Sipahi

A Sipahi was a medieval cavalry soldier, particularly in the Mughal Empire and Ottoman Empire, who served as a mounted warrior and landholder. They received land grants called jagirs in return for military service, which provided income to support their role. Sipahis played a key part in defending territories, maintaining order, and executing military campaigns. Their status combined military responsibilities with administrative authority over their assigned land, making them important figures in the governance and defense of empires. Essentially, they were elite soldiers with land-based privileges, blending military service and land management.