Mongol Conquest : Key factors which made it possible

Mongol conquest of Asia and Eastern Europe was in thirteenth century. The united mongol army under Gengis Khan conquered most of the Asia. After his death his successors continued it to Europe and founded history's biggest empire within one century. But how could they do it in so small time and with nearly hundred percent success rate ? There were some uniqueness in mongol army. A good leaders and general like Gengis Khan just re-organised and used it wisely. The end result was astonishing.

Mongol Empire

Skill : Mongols were nomadic people from Mongolian Steppes. Because of the harsh weather conditions they were hardy people and master horsemen. They mastered another skill which played a crucial role in their conquest. They were fine horse archers. They can fire arrows from horse back while moving with precision rate. That skill played a vital role in their campaigns. They also possessed fine quality horses.

Mongol Army

Speed : Another key factor of their rapid success was their speed. Their army was super fast and they could cover a great distance in a short time. Research showed that the average speed of Mongolian army was nearly hundred miles per day. That speed was amazing even in the modern standard. Because of that speed they could appear before enemy could think or prepare themselves. Suppose the news came to enemy camp that the Mongols were 300 miles away. Enemy would think they had atleast 12 days for preparation. But within three days they found Mongols were at their gate. This lightning speed made them so successful in their campaigns.

Structure & Discipline :  The structure and discipline of Mongol army also played an important part in their success. Genghis Khan re-organised the structure of his army very well and made some crucial changes. Because of  that the discipline and effectiveness of the army increased. He formed a small unit of ten men called Arban, with Arbans or hundred men made Zuun, with ten Zuun or thousand men made a Mingghan and finally ten Mingghan or ten thousand made one Tumen. The leadership of Tumen or ten thousand was only given to the sons or capable and trusted generals. He also made a law. If one man deserted from one unit, the other nine were put to death. The transfer between armies were forbidden. This way he revolutionized the structure of the Mongol army which paid well in his later campaigns.

Mongol Horse Archers

Merit over aristocracy : Genghis Khan used merit over aristocracy. If the man was capable and good general, it didn't matter from which tribe or family he belonged. He would get his command. That also increased the effectiveness in decision making. Like we can see Jebe arguably the best Mongol general was from a humble background.

Genghis Khan

Good and capable generals : Genghis Khan himself was a fine general. But he was not the only the good general Mongols had. Jebe, Subotai, Batu, Kublai Khan all were fine generals the Mongols had in a series.

Strategy : The mongols also used good strategies to win battles. The "Feint retreat" was used effectively by them in many battles. It was a pre-planned retreat posing as rout to lure the enemy out from their defensive positions.    

Mongol Siege

Capability of adaptation  : Genghis Khan was very capable in adaptation of enemy's technology or techniques. Like during his conquest of China he used captured Chinese engineers. He understood that to conquer China he needed siege engines against fortified cities. So he used captured Chinese engineers to build the siege engines for him. He also respected and knew the  value  of writings. He was illiterate but used scribes to note down incidents or events.

These were the key factors which made Mongol army invincible and helped them to reshape the history of Asia and Europe (Like Russia was first unified under Mongol rule).

Bow : History & Effects

Bow was first invented and used by ancient hunters nearly eighteen thousand years ago (First remnant discovered in Europe). It was a simple weapon, usually made of wood and rope (Used as string) to throw projectiles (Arrow) but a deadly one. With bow a hunter could reach its prey from a long distant. Before the invention of bow, the primary weapon of hunting was spear. Spear was also an effective weapon but it had one problem. Hunter must reach the prey to strike with spear. But when bow invented the whole hunting scenario changed. Hunting became more easy for the hunters and food supply increased. It was its first effect on shaping history.

Archers

Origin : In the prehistoric time hunting was the main source of food supply for humans to survive. In later stages humans learned agriculture and the pressure from hunting shifted to cultivation of land. The pressure may shifted but bow was still in use as the primary weapon of hunting. Humans learned another utility of bow and it became a important weapon of war.  They slowly started mastering the skill with bow (Archery). The archery became skill based and a fine archer could exploit and turn the tide of battle.

Cave Painting

Types and specialization  : As the importance of the bow grew in time, new varieties were invented. A simple bow still existed but new complex and powerful versions were also available. Some of these types are as follows :

Composite Bow : Originated in Asia around 2000 BC. This bow was a complex version. It was not made of a single wood like the simple bows were. Horn, wood and sinew were pasted or laminated together to make it. The specialty of this bow was its power and range. A same sized composite bow had twice the power than a simple bow. Many ancient Asian civilizations like Assyrians, Persians, Indians, Chinese, Koreans used it as their primary elite weapon. In medieval period it was the main weapon of Mongol Horse Archers and played a crucial role in Mongol Conquest.

Mongolian Horse Archers

English Longbow : It was mainly developed in British Isles. It was long (6 Feet or 1.8 M) and made of yew wood (Sometimes ash and elm were also used). The specialty of this bow was its range and power. Combined with the bodkin arrows it was a super weapon. We can see its effect in "Hundred Years War" between England and France, specially in "Battle of Agincourt" in 1415. Where Henry the V's long bowmen turned the tide of battle against well armored heavy French knights.

English Longbow 

Crossbow : It was mainly used in Europe. It didn't have the range like longbow and composite bow but in close range it was deadliest. Even heavy metal armors were ineffective against it in short range. Many renowned persons died by it like Richard the Lion heart of England. One time the knights of Europe petitioned to the pope for banning cross bow. That was the deadly reputation it had. Though it was never banned.

Genoese Crossbow  

Chu Ko Nu or Repeating crossbow : This was Chinese invention. It was like semi automatic bow. A bunch of bolts (Usually 10) were loaded in the weapon. It could fire much faster than normal cross bow. Though the power and range was not so great of this bows but the effect was fearsome with continuous firing.

Repeating Crossbow

Ballista : This was mainly used by Romans in siege warfare. It was mechanized and larger version of the cross bow. It was one of the key siege weapons of ancient and medieval era (Before the invention of canon).

Roman Ballista

Effects in history : Invention of bow shaped the human history in many ways. The eastern civilizations used it widely in battle and developed it with new versions and varieties. Whereas western civilizations like Greeks didn't use it much in battle until the time of Alexander the great. He first saw it's potential and used it in his Asian campaign. Cretan Archers were used as elite light infantry in his army. After invention of cross bow it was widely used in western civilizations because of its deadly effect. After the invention of gun powder and better firearms it slowly became obsolete but never disappeared. We still see many tribes in South America, Asia and Africa use it as their primary weapon of hunting. In modern times it is mainly used in sports. Some of the well known heroes from mythology like Rama (Hero of Hindu epic Ramayana), Arjuna (Hero of Hindu epic Mahabharata), Paris (Prince of Troy from Greek epic Iliad) were fine archers and used bow as their primary weapon. So bow had its effect from the ancient time and shaped and altered the history many ways.

    

Who were the thuggees ?

The word thug or thuggee come from the Hindi word "Thag" or "Thagee" in English dictionary. It means robber or bandits. India was terrorized by these thuggees for more than five centuries. They looted and killed nearly two million people in their reign. By the consistent effort of the British government of India finally put an end to their reign of terror. Their criminal organisation collapsed in the middle of Nineteenth century. 

Strangling tactics of thuggees

Origin : We first came to know about thuggees from Ziyauddin Barani's "Tarikh i Firuz Shahi" (History of Firuz Shah) in Fourteenth century. He mentioned of an incident where nearly one thousand thuggees were arrested. The Sultan of Delhi Sultanate Jalaluddin Khilji sent them to Lakhnauti or Gaur (Capital of Bengal) and freed them so they could continue their killing and looting there. Lakhnauti was under the rule of Sen Dynasty at that time and were sworn enemy of the Delhi Sultanate. We also found records which mentioned about thuggees during Mughal era. 

Strategy : Thuggees didn't work alone. They worked in a group. They were not special in appearance. They all looked like common people. Their target was the common travelers or merchants. That time merchants or travelers traveled by foot or with horse or oxen carts for transportation. These thuggees (Usually one or two) disguised themselves as common traveler who was also travelling in the same direction and joined the group. On the way few more joined using similar tactics. Now when the group became large they waited for the right moment. Usually it was during night when others asleep they started killing one by one silently. They used noose to strangle the victim. After killing everyone they buried the bodies. Sometimes they spared the children and adopted them in the group to groom them as next generation of thuggees. Many times local people shared the information to thuggees about the travelers or merchant group for share of the loot. 

The Organisation : Thuggees were not common highway bandits. They were a criminal organisation. The leaders were respected to other criminal gangs for their inglorious feats. Many common criminals were eager to join them for prestige and loot. This profession was carried out from father to son and we found many of them in this business for generations. They were social and secular in structure. It didn't matter whether the member was Hindu or Muslim. If he was capable he got the respect of other members. 

Downfall : During the British era these bandits got what they deserved for centuries. Before the British the native rulers knew about thuggees but usually tolerated them for bribe or for a pact about not killing permanent residents. But during the early period of nineteenth century British Government started taking steps against them. The man specially got the credit for breaking the backbone of thuggee organisations was William Henry Sleeman (1788-1856), a civil servant of East India Company. Because of his constant and large effort the thuggee cult finally collapsed and later extinct from India.  

William Henry Sleeman

The Controversy : Many historians argued that the thuggees were not common bandits. They were the people who built up a resistance against the British Government and because of that British Government framed them as bandits, murderers. They were fighting for their land and independence against the British. 

Well I personally think they were bandits and murderers. British didn't created them. They were existed in India and doing their crimes long before British came to India. They never attacked any British forts or fought against any British garrison or troops. Their target were the common Indian people and they killed and looted the Indians in millions. British Government did us a favor by ending their terror. Once again it is my personal opinion. You can share your opinion in comment section.       

     

Why ISRO is unique ?

ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) is little different than other leading space agencies. We all heard about NASA, ESA (European Space Agency) or ROSCOSMOS (Russian Space Agency). These space agencies have one thing in common. These are all famous and have big budgets. Where as ISRO has a small budget or government funding. But if you see its achievements, you will be speechless. 

ISRO always tried to focus on cost effective technologies. With budget of around 1.7 billion dollars per year (NASA's budget is 18 billion per year) it focused on the technologies that will cost low but as effective as high budget techs. For example, total mission cost of Mangalyaan (Mars Orbiter Mission) was only 74 million dollars. The Hollywood movie Gravity had more budget than it. How ISRO did it on so little cost where as NASA's Maven (Mars orbiter) costs around 674 million dollar ? Well ISRO knew they couldn't spend much on rocket fuel to accelerate the speed directly to Mars. So, they applied another method. At first they placed the Mangayaan on earths orbit and let it orbited earth for 7 rounds with increased distance and acquiring speed per round by using earth's gravity. In last round it was thrown to the transit course towards Mars. It worked like a sling shot. It took more time than the direct approach. Like Maven went directly to Mars after spent 27 mins in earth's orbit while Mangalyaan orbited earth for nearly a month and then took its transit course to Mars. But Mangayaan or Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) did it only in 11% of the budget of Maven. That doesn't end here. With MOM India became fourth in the world and first in Asia to send probe on Mars. It became worlds's first country to succeed in first attempt.

When ISRO started its journey in 1962 (It was the Indian National Committee for Space Research or INCOSPAR which later called ISRO), its first chairman Dr. Vikram Sarabhai said "There are some who question the relevance of space activities in a developing nation. To us, there is no ambiguity of purpose. We do not have the fantasy of competing with the economically advanced nations in the exploration of the moon or the planets or manned space-flight. But we are convinced that if we are to play a meaningful role nationally, and in the community of nations, we must be second to none in the application of advanced technologies to the real problems of man and society". ISRO always maintains that motto. It knows its limitations but it always achieves its goal.

Current achievement : ISRO holds the record of launching 104 satellites in one launch. 

Future goal : ISRO is working on sending man in the earth's orbit in 2022.

ISRO is small in budget compared to the big agencies but the passion made it unique.

Black Hole Massacre : What really happened ?

History's infamous "Black Hole Massacre" also known as "Black Hole of Calcutta" happened in 20th June of 1756. When Siraj ud-Daulah, the Nawab of Bengal sacked and captured Calcutta from British East India Company, he ordered the British prisoners to be held in a 14' X 18' (4.3 M X 5.5 M) prison cell for the night. There were 146 total prisoners (Numbers varied source to source) and all kept inside the room. In the morning when the guards opened the cell only 23 was survived. 

Black Hole of Calcutta

Prelude : British East India company was controlling Calcutta as their trading post in India from 1690. When "Seven Years War"  (Also known as French and Indian War) started in America in 1756, the British and French in India also started doing their part. French had an outpost In Chandannagar (Upstream of Hooghly River) while British had their outpost in Calcutta (Downstream of Hooghly River). Both British and French started building and reinforcing forts alongside the river after the war started. A trading company having a fort in his soil was really insulting and threatening for Nawab of Bengal. So, he ordered both parties to stop building and reinforcing the forts. French East India Company stopped but British East India Company ignored it and replied it was the matter of their own safety. So, they didn't need approval from Nawab. That reply was a direct insult to Nawab's Authority in Bengal. So Siraj Attacked Calcutta with 50,000 men. He defeated the British force stationed there (Only 146 British soldiers and some civilians and Anglo-Indian troops) and captured Calcutta on 20th June, 1756.

Siraj ud-Daulah

The Incident : After capturing the Fort William, Siraj ordered the prisoners of wars to be held in dungeons in the fort and went to take rest for the night. Siraj didn't know there was only one small cell or dungeon in that fort, which they called Black Hole and nobody informed him about it's size. So, in his order guards kept those unfortunate prisoners inside that small cell. They tried to bribe the guards to tell Siraj about the situation and arrange for more space. The guards went to inform Siraj but that time he was sleeping so they dared not to disturb him in his sleep. In the morning, Siraj ordered to open the cell. That was 6 A.M. in the morning. So, when they opened the cell as per source only 23 survived and others died of suffocation. After that the corpses were thrown into ditch and the survivors were transported to Murshidabad, capital of Bengal.

Controversy : The main source of this tragedy was J.Z. Halwell, a survivor of that tragedy. He was among the 23 people who came out alive from that cell. He stated there were 146 people. Other sources like Stanley Wolpert said there were 64 prisoners and 21 survived, D.L. prior said 43 men of the garrison were already missing before the incident. The presence of civilians and Anglo Indian troops made the counting of the actual number of prisoners really difficult. Now here comes the controversy. Many modern historians believe that the numbers were highly exaggerated. Logically it was impossible to put 146 people in a room of that size. Some believe it was a propaganda of British East India Company to gain sympathy and portray themselves as victims and Siraj as villain or monster. After that incident Robert Clive recaptured Calcutta. Later Siraj was defeated and killed by British East India Company in 1757 (Battle of Plassey). So, We never came to know the Siraj's version of the story. All records of this incident was British. 

Conclusion : History was written by victors. We all know that. So, the authenticity of the history of this incident is highly questionable. I personally believe if it really happened then also the numbers were much lesser than the Halwell account. Though it is my personal opinion and I'm not challenging any source material. What is your opinion ? Share it in the comments.        

Greek Fire : The deadliest weapon of medieval era

"Greek Fire" was an ancient weapon invented and used by Byzantine Empire in battles. Western Roman Empire fell to the barbarians in 476 AD but its eastern counter part also known as Byzantine Empire lasted thousand years more. Greek Fire was one of the key factors which helped this empire to sustain so long. Byzantine warships equipped with flamethrower devastated enemy ships for centuries. The incendiary grenades (Yes grenades, These grenades were the early version of modern grenades. Small ceramic pots filled with the sticky liquid substance and thrown at enemies like modern grenades) secured its walls from invaders many times.

Greek Fire

How the name Greek Fire derived nobody knows. Historians assumed it got that name because of the influence of Greek culture on Byzantine Empire.

The formula of Greek Fire was lost. Byzantines were so protective about it, nobody ever succeeded to steal it from them. So, after the empire fell in 1453, it went to grave with its makers. Though modern scientists may have recognized some of the ingredients by its nature (Like Naphtha) but the process of making and other ingredients are still a mystery.

Ceramic Grenade

Why it was so successful and feared by the enemies of the Byzantine Empire? The reason was its nature. Greek Fire was not like ordinary fire. It had some special characteristics. Here are two main characteristics :

1. The fire couldn't be doused by water.

2. It was a sticky liquid substance.

Because of those characteristics,  when Byzantine Navy fired Greek Fire by using flamethrowers on enemy wooden ships (That time all ships were made of wood), it was devastating for that ship. The fire couldn't be doused by water and it was liquid so quickly spread to the whole ship. Finally it was sticky so it sticked to the targets and burnt it whole.

Arbalest Flamethrower (Reconstruction)

Similarly in field combat when the grenades burst the sticky liquid substances spread everywhere and started burning humans and animals alike.

Greek Fire may lost but its legacy didn't. As per the devastation it was the most feared and deadliest weapon of medieval period. There was no doubt about it.

What was "The Black Death" ?

The bubonic plague which struck Asia and  Europe in 14th century and claimed millions of lives was history's most terrifying plague. It is also called "The Black Death".

Map of Black Death

This plague originated in Central Asia in 14th century. From there it spreaded in China, India, Arabian peninsula, Egypt, Byzantine Empire. Lastly it entered Europe and depopulated the whole continent.

The Black Death in Asia

Yersinia Pestis was a bacteria which was common in oriental rat fleas. That infected black rats and through those rats it spreaded everywhere. It mainly spreaded through trade and war. In Asia it spreaded via Silk Road. But in Europe it spreaded when Mongols besieged Kaffa in 1346. It was a port in black sea in Crimea. During siege plague struck in Mongol camp and the death rate was so high they had to abandon the siege. But before that they used catapult to throw corpses of plague victims inside the city wall. By this the water inside the city was polluted and plague struck the city as well. The Italian merchants and sailors inside the city ran in hurry to their ships and sailed for Italy. The  ships' cargo was already carrying plague infected black rats inside. So, when they reached Sicily, sailors of the infected ships were already started dying. The port authority quarantined the ships but it was too late because some of the rats already found their way to the shore. The plague first struck in Italian seaports and from there it spreaded inland. It spreaded like wildfire and within a year almost whole Europe was under it's grasp. It continued until 1353.

The Black Death in Europe

Death toll of this plague was highest in history. Atleast 140 million people died in Asia and Europe. It reduced almost one third of the whole population of these continents. It took almost two centuries to recover the population level to its former state.

The Black Death

Human history is full with these types of epidemics but this one was the most terrifying and became infamous as "The Black Death". 

    

Crassus : User of First Professional Fire Brigade in history ?

When you hear about Roman Empire, which person comes to your mind first ? I bet most of you will think about Julius Caesar. Well I'm not talking about Julius Caesar today. Caesar is famous because of his achievement and his assassination. I'm talking about Marcus Licinius Crassus. He was the wealthiest man in Rome at the time of Caesar. 

Marcus Licinius Crassus

With Caesar and Pompey he dominated Rome at that time. He was a noble birth and belongs to a wealthy family. But how could he became most wealthiest in Rome ? 

That time timber and wood mainly used in housing purpose through out the city of Rome. So, fire was a common thing in Rome at that era. Crassus made his personal fire brigade of at least five hundred men. Whenever a fire occurred, Crassus reached the spot with his fire brigade. But here is the twist. His fire brigade didn't douse the fire until the fee was settled. Yes, Owner of that property had to pay the price for it. In front of that burning house Crassus and the owner started bargaining about the price. If they reached in an agreement then only his fire brigade started their work. If not they just watched and let the property to burn down. In most of the cases the owner of that burnt property sold that to Crassus in cheap price. This way Crassus acquired lots of property and became the wealthiest man in Rome. 

Crassus's ambition didn't stop here. He wanted the respect like Caesar and Pompey had. They were both famous generals and respected by the crowd. Crassus was not a military person but he also wanted that glory. So, he came to Syria as governor and attacked Parthian Empire which shared border with Roman Empire in Asia. Parthian Empire sent emissary and asked Crassus to withdraw which he ignored and continued his raids. At last a small Parthian Army caught Crassus off guard in Carrhae (Modern day Turkey) and destroyed his army. Most of his men were either killed or captured and later sold to slavery. Crassus himself was killed. A story said they poured molten gold in his mouth. The man earned wealth in his entire life even in his death.

Historically we found evidence of fire fighting equipment (Like water pump) in Hellenistic Egypt but may be Crassus was the first person who used a professional, full time fire brigade. Though his intentions were not for charity but who cares as long as it was effective.   

Top three battles which changed the history of Indian Subcontinent

In history we see many battles. Some were very important regarding their outcome and impact on history, some were important but didn't have a long term effect. Here I will discuss about three battles. In my view these battles changed the history of Indian subcontinent.

3. 2nd Battle of Panipat (1556) : This battle was fought between young Mughal Emperor Akbar and Hemchandra, the Hindu king of Delhi. This battle was crucial for the Mughal Empire to solidify their rule in India. After death of Sher Shah Suri, Mughal emperor Humayun came back to India and retook Delhi from Suri Empire but before he could proceed further died in an accident. His son Akbar was still under age. So, his friend Bairam Khan placed Akbar in the throne and ruled as his guardian. Hemchandra was minister of Suri Empire. After taking back Delhi from Mughals he declared himself as independent king.  Both armies came face to face in Panitpat (Near Delhi). Akabr's Army was outnumbered and Hemchandra attacked them with so much ferocity that Mughal army was nearly routed. When victory looked in the grasp of Hemchandra an arrow struck him in the eye and he fell from his elephant. His soldiers panicked by that incident and routed. That arrow saved the day for Akbar. Hemchandra was captured and beheaded. 

Mughal Emperor Akbar

This battle was vital because it delivered Mughals what 1st Panipat (1526) couldn't deliver. It gave Mughal Empire the strong foothold in India on which it flourished for another two centuries.  

2. 3rd Battle of Panipat (1761) : This battle was fought between Ahmad Shah Abdali of Afghans and his allies (Nazib ud Daulah of Rohilakhand and Nawab of Lucknow Suja ud Daulah) against Sadashibrao Bhau of Maratha Confederacy. This battle didn't decide who would rule India. It decided who would not rule India.

After Abdali invaded India, Peshwa Balaji Bajirao of Maratha Confederacy sent a big army under command of Sadashibrao Bhau to stop him. The army marched towards Delhi. Other Maratha leaders like Holkars and Sindhias joined with their armies. Both Army came face to face near Yamuna river. That time Yamuna river was nearly impossible to cross. So, two armies camped on  both sides of the river. But Abdali was desperate to cross the river. So, he crossed and emerged behind the Marathas and cut their supply line. After few failed attempts to break the siege, demoralized and starved Maratha army faced Abdali near Panipat. 

Ahmad Shah Abdali

The battle was a disaster for Marathas. Their entire army crushed and only a few managed to flee the battlefield. Sadashibrao Bhau and Bajirao's eldest son Biswas Rao died in battle.

Marathas never fully recovered from this defeat.  Their prestige and power reduced massively. Though under Peshwa Madhav Rao I it started recovery but his untimely death shattered the dream to build a Maratha Empire and replace weakened Mughal Empire. 

1. Battle of Plassey (1757) : This battle was fought between Robert Clive of British East India Company and Nawab of Bengal Siraj ud Daulah and his French allies. This battle is famous in history as the first major victory and foundation pillar of future British empire in India.

This was not a full scale battle actually. Because a major portion of Nawab's army under general Mir Jafar didn't fight in the battle. It was a part of the conspiracy. Some aristocrats and Mir Jafar were already conspiring against Nawab with East India Company. Their goal was to dethrone Siraj and replace him with Mir Jafar as Company's puppet. So, when battle started major portion of Nawab's army under Mir Jafar didn't take part in it. Clive won an easy victory. Siraj fled the battlefield but later captured and killed. Mir Jafar became Nawab but main power laid in the hands of the East India Company. They became the king maker. Later Company got the right from Mughal emperor to act as the ruler of Bengal, Bihar and Orisha. 

Robert Clive

If East India Company lost that battle of Plassey, there may not be any British Indian Empire. They got the stronghold in Bengal by that victory and later conquered whole India.

So these are my top three picks. Which are your top three? Please comment.    

  

  

Alchemy and its success through modern science

I hope you know the word "Alchemy". What was alchemy? Alchemy was mix of mysticism, philosophy, astrology and science. It was a subject of practice by which Philosophers Stone could be made which could transform ordinary metals like lead, nickel, iron to a precious metal like gold. It also searched for the Elixir of Life which could make people immortal.

The Alchemist

Alchemy had a long history. Many ancient civilizations like Hellenistic Egypt, India, China, Greeks, Romans had their own alchemy. In later periods Islamic kingdoms like Persia, Turkey, Egypt and Spanish Moors practiced this subject. Through Moors it re-entered Europe and in renaissance period during 12th to 13th century it spreaded in Europe. In the beginning it was not so different than early chemistry. Until 17th century it spreaded side by side with chemistry. Wealthy and powerful people like kings or barons were became patrons for the alchemists. They provided alchemists the laboratory and resources. In return alchemists must research and find the way to make gold from other metals. And It was not a surprise that they all failed their patrons to deliver the product. Many famous minds of that time spent their time in alchemy like Sir Isaac Newton, Tycho Brahe etc. 

Why alchemists failed ? Because they had the target which couldn't be achieved without proper knowledge of modern chemistry and nuclear science. They didn't have the knowledge or the proper instruments needed for producing that transformation in their time. So, by mixing of some substances did not produce gold.

What do we need to transform a metal to any other metal ? We need thorough knowledge of chemistry and nuclear science. In modern lab with particle accelerator or a nuclear reactor it is possible. Yes, gold can be made in lab but the cost is much more higher than the market rate. 

The idea of the alchemy was to transform an element to a new element. Scientists did that already. There are almost dozens of elements in periodic table (Like Americium, Berkelium, Californium, Einsteinium etc.) which could not be found naturally. These are man made Synthetic elements.

Synthetic Elements

So, in a sense alchemists achieved their goal at last. Modern chemistry captured the scientific essence of alchemy except mysticism, astrology and philosophy. It succeeded where alchemy failed. It created which alchemists always tried and gave their entire life. Modern chemistry found that philosophers stone and the ability to transform the elements, So, alchemists are surely laughing somewhere in this victory of modern science.