The story of the Turkish conquest of India begins in the 11th century with the rise of two important Turkish rulers: Mahmud of Ghazni and Muhammad Ghori. Let’s look at their impact on Indian history in simple terms.

The Ghaznavid Empire: Mahmud of Ghazni

Who Were the Ghaznavids?

The Ghaznavid dynasty started with Alptigin, a Turkish slave of the Samanid king Amir-Abu-Bakr Lawik. In 963 CE, he founded the Ghaznavid Empire with its capital at Ghazni. His son-in-law, Subuktigin, expanded the empire by defeating Jayapala, the ruler of the Hindushahi kingdom, and capturing territories between Lamghan and Peshawar. However, these early raids didn’t have a long-lasting impact.

The Turkish Conquest of India [Ghaznavid & Muhammad Ghori]

Subuktigin was succeeded by his son Ismail, who was later overthrown by his brother Mahmud in 998 CE. Mahmud Ghazni, as he is famously known, became a key figure in the Ghaznavid Empire.

India Before Mahmud’s Invasions

Before Mahmud Ghazni’s invasions, India was divided into several independent states:

  • North India: Included the Hindushahi kingdom with its capital at Waihind, Kashmir ruled by the Lohara dynasty, and Kanuaj under Rajyapala.
  • Other Regions: Bengal was ruled by the Pala dynasty, Gujarat by the Solanki dynasty, Malwa by the Paramara dynasty, and Bundelkhand by the Chandella dynasty.
  • South India: The later Chalukyas and Cholas had powerful kingdoms.

Mahmud Ghazni’s Invasions

Between 1000 and 1027 CE, Mahmud Ghazni led seventeen significant raids into India. His goals were mainly religious and economic:

  • 1001: Defeated King Jayapala of the Hindushahi kingdom.
  • 1008: Defeated Anandapala, Jayapala’s successor, in the Battle of Waihind.
  • 1011: Raided Nagarkot and Thaneshwar.
  • 1018: Plundered Mathura and attacked Kanuaj, causing the ruler Rajyapala to flee.
  • 1025: Attacked the wealthy Somanath Temple, destroying its sacred idol and taking treasures worth 20 million Dinars.

Mahmud returned in 1027 to punish the Jats who had troubled him. His invasions reshaped the political landscape of India, opening the way for further Turkish and Afghan conquests.

Ghaznavid Empire’s Extent

Mahmud Ghazni built an empire stretching from Punjab in the east to the Caspian Sea in the west, and from Samarkand in the north to Gujarat in the south. The Ghaznavid Empire included Persia, Transoxiana, Afghanistan, and Punjab.

Patronage of Art and Literature

Mahmud was also known for his support of art and literature. He patronized the poet Firdausi, who wrote the Shah Namah, and the scholar Alberuni, who wrote the Kitab-i-Hind, an important account of India.

Muhammad Ghori

Rise of Muhammad Ghori

After Mahmud’s death in 1030 CE, the Ghaznavid Empire declined, and for about 150 years, there were no significant Turkish invasions into India. Muhammad Ghori, initially a vassal of the Ghaznavids, took control of Ghazni and set his sights on India to expand his empire.

The Turkish Conquest of India [Ghaznavid & Muhammad Ghori]

Political Condition of India Before Ghori’s Invasions

By the time Muhammad Ghori began his invasions, India was still divided into various kingdoms. Notable Rajput rulers included:

  • Prithviraj Chauhan: Ruled Delhi and Ajmer.
  • Jayachandra: Ruler of Kanuaj.
  • Mularaja II: Ruled Gujarat.
  • Lakshmanasena: Ruled Bengal.

The Rajput states were weakened by constant internal conflicts.

Muhammad Ghori’s Invasions

Muhammad Ghori launched several key attacks:

  • 1175: Captured Multan and Uch.
  • 1178: Attacked Anhilwara in Gujarat but was defeated by King Mularaja II.
  • 1191: The First Battle of Tarain, where Ghori was defeated by Prithviraj Chauhan.
  • 1192: The Second Battle of Tarain, where Ghori defeated and killed Prithviraj Chauhan.

Consolidation of Conquests

After his victories, Muhammad Ghori appointed Qutubuddin Aibak, his slave, as the Viceroy of India. Aibak made Delhi the capital and led further campaigns, including one against Jayachandra of Kanuaj in the Battle of Chandawar, where Jayachandra was defeated and killed.

Muhammad Ghori’s general, Muhammad-bin-Baktiyar Khilji, led expeditions against Bihar and Bengal, destroying the universities of Nalanda and Vikramasila and defeating Lakshmanasena of Bengal.

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Legacy of Muhammad Ghori

Muhammad Ghori’s invasions established the foundation for the Turkish empire in India. He was assassinated by the Khokars in 1206 CE while praying. His general, Qutubuddin Aibak, founded the Delhi Sultanate, which continued to shape Indian history.

In summary, the Turkish invasions led by Mahmud Ghazni and Muhammad Ghori played a crucial role in changing the political landscape of India, paving the way for the rise of the Delhi Sultanate and further Turkish dominance in the region.