdul-Hassan Tanashah, an amount of eight lakhs, eighty-four thousand four hundred and seventy-seven Hons was spent to pay the salaries of the army every year. All the forts were well built and stationed under the control of experienced Fort Commanders. Srilaskhar used to lead the army during campaigns.
