Zamburak

A Zamburak (also spelled Zamburaq, Zamburack) was a type of camel-mounted swivel gun used in various parts of Asia, particularly in the Middle East, Central Asia, and India from the 16th to the 19th centuries. Zamburaks were essentially small cannons, often breech-loading, mounted on the backs of camels. The camel provided mobility, allowing for rapid deployment and maneuverability on the battlefield.

The Zamburak was particularly effective against infantry and fortifications. While the cannon itself was relatively small, it could fire projectiles with considerable force, causing significant damage and disruption. The use of camels allowed for traversing difficult terrain that wheeled artillery could not easily manage.

The term "Zamburak" is believed to derive from the Persian word for wasp, reflecting the weapon's sting-like effect on its targets. These camel-mounted cannons played a crucial role in numerous conflicts across the region, particularly during the Mughal Empire and in Persia. The tactic involved maneuvering the camels into advantageous firing positions and unleashing volleys of cannon fire before quickly relocating to avoid counter-attack. The Zamburak's importance gradually diminished with the increasing prevalence of more advanced artillery and firearms.