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{{short description|Semi-legendary Muslim figure from India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2020}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Syed Salar Masud Ghazi
| image = 
| caption = 
| birth_date = 10 February 1014
| birth_place = [[Ajmer]]
| death_date = {{Death date and age|1034|06|15|1014|02|10|df=y}}
| death_place = [[Bahraich]]
| resting_place = Dargah Syed Salar Masud Ghazi Bahraich
| nationality =
| other_names = Ghazi Miyan, Ghazi Baba, Baale Miyan
| known_for = [[Sufism]] and Nephew to [[Mahmud Ghaznavi]]
| occupation = Military leader, religious figure, [[Sufi]] [[Wali|Saint]]
| relations = Nephew of [[Mahmud of Ghazni]]
| parents = [[Gazi Saiyyed Salar Sahu]](father)
| spouse = 
| children = 
| website = 
}}
[[File:Ghazi_Syed_Masud_Salar_Dargah_gage_Bahraich.jpg|thumb|Ghazi Syed Masud Salar Dargah]]
'''Syed Salar Masud Ghazi''' (10 February 1014 – 15 June 1034), also known as '''Ghazi Miyan''', was a semi-legendary Muslim figure and military leader associated with the [[Ghaznavids|Ghaznavid]] invasions of India in the early 11th century. According to the Persian hagiography ''Mirat-i-Masudi'' ("Mirror of Masud"), written in the 17th century, Masud accompanied his uncle [[Mahmud of Ghazni|Mahmud]] during the conquest of India and led military campaigns across regions such as [[Multan]], [[Delhi]], [[Meerut]], and [[Kannauj]]. His campaigns aimed to expand the Ghaznavid influence and spread Islam in the Indian subcontinent.

== ''Mirat-i-Masudi'' legend ==
The ''Mirat-i-Masudi'' narrates the legend of Salar Masud as follows:

=== Early life ===
In 1011 CE, the Muslims of [[Jalgaon]], whose rights were being infringed upon by the local Hindu rulers, appealed Sultan [[Mahmud of Ghazni]] for help. Mahmud agreed to help them on the condition that they would mention his name in the Friday sermons ([[Khutbah]]), which would signify their acknowledgment of his suzerainty. Mahmud's general [[Gazi Saiyyed Salar Sahu|Salar Sahu]] defeated the Hindu rulers of Ajmer and surrounding regions. As a reward, Mahmud married his sister to Salar Sahu; Masud was the result of this marriage.{{sfn|Anna Suvorova|2004|p=157}} Masud was born on 10 February 1014 CE,{{sfn|Shahid Amin|2016|p=13}} in [[Ajmer]].{{sfn|Shahid Amin|2016|p=xiii}}

=== Military career ===
{{unreferenced section|date=October 2025}}
Syed Salar Masud Ghazi was a military commander who played a significant role in the [[Ghaznavid]] campaigns in India during the early 11th century. According to historical accounts, Masud accompanied his uncle, [[Mahmud of Ghazni]], during his invasions of the Indian subcontinent. After Mahmud’s departure, Masud continued military campaigns, primarily in present-day [[Uttar Pradesh]], aiming to expand Ghaznavid influence.

'''Early Campaigns'''

Masud is believed to have led forces into regions such as [[Multan]], [[Delhi]], [[Meerut]], and [[Kannauj]], encountering resistance from local Hindu rulers (Elliot & Dowson, 1867). His campaigns involved battles with various [[Rajput]] and other indigenous dynasties who opposed the Ghaznavid expansion (Habib, 1992).

'''Battle of Bahraich (1033–1034 CE)'''

One of the most significant military events associated with Masud was his campaign in [[Bahraich]], Uttar Pradesh. In 1033 CE, he advanced into the region with a large army, facing opposition from a confederation of Hindu rulers led by Bhar King Maharaja [[Suhaldev Bhar]] (Elliot & Dowson, 1867). After prolonged skirmishes, the decisive battle took place in 1034 CE, where Masud’s forces were overwhelmed. He was ultimately killed in combat.

'''Legacy as a Warrior-Saint'''

Despite his military defeat, Masud’s legacy endured in Islamic traditions. He was later venerated as a warrior-saint, in spite of the title "Ghazi" which betrays his purpose, with his Dargah of Ghazi Saiyyad Salar Masud in [[Bahraich]] becoming an important pilgrimage site (Kumar, 2002). His campaigns, though unsuccessful in establishing lasting Ghaznavid control in the region, played a role in shaping the early encounters between Islamic and indigenous Indian forces.

=== Death ===
Syed Salar Masud Ghazi was killed in 1034 CE during the Battle of Bahraich against a confederation of Hindu rulers led by Bhar King Maharaja[[Suhaldev]][[Bhar (caste)|Bhar]]. According to historical accounts, Masud had led military campaigns across [[Uttar Pradesh]], where he initially won battles against local rulers, expanding the influence of the [[Ghaznavid]] Empire.

'''Early Successes and the Battle of Bahraich'''

Masud's early military successes were marked by the defeat of several smaller Hindu chieftains, allowing him to advance into the region. When the local Hindu kings united under Maharaja Suhaldev Bhar to resist the Ghaznavid expansion, they brought together a much larger and more organized force than Masud's. In 1033 CE, the decisive [[Battle of Bahraich]], on the bank of Chittora lake, took place, where Masud’s army was overwhelmed by the united local forces. The battle ended in a crushing defeat for Masud. Masud was shot by an arrow, and then beheaded by Maharaja Suhaldev Bhar. This crushing defeat of the Turkic forces, put a stop to Turkic invasions into India, for the next about hundred and fifty years.

'''Burial and Legacy'''

After his death, Masud’s body was buried in Bahraich, where his Dargah of Ghazi Saiyyad Salar Masud was later established. Over time, the site became a major religious and cultural center, attracting both Muslim and Hindu devotees. His annual Urs (death anniversary) continues to be observed, with thousands of pilgrims visiting the shrine each year (Elliot & Dowson, 1867).

== Other legends ==
According to one legend, not attested by ''Mirat-i-Masudi'', Masud cured one Zuhra (or Zohra) Bibi of blindness. Zuhra Bibi, who came from a noble family of [[Rudauli]], married him. But before this marriage could be consummated, Masud was killed. Zuhra Bibi was also buried in Bahraich after her death. Later, a stone from her burial-vault was taken to Rudauli, where a [[cenotaph]] was built in her memory. In Rudauli, an annual fair called ''Zohra-[[Mela]]'', attracted Hindus and Muslims of lower castes. During this festival, the pilgrims used to bring offerings called "Zuhra's [[dowry]]" to the cenotaph. Zuhra Bibi was also commemorated in a ritual during the Bahraich ''urs'', which involved dressing two boys as Masud and Zuhra Bibi respectively.{{sfn|Anna Suvorova|2004|p=159}}

== Legacy ==

=== Delhi Sultanate period ===
The contemporary 11th century Ghaznavid chronicles do not mention Masud at all.{{sfn|Shahid Amin|2016|p=9}} However, he had become a well-known figure in [[Delhi Sultanate]] by the 12th century, when the pilgrimage to his tomb in Bahraich appears to have started, during the [[Ghurid]] rule.{{sfn|Anna Suvorova|2004|p=155}} In 1250, the Delhi Sultan [[Nasiruddin Mahmud (grandson of Iltutmish)|Nasiruddin Mahmud]] constructed an architectural complex around the tomb, during his stay in Bahraich.{{sfn|Anna Suvorova|2004|p=156}} The 13th century poet [[Amir Khusro]] appears to mention Masud's tomb (''[[dargah]]'') in a 1290 CE letter. According to this letter, the "fragrant tomb of martyred commander" at Bahraich spread the "perfume of odorous wood" throughout [[Hindustan]]. In 1341, the Delhi Sultan [[Muhammad bin Tughluq]] and the Moroccan traveler [[Ibn Battuta]] visited the Bahraich ''dargah''.{{sfn|Shahid Amin|2016|p=10}} Ibn Battuta narrates the legends of the saints, and also provides some information about his cult, including the ritual veneration of his banner and spear.{{sfn|Anna Suvorova|2004|p=156}}

The earliest source that connects Masud to the Ghaznavids is [[Ziauddin Barani]]'s ''Tarikh-i-Firuz Shahi'' (1357), written nearly three hundred years later.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://thewire.in/12544/how-india-turned-a-turkish-invader-into-a-saint-revered-by-hindus-and-muslms-alike/ |title=How India Turned a Turkish Invader into a Saint Revered by Hindus and Muslims Alike |author=Seema Alvi |date=11 November 2015 }}</ref> Barani mentions Masud as one of the heroes of Mahmud's campaigns in India.{{sfn|Shahid Amin|2016|p=9}} The text was composed during the reign of the Delhi Sultan [[Firuz Shah Tughlaq]], who considered himself to be a spiritual disciple of Masud.{{sfn|Anna Suvorova|2004|p=156}} In 1353, the ruler of [[Gauḍa (city)|Lakhnauti]] ([[Bengal]]) invaded Bahraich, purportedly because he believed that a visit to Masud's ''dargah'' could cure him of [[vitiligo]]. In response, Firuz Shah Tughluq invaded Bengal.{{sfn|Shahid Amin|2016|p=10}} He also visited the Bahraich ''dargah'' in 1372. According to the Sultan's court historian Shams-i Siraj 'Afif, Masud appeared in the Sultan's dream, and asked him to prepare for the day of the [[Last Judgment#Islam|Last Judgment]], and to propagate [[Islam]] by adopting a tougher policy against the non-Muslims. The next day, Sultan Firuz Shah Tughluq got his head shaved like a [[Sufi]] neophyte, and started spending his nights in prayers. Not all Sultans of Delhi held Masud in same reverence: in 1490, Sultan [[Sikandar Lodi]] banned the ''[[urs]]'' (death anniversary) at the ''dargah'', because of the "unseemliness of the rites being performed there".{{sfn|Anna Suvorova|2004|p=156}}

In the 16th century, the Indo-Afghan soldier Dattu Sarvani claimed to have seen Masud in his dream.{{sfn|Shahid Amin|2016|pp=10–13}}

=== Mughal period ===
The earliest source that mentions Masud as a relative of Mahmud is [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] court historian [[Abul Fazl]]'s ''[[Ain-i-Akbari]]'' (16th century). The text states, "Salar Masud... was connected by blood with Mahmud Ghazni... sold his life bravely in battle and left an imperishable name."{{sfn|Shahid Amin|2016|p=9}} According to Abul Fazl, the cult of Masud was very popular: his ''dargah'' attracted pilgrims from remote districts. These pilgrims carried offerings and multi-coloured flags to the ''dargah'', and encamped at the Mughal capital [[Agra]] on their way to Bahraich. Abul Fazl further states that in 1561 CE, the Mughal emperor [[Akbar]] himself walked among these pilgrims, disguised as an ordinary merchant visiting the ''urs'' celebrations at the ''dargah''.{{sfn|Anna Suvorova|2004|p=156}} In 1571 CE, Akbar made a grant for the Bahraich shrine.{{sfn|Shahid Amin|2016|p=10}}

The 17th century [[Persian language]] text ''Mirat-i-Masudi'', written by the Sufi scholar Abdur Rahman Chishti, is the most comprehensive biography of Masud.{{sfn|Anna Suvorova|2004|p=156}} The text is a [[historical romance]],{{sfn|W.C. Benett|1877|p=111–113}} and the biography has a "gossipy feel".<ref name="MiratiMasudi">[http://www.infinityfoundation.com/mandala/h_es/h_es_mirati_frameset.htm Mirati Mas’udi by ‘Abdur Rahman Chishti]</ref> The author claims that Masud appeared in his dreams, and describes Masud's various achievements and miracles.{{sfn|Anna Suvorova|2004|p=156}} He states that his work is based on an "Old History" written by one Mulla Mahmud Ghazanavi.{{sfn|Shahid Amin|2016|p=20}} The author further claims that the 11th century Masud was a disciple of the 12th century Sufi saint [[Moinuddin Chishti]]: the later historians have completely rejected this clear [[anachronism]].{{sfn|Anna Suvorova|2004|p=157}} According to [[Muzaffar Alam]], Abdur Rahman Chishti's objective was to glorify the Chishtiya branch of Sufisim, as a counter to the rising influence of the [[Naqshbandi]] branch at the Mughal court.{{sfn|Shahid Amin|2016|p=19}}

In 1765, Akbar's grant was renewed by [[Shuja-ud-Daula]], the [[Nawab of Awadh]]. His successor [[Asaf-ud-Daula]] visited the Bahraich shrine several times.{{sfn|Shahid Amin|2016|p=13}} Mirza Muhammad Qateel's ''Haft Tamasha'' (1811–12) and Cazim Ali's ''Barah Masa'' (1812) describe the ceremonies held to commemorate Masud. The ''Haft Tamasha'' mentions that an annual ceremony was held in Rudauli to mark Masud's death on the night of his wedding. A replica of Masud's nuptial bed was made and brought out for ceremonial viewing. The ''Barah Masa'' provides a description of the Bahraich shrine, and the ceremony held there. However, neither of these texts describe his life.{{sfn|Shahid Amin|2016|p=13}}

Gradually, Masud came to be known as a warrior-saint among the Muslims, who revered him as "Ghazi Miyan". Over time, the pilgrimage to his ''dargah'' increased so much that the site was not able to accommodate all the pilgrims. Consequently, his shrines were erected in other towns of the [[Awadh]] region, including Salargarh (named in his honour), [[Faizabad]], [[Satrikh]] and [[Rudauli]].{{sfn|Anna Suvorova|2004|p=158}} The ''mazar'' of his father Salar Sahu (called "Birdha Baba" by Hindus) in Satrikh also became a pilgrimage site. Several tombs of people purported to be his fellow fighters were also erected; most of these tombs are fabricated. These tombs include the ''[[mazar (mausoleum)|mazar]]'' of Makhdum Azizuddin (or Lal Pir) in [[Kannauj]], the grave of the ''kotwal'' Miyan Rajab in [[Kannauj]], and the mausoleum of Burhanuddin in [[Tambaur Ahmadabad|Tambaur]]. People claimed to have seen ghosts of Miyan Rajab as a headless horseman. Some people in Faizabad claimed to have seen the whole army of Masud in form of ghosts.{{sfn|Anna Suvorova|2004|p=161}}

Masud's followers also venerated him as a saint who miraculously cured [[leprosy]]. The most prominent among his followers were [[Meo (ethnic group)|Meo Muslims]] (Mewatis), who are said to have been converted to Islam by him.{{sfn|Anna Suvorova|2004|p=158}} Although the [[Naqshbandi]]s, [[Wahhabism|Wahhabis]] and some Islamic reformers criticized his cult, his popularity did not decline in the 18th century. The [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]] Sufi poet Waris Shah named him among the five most venerated Sufi [[Pir (Sufism)|Pirs]] (saints).{{sfn|Anna Suvorova|2004|p=160}}

=== British period ===

In the 19th century, the British administrators were bewildered at the Hindu veneration of Masud.{{sfn|Anna Suvorova|2004|p=160}} [[William Henry Sleeman]], the British Resident in Awadh, remarked:{{sfn|P. D. Reeves|2010|p=69}}

{{cquote|Strange to say, Hindoos as well as Mahommedans make offerings to this shrine, and implore the favours of this military ruffian, whose only recorded merit consists of having destroyed a great many Hindoos in a wanton and unprovoked invasion of their territory. They say, that he did what he did against Hindoos in the conscientious discharge of his duties, and could not have done it without God's permission—that God must then have been angry with them for their transgressions, and used this man, and all the other Mahommedan invaders of their country, as instruments of his vengeance, and means to bring about his purposes: that is, the thinking portion of the Hindoos say this. The mass think that the old man must still have a good deal of interest in heaven, which he may be induced to exercise in their favour, by suitable offerings and personal applications to his shrine.}}

Russian orientalist [[Anna Suvorova]] notes that the rituals of the Masud's cult show some indigenous Hindu influence.{{sfn|Anna Suvorova|2004|p=160}} The local Hindus revered Masud as "Bade Miyan" (Revered Boy), "Bale Pir" (Boy Saint), "Hathile Pir" (Obstinate Saint), "Pir Bahlim" and "Gajan Dulha".{{sfn|Anna Suvorova|2004|p=158}}{{sfn|Shahid Amin|2016|p=9}}

=== Independent India ===

In the 2000s, the majority of the visitors to the annual fair held at Masud's ''dargah'' were Hindus.{{sfn|Badri Narayan|2009|pp=83–84}} According to the local legends glorifying Salar Masud, his killer [[Suhaldev]] was a cruel king who oppressed his subjects.{{sfn|Badri Narayan|2009|p=84}} However, the [[Hindu]] organizations have attempted to portray Suahldev as a Hindu icon who fought against a Muslim invader.{{sfn|Badri Narayan|2009|p=82}} In these narratives, Masud is portrayed as a cruel ruler who ravaged Hindu women.{{sfn|Badri Narayan|2009|p=89}}

According to local Hindus, [[Chittaura Jheel|Chittora]] near modern Bahraich is the place where he died in a battle. [[Hindu nationalist]] organizations have characterized Suhaldev as a saviour of Hindus against the Muslim invader Masud (popularly known as "Ghazi Mian"). They have constructed a temple dedicated to Suhaldev in Chittora.{{sfn|Badri Narayan|2009|p=95}}

==See also==
*[[Legend of Suheldev: The King Who Saved India]]

== References ==

{{reflist}}

=== Bibliography ===
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite book |author=W.C. Benett |title=Gazetteer of the province of Oudh |volume=2 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8KQIAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA111 |year=1877 |publisher=North-Western Provinces and Oudh Government Press }}
* {{cite book |author=Anna Suvorova |title=Muslim Saints of South Asia: The Eleventh to Fifteenth Centuries |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QK0aLjQtX2cC&pg=PA156 |year=2004 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-134-37006-1 }}
* {{cite book |author=Badri Narayan |title=Fascinating Hindutva: Saffron Politics and Dalit Mobilisation |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9bmGAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA26 |year=2009 |publisher=SAGE Publications |isbn=978-81-321-0105-5 }}
* {{cite book |editor=P. D. Reeves |title=Sleeman in Oudh |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DK8sbjtgBREC&pg=PA69 |date=10 June 2010 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-0-521-15309-6 }}
* {{cite book |author=Shahid Amin |title=Conquest and Community: The Afterlife of Warrior Saint Ghazi Miyan |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=edMZDgAAQBAJ&pg=PA13 |year=2016 |publisher=University of Chicago Press |isbn=978-0-226-37274-7 }}
{{refend}}

=== External links ===
{{Wikiquote}}
* {{cite news|last1=Vinay|first1=Lal|title=The Ghazi of Peace|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/books/the-ghazi-of-peace/|access-date=17 July 2017|work=The Indian Express|date=10 October 2015}}
* {{cite news|last1=Alavi|first1=Seema|title=How India Turned a Turkish Invader into a Saint Revered by Hindus and Muslims Alike - The Wire|url=https://thewire.in/12544/how-india-turned-a-turkish-invader-into-a-saint-revered-by-hindus-and-muslms-alike/|access-date=17 July 2017|work=thewire.in|issue=11 November 2015}}
* {{cite news|last1=Kuldeep|first1=Kumar|title=Of a sufi and magical realism|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/of-a-sufi-and-magical-realism/article7873372.ece|access-date=17 July 2017|work=The Hindu|date=13 November 2015|language=en}}
* {{cite news|last1=Ajaz|first1=Ashraf|title=How Amit Shah and the BJP have twisted the story of Salar Masud and Raja Suheldev|url=https://scroll.in/article/841590/how-amit-shah-and-the-bjp-have-twisted-the-story-of-salar-masud-and-raja-suheldev|access-date=17 July 2017|work=scroll.in|date=17 July 2017}}
* [https://books.google.com/books?id=N1JkLL7HYEkC&pg=PA513 Mirat-i-Masudi], English translation in ''[[The History of India, as Told by Its Own Historians]]''

[[Category:People from the Ghaznavid Empire]]
[[Category:11th-century Indian people]]
[[Category:1014 births]]
[[Category:1034 deaths]]

Ghazi Saiyyad Salar Masud - Revision history

Twyla48W587323 at 15:04, 21 March 2026