The Turkish conquest of India represents a significant chapter in the history of the Indian subcontinent, marked by a series of invasions and incursions by Turkish and Central Asian rulers, most notably the Ghaznavids, Ghurids, and Mughals, that left an indelible mark on the region’s cultural, political, and social landscape. These conquests spanned several centuries, starting from the late 10th century and continuing into the early 16th century. The Turkish conquests were instrumental in shaping the destiny of India, as they not only brought new rulers and dynasties to power but also ushered in a period of cultural exchange and syncretism that contributed to the rich tapestry of Indian history. This period of conquest and its aftermath hold a pivotal place in the broader narrative of India’s evolution as a diverse and dynamic nation.
1. Ghaznavid
Mahmud Ghazni’s Invasions in India
Introduction
After the Arab penetration into Sindh, Turks made inroads into India in the 11th Century, and the credit of establishing Muslim rule in India goes to them.
Ghaznivid Dynasty
- Alptigin founds Ghaznivid dynasty in 963.
- Subuktigin succeeds Alptigin.
- Mahmud overthrows Ismail in 998 and becomes famous as Mahmud Ghazni.
Condition of India on the Eve of Mahmud Ghazni’s Invasion
- North India was divided into independent states.
- Hindushahi kingdom existed on the frontier of India.
- Independent kingdoms existed in Bengal, Gujarat, Malwa, Bundhelkhand, and South India.
Mahmud Ghazni’s Invasions
- Mahmud’s invasion was purely religious and economic, not political.
- He invaded India 17 times between 1000 and 1027 CE.
- The initial raids were against the Hindu Shahi kingdom.
- He attacked Nagarkot in the Punjab hills, Thaneshwar near Delhi, Kanuaj, and the Gangetic valley.
- In 1025, he attacked Somanath and plundered the temple, destroying the sacred idol, Linga.
Estimate
- Mahmud built a wide empire from the Punjab to the Caspian Sea and from Samarkand to Gujarat.
- His conquest of Punjab and Multan changed the political situation in India.
- He is considered a hero of Islam by medieval historians.
- He patronized art and literature, including Firdausi and Alberuni.
Conclusion
Mahmud Ghazni successfully invaded Indian territories 17 times, changing the political situation in India and paving the way for further conquests by Turks and Afghans. Despite his controversial actions, he is considered a hero of Islam and left a legacy of patronizing art and literature.
2. Muhammad Ghori
Muhammad Ghori – The Next Muslim Ruler in Indian History
- Muhammad Ghori became influential in Indian history after the death of Mahmud of Ghazni.
- There were no Turkish invasions in India for nearly 150 years after the death of Mahmud.
- Ghoris started as vassals of Ghazni but became independent after Mahmud’s death.
- Muhammad Ghori brought Ghazni under their control and turned his attention to India.
- Muhammad Ghori wanted to conquer India and extend his empire in this direction.
Political Condition of India on the Eve of Ghori Invasion
- There were no remarkable changes in the condition of India after Ghazni’s invasions.
- India was politically divided into many kingdoms both in North and South.
- The North India witnessed the rule of many Rajput princes.
- The Rajput states indulged in constant internecine warfare which ultimately weakened them.
Invasions
- Muhammad Ghori’s first invasions were on Multan and fortress of Uch, and he conquered them easily in 1175.
- In 1178, he attacked Anhilwara in Gujarat but was defeated by King Mularaja II.
- The first Battle of Tarain or Thaneshwar took place in 1191, where Muhammad Ghori was defeated by Prithviraj Chauhan.
- The second Battle of Tarain took place in 1192, where Muhammad Ghori defeated Prithviraj Chauhan and killed him.
- The battle opened the way for further conquests of India by the Muslims.
- Muhammad appointed Qutubuddin Aibak as the Viceroy of the Indian provinces after the Battle of Tarain.
- Qutubuddin Aibak consolidated the Indian conquests of his master and made Delhi the capital in 1193.
- The Battle of Chandawar took place in 1194, where Muhammad Ghori defeated and killed King Jayachandra of Kanuaj.
- Muhammad-bin-Baktiyar Khilji led a daring military expedition against Bihar and Bengal between 1202-1205.
Estimate
- Muhammad Ghori’s greatest achievement was the establishment of the Turkish empire in India, which added a fresh chapter to Indian history.
- He was assassinated by the Khokars on the bank of rivers Indus in 1206, while engaging his evening prayers.
- Qutubuddin Aibak became the master of his Indian provinces and laid the foundation for Delhi Sultanate in 1206.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: When did the Turkish conquest of India take place?
Answer: The Turkish conquest of India began in the early 11th century with the invasion of Mahmud of Ghazni and continued with various Turkic and Afghan dynasties, culminating in the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate in 1206.
FAQ 2: Who were the key Turkish rulers involved in the conquest of India?
Answer: Some of the prominent Turkish rulers involved in the conquest of India include Mahmud of Ghazni, Muhammad Ghori, and the early sultans of the Delhi Sultanate, such as Qutb-ud-din Aibak and Iltutmish.
FAQ 3: What were the primary motivations behind the Turkish conquest of India?
Answer: The primary motivations behind the Turkish conquest of India were a combination of economic gain, expansion of Islamic influence, and the desire for political power. Turkish rulers were attracted to the wealth of the Indian subcontinent and sought to spread Islam in the region.
FAQ 4: What impact did the Turkish conquest have on Indian society and culture?
Answer: The Turkish conquest of India had a significant impact on Indian society and culture. It led to the fusion of Turkic and Indian cultures, resulting in the development of Indo-Islamic culture, art, and architecture. This period also saw the construction of iconic monuments like the Qutb Minar and the development of Indo-Persian literature.
FAQ 5: How long did the Turkish rule in India last, and what followed their reign?
Answer: The Turkish rule in India, under the Delhi Sultanate, lasted for several centuries, from 1206 to 1526. The Turkish rule was eventually succeeded by the Mughal Empire, established by Babur in 1526, which marked a new phase in Indian history. The Mughal Empire continued to influence the subcontinent for several centuries.
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