Ghaznavid campaigns in India

What links here Related changes Page information
Created by KirkEvd85074933
Last edited March 29, 2026


Template:Infobox military conflict The Ghaznavid campaigns in India refer to a series of military expeditions lasting over two centuries launched by the Ghaznavid Empire, a prominent empire of the 10th and 11th centuries. They went to the Indian subcontinent, led notably by Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni (Template:Reign), leaving a profound impact on the region's history and culture.[1]Template:Page needed Conflicts continued until the fall of Ghaznavids in late 12th century.

Beginning in the late 10th century, these incursions marked a significant chapter in the history of South Asia, with Ghaznavid forces penetrating deep into the Indian subcontinent, including the Punjab region and northern India. The primary objectives of these campaigns included the acquisition of wealth, the propagation of Islam, and the establishment of Ghaznavid rule in the region.

By the end of the 10th century, the Ghaznavid ruler Sabuktigin captured the region between Laghman and Peshawar from the Hindu Shahi ruler Jayapala. This laid the foundation for the Ghaznavids to establish their dominance over parts of present-day Afghanistan and India. The Ghaznavid campaigns in India serve as a crucial historical backdrop to the later Islamic empires that would shape the subcontinent's destiny.

Campaign timeline

This list details the military conflicts between the Ghaznavids and Indian kingdoms.

Name of Conflict (Time)

Ghaznavid commander Opponent Outcome
Battle of Charkh
(973) 		Sabuktigin Lawik dynasty and Hindu Shahis Ghaznavid victory
First Battle of Laghman
(988) 		Sabuktigin Hindu Shahis Ghaznavid victory
Second Battle of Laghman
(991) 		Sabuktigin Hindu Shahis and Rajput confederacy
  • Jayapala
 Ghaznavid victory
Battle of Peshawar (1001) Mahmud of Ghazni Hindu Shahis Ghaznavid victory[2]
Battle of Hund (1002) Mahmud of Ghazni Hindu Shahis
  • Unknown
 Ghaznavid victory
  • Hindu Shahi capital Hund annexed into the Ghaznavid Empire
Siege of Bhatia (1004) Mahmud of Ghazni Kingdom of Bhatia Ghaznavid victory
  • Baji Rai commited suicide.[3]
Battle of the Indus River
(1006) 		Mahmud of Ghazni Hindu Shahis Ghaznavid victory[4]
Siege of Multan
(1006) 		Mahmud of Ghazni Lodi dynasty of Multan Ghaznavid victory
Battle of Multan
(1008) 		Mahmud of Ghazni Hindu Shahis Ghaznavid victory[5]
  • Sukhapala was captured as prisoner.
Battle of Chach
(1007) 		Mahmud of Ghazni Hindu Shahis
  • Anandapala
 Ghaznavid victory
Capture of Narayanpur
(1009) 		Mahmud of Ghazni Rajputs of Narayana and Hindu Shahis
  • King of Narayana
  • Anandapala
 Ghaznavid victory
  • Narayanpur annexed to Ghaznavid empire.[6]
Recapture of Multan
(1010) 		Mahmud of Ghazni Lodi dynasty of Multan Ghaznavid victory
  • Fateh Daud taken as prisoner.
  • Rebellion suppressed.[6]
Battle of Sutlej
(1012) 		Mahmud of Ghazni Chief of Dera
  • Rama
 Ghaznavid victory[7]
  • Mahmud proceeds towards Thanesar.
Sack of Thanesar
(1012) 		Mahmud of Ghazni Tomara dynasty (offered no resistance) Ghaznavid victory
  • Ghaznavids plunders Thanesar, obtains booty and returns to Ghazni.
  • 200,000 captives taken as prisoner.[8][9]
Battle of Nandana
(March 1014) 		Mahmud of Ghazni Hindu Shahis
  • Bhimapala

Lohara dynasty

  • Tunga
 Ghaznavid victory
Siege of Nandana
(March 1014) 		Mahmud of Ghazni Hindu Shahis
  • Unknown
 Ghaznavid victory
  • Fort of Nandana captured by Ghaznavids
  • Trilochanapala retreat.Template:Sfn
Battle of River Tausi

(March 1014)

Mahmud of Ghazni Hindu Shahis
  • Trilochanapala

Lohara dynasty

  • Tunga
 Ghaznavid victory
  • Territories up to Jhelum annexed by the Ghaznavids
Siege of Lohkot (1015) Mahmud of Ghazni Lohara dynasty Lohara victory[10]
Siege of Bulandshahr (1018) Mahmud of Ghazni Kingdom of Bulandshahr
  • King Hardat
 Ghaznavid victory
  • King Hardat fled from the fort.
Siege of Mahaban
(1018) 		Mahmud of Ghazni Kingdom of Mahaban
  • Kulchand
 Ghaznavid victory
  • Kulchand commits suicide.[11]
Plunder of Mathura
(1018) 		Mahmud of Ghazni Tomara dynasty
  • (offers no resistance)
 Ghaznavid victory
  • Ghaznavids plunder Mathura.
  • The 50,000 Hindus were killed by drowning or by using swords, the massacre was accompanied by the destruction of 1,000 temples in the district.[12][13]
Ghaznavid invasion of Kannauj
(1018) 		Mahmud of Ghazni Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty (Rajputs) Ghaznavid victory
  • Rajyapala surrenders
  • Gurjara Pratihara accepts nominal suzerainty of Ghaznavids.[14]
Capture of Munjhawan
(1018) 		Mahmud of Ghazni Brahmins Ghaznavid victory
  • Munjhawan captured by Ghaznavids.
Capture of Asi Fort
(1018) 		Mahmud of Ghazni Candrapala bhur Ghaznavid victory
  • Asi fort successfully captured by Ghazni.[15]
  • Candrapala fled to hills.
Capture of Sirsawa
(1019) 		Mahmud of Ghazni Hindu Chief of Sirsawa Ghaznavid victory
Battle of the Rahib River
(1021) 		Mahmud of Ghazni Hindu Shahis and Rajput confederacy Ghaznavid victory
  • Hindu Shahis and Rajputs retreats.[16]
  • Trilochandapala was killed in the battle.[17]
Siege of Gwalior
(1021) 		Mahmud of Ghazni Kachchhapaghata dynasty Ghaznavid victory
  • Kirthiraja surrenders
  • Kachchhapaghata accepts the nominal suzerainty of Ghaznavids.Template:Sfn
Siege of Kalinjar
(1021) 		Mahmud of Ghazni Chandelas (Rajputs)
  • Vidhyadara
 Peace treaty.
  • (Nanda) Vidhyadara submitted and offered valuable gifts to Mahmud.[18]
Siege of Lohkot
(1021) 		Mahmud of Ghazni Lohara Dynasty Lohara victory[19]
Capture of Lahore
(1021) 		Mahmud of Ghazni Hindu Shahis
  • Trilocanapala
 Ghaznavid victory[20][21]
  • Punjab up to Sutlej annexed to the Ghaznavids.
Siege of Lodhruva
(1025) 		Mahmud of Ghazni Bhati Kingdom of Rajasthan
  • Devraj II
 Ghaznavid victory[22]
Sack of Somnath
(1026) 		Mahmud of Ghazni Abhira dynasty
  • Mandalika
 Ghaznavid victory[23]
  • Somanath temple plundered.
  • 50,000 Rajputs were killed in the battle.[24]
Battle of the Indus River
(1027) 		Mahmud of Ghazni Jats Ghaznavid victoryTemplate:Sfn
Siege of Sarsuti (1033) Mas'ud I Unknown Ghaznavid victory
  • Mas'ud captures the fortress of Sarsuti or Sarwasa which Mahmud had been unable to take.[25]
Sack of Benares (1034) Mas'ud I Kalachuris of Tripuri Ghaznavid victory[26]
Kalachuri invasion of Kangra (1034) Mas'ud I Kalachuris of Tripuri Kalachuri victory
Siege of Hansi (1037) Mas'ud I Unknown Ghaznavid victory
  • Hansi captured by Mas'ud[29]
Siege of Sonipat (1037) Mas'ud I Dipal Har Ghaznavid victory[29]
Siege of Lahore (1041) Mawdud of Ghazni
  • Faqih Salti
 Indian coalition (Rais, Ranas, Thakurs) Ghaznavid victory[30]
  • Sandanpal, grandson of Kabul Shah (Hindu Shahi dynasty) killed in action.
Siege of Hansi (1043) unknown Tomara Dynasty
Paramara Dynasty 		Tomara victory
Siege of Thanesar (1043) unknown Tomara Dynasty
Paramara Dynasty 		Tomara victory
Siege of Nagarkot (1043) unknown Tomara Dynasty
Paramara Dynasty 		Tomara victory
Siege of Lahore (1043)
 Mawdud of Ghazni
  • Faqih Salti
 Tomara Dynasty
Paramara Dynasty
Kalachuris 		Ghaznavid victory[32]
  • Rajput forces repelled by Ghaznavids.
Siege of Mahitah
(1048) 		Abu Ali Hasan Unknown Ghaznavid victory[33]
Reconquest of Nagarkot (1052) Nushtigin Hajib Tomara dynasty Ghaznavid victory
  • Nagarkot retaken by the Ghaznavids[34]
Hejim-ud-din Invasion of India Hejim-ud-dinTemplate:KIA Chahamana dynasty Chahamana victory
  • Ghaznavid invasion halted[35]
Ibrahim of Ghazni's campaigns in India

(1079)

Ibrahim of Ghazna Indian kings Ghaznavid victory
Conquest of Agra (between 1070-1086) Mahmud of Punjab Rashtrakutas of Kannauj Ghaznavid victory[37]
Siege of Kannauj Mahmud of Punjab Rashtrakutas of Kannauj Ghaznavid victory
Invasion of Ujjain Mahmud of Punjab Paramara dynasty Paramara victory[36]
Najm ad-Din Zarir's Raid against Malwa (1088–1092) Najm ad-Din Zarir Paramara dynasty Paramara victoryTemplate:Citation needed
  • Ghaznavid army turned its focus towards Kalinjar following difficulties in Malwa.[38]
Mahmud's invasion of Kalinjar
(Before 1090) 		Mahmud of Punjab Chandelas Chandela victory
Expedition of Hajib Taghatigin into Chahamana Kingdom Hajib Taghatigin Imad-uddaulah Baguli Shah Chahamanas of Shakambhari Chauhan victory
Conquest of Nagaur (1112) Muhammad Bahlim Chahamanas of Shakambhari Ghaznavid victory
Ajayaraja's Conflict with the Ghaznavids Salar Hussain Chahamanas of Shakambhari Chauhan victory[46]
Siege of Hansi
(before 1167) 		unknown Chauhan Dynasty
  • Vigraharaja III
 Chauhan victory
Capture of Bhatinda
(post 1167) 		unknown Chauhan Dynasty Chauhan victory

Under Sabuktigin

Sabuktigin was one of the slaves of Alptigin, the Governor of Ghazni.[47] Alptigin was succeeded by his son Abu Ishaq and his slave, Bilgetigin, respectively. Following Bilgetigin's death in 972, another of Alptigin's slaves, named Boritigin, ascended to the throne.Template:Sfn

As a Ghazni subordinate

Template:See Also

Alptigin
Alptigin
Sabuktigin gold Dinar
Sabuktigin gold Dinar

Battle of Charkh (973)

The first military conflict between Sabuktigin and the Indian kingdoms occurred in 973, when Abu Ali Lawik, the king of the Lawik dynasty, marched to invade Ghazni. Jayapala, the Hindu Shahi ruler, sent his son to support Lawik in this invasion. The battle took place near Charkh, in modern-day Afghanistan. Sabuktigin's forces defeated the combined armies of Lawik and the Hindu Shahis, resulting in the death and capture of many of their soldiers. Abu Ali Lawik himself was killed in the battle.Template:Sfn[48]

As a Ghaznavid ruler

Sabuktigin ascended to the throne of Ghazni in 977, and embarked on a series of wars with Indian kingdoms in the late 10th century. His primary objective was to expand the influence of the Ghaznavid Empire in the Indian subcontinent. Sabuktigin's most remarkable military achievement was the conquest of the Punjab region. These conflicts with Indian kingdoms solidified the Ghaznavids as a formidable power in India and laid the groundwork for more renowned invasions led by Mahmud of Ghazni in the subsequent century.Template:Fact

Initially, Sabuktigin faced opposition from Toghan and subsequently marched against him, leading to the capture of Kandahar and its surrounding areas. Sabuktigin also conducted raids in the territories belonging to Jayapala, which provoked Jayapala to launch an attack on Ghazni.Template:Fact

First Battle of Laghman

Template:Main

The first Battle of Laghman took place in 988 near present-day Laghman, Afghanistan, between Jayapala and Sabuktigin. The Ghaznavid forces emerged victorious over Jayapala's Hindu Shahi forces. As a result, Jayapala, the Hindu Shahi ruler, was compelled to pay a substantial tribute to Sabuktigin and cede both territories and a few forts.

Present-day Laghman
Present-day Laghman

Second Battle of Laghman

Template:See also To avenge the defeat at Laghman, Jayapala orchestrated the formation of a confederacy comprising Hindu chiefs from the Tomara dynasty, Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty, Chahamanas, and Chandelas. This alliance was aimed at preparing for a pivotal battle. Jayapala amassed a substantial force, which included 100,000 cavalry and an immense contingent of foot soldiers. In 991, Both forces met at Laghman. Seeing the disproportion of the manpower, Sabuktigin divided his troops into squadrons of 500 men each, and directed them to attack the enemy on one particular point. Ghaznavid forces again defeated the combined Hindu Shahi and Rajput forces.[49]

Sabuktigin died in 997. He had increased Alptigin's domains to cover the area south of the Hindu Kush in Afghanistan and east to the Indus River in what is today Pakistan. His son Mahmud of Ghazni succeeded him.

Under Mahmud of Ghazni

Wars against the western front

Template:Main

Battle of Peshawar (1001)

Template:Main

Disaster of Jayapala Army against Mahmud of Ghazni, due to a snowstorm.
Disaster of Jayapala Army against Mahmud of Ghazni, due to a snowstorm[50]

In 1001, the Ghaznavid forces, led by Mahmud of Ghazni, achieved victory over the Hindu Shahi forces, commanded by Jayapala, near Peshawar. Consequently, Mahmud incorporated Peshawar and Punjab into his empire. Jayapala, the Hindu Shahi ruler, was taken prisoner and was in the face of a humiliating defeat, he immolated himself.Template:Sfn

Siege of Bhatiya

Template:Main

In 1004 CE, Mahmud invaded the Kingdom of Bhatia (Bhatiya) and defeated its ruler, Biji Rai (also known as Baji Rao). The battle raged on for three days, resulting in heavy casualties for Biji Rai's forces. Ultimately, Biji Rai was compelled to retreat into the forest. The city came under siege and was eventually conquered by Sultan Mahmud's army. Biji Rai was captured by the Ghaznavids but chose to take his own life. Mahmud amassed significant wealth from this battle, including 120 elephants. Mahmud returned to Ghazni after this campaign.Template:Sfn

First campaign of Multan

Template:Main

In 1006, Mahmud led an expedition against Fateh Daud, the king of the Lodi dynasty of Multan. Daud had formed an alliance with Anandapala, the son of Jayapala, who had taken the throne after his father's death.[51] Mahmud initially requested Anandapala to allow his army to pass through his territory, but Anandapala, being in alliance with Daud, refused. Consequently, Mahmud marched against Anandapala and defeated his forces near the Indus River. Anandapala was compelled to retreat to the mountains of Kashmir. Mahmud's forces plundered Anandapala's territories and took many soldiers as prisoners.[51]

Mahmud continued his march towards Multan and, upon reaching the city, Fateh Daud surrendered it to him and agreed to pay an annual tribute. On his way back to Ghazni, Mahmud appointed a Hindu convert named Nawassa Shah (also known as Sukhapala) to oversee the Indian territories. Sukhapala happened to be the grandson of Jayapala.Template:Sfn

Sukhapala's rebellion

In Mahmud's absence, Sukhapala reverted to Hinduism and revolted against him. Mahmud, upon hearing this, marched from Ghazni to Multan and defeated Sukhapala. Sukhapala retreated to the Salt Ranges but was eventually captured by the Sultan's forces and taken as a prisoner. Mahmud compelled Sukhapala to pay 400,000 Dirhams and sentenced him to life imprisonment.[52][53]

Battle of Chach

Template:Main

In 1008, Mahmud launched a campaign against the Hindu Shahis and defeated Anandapala in the Battle of Chach. This conflict likely arose from Anandapala's support of Daud during Mahmud's invasion of Multan. The Hindu Shahi troops retreated as far as the Kangra Valley, where they sought refuge.[54]

Capture of Narayanpur

In 1009, Mahmud embarked on an expedition against the King of Narayana, a Rajput vassal state of Anandapala. Anandapala intervened to aid his vassal but was ultimately defeated by Mahmud's Ghaznavid forces. This conquest allowed Mahmud to penetrate deep into the heartland of India.[6]

Annexation of Multan

In 1010, Daud staged another revolt against Mahmud. Mahmud responded by marching towards Multan, where he not only quelled the rebellion but also inflicted heavy casualties among heretics and took Daud as a prisoner. This action reestablished Mahmud's authority over Multan.[6]

After experiencing a series of consecutive defeats, Anandapala opted to initiate a peace treaty with Mahmud. The terms of the agreement stipulated that he would annually pay a substantial tribute equivalent to the profits generated from his territories and the looting of his cities. Additionally, he was committed to sending 50 elephants and 2000 well-trained armed personnel for military support. In exchange, the Sultan pledged not to launch any invasions into Anandapala's kingdom.[55]

Other campaigns

Capture of Thanesar

Despite his alliance with Anandapala, Mahmud of Ghazni continued his military campaigns in India. In 1012 CE, Mahmud marched from Ghazni to Thanesar with the intent to conquer and plunder the city. According to their treaty, Anandapala allowed Mahmud to pass through his territory but requested that the sacred city not be destroyed. Nevertheless, Mahmud continued his march toward Thanesar and encountered resistance from Rama, the chief of Dera, whom Mahmud defeated, allowing him to proceed further.

In 1012, Thanesar was under the rule of the Tomaras of Delhi. The Tomara king sent appeals for assistance to other neighboring kings, but Mahmud successfully captured the city in 1014, plundered it, and then returned to Ghazni.[56]

Anandapala's death is not recorded in any chronicle; however, it can be ascertained to be c. late 1010 − early 1011. His son Trilochanapala succeeded him.

Battle of Nandana

Template:Main

After the demise of Anandapala, Mahmud of Ghazni resumed his campaigns against the Hindu Shahis. In 1014, he launched an expedition against Trilochanapala, who had settled in Nandana within the Salt Range. Trilochanapala attempted to defend the fort, but his forces were defeated by the Ghaznavid army, leading to the capture of the fort of Nandana. Trilochanapala fled to Kashmir to escape capture.Template:Sfn

File:Captured Indian Raja Brought to Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni, Folio from a Majma al-Tavarikh (World Histories) MET AD-37.193a (detail).jpg
Captured Indian Raja brought to Mahmud who is seated on horseback Majma al-Tavarikh Template:Circa, Herat

Siege of Lohkot

Template:Main

Mahmud pursued Trilochanapala into the Kashmir hills, pillaging villages along his path as he advanced towards Kashmir. This marked Mahmud's first invasion of Kashmir in 1015. Seeking assistance, Trilochanapala turned to Sangramaraja, the reigning Lohara king of Kashmir, who promptly dispatched a substantial force led by his commander, Tungh, to support Trilochanapala. Initially, Tungh's forces won a skirmish against a small detachment sent by Mahmud. However, their overconfidence led them to engage in an open battle. Despite being outnumbered, Mahmud's Ghaznavid forces managed to defeat the Kashmiri forces. Trilochanapala retreated from the battlefield, and Mahmud plundered the frontier of the Kashmir valley before returning to Ghazni.Template:Citation needed

One of the notable event of Mahmud in his failed Kashmir campaign is the Siege of Lohkot in 1015. A fierce combat took place between the Lohara forces of Kashmir under Raja Sangramraja and the forces of Mahmud. At the end of the battle, Mahmud retreated back to Ghazni due to harsh winter conditions. The Loharas achieved victory.[57][58]

In 1016, Mahmud launched another invasion of Kashmir, advancing until he reached the pass where the fort of Lohkot is located. Mahmud initiated a siege of the fort, but his efforts were interrupted by the onset of winter, accompanied by heavy snowfall. Consequently, Mahmud had to withdraw from the operation due to the adverse weather conditions.

Capture of Kannauj, Mathura, Mahaban, Bari, Asi, Sirsawa

Template:Main

In 1018, Mahmud led an expedition against the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty. Sultan Mahmud marched from Ghazni to Kannauj with a formidable army. Along his journey, he reached Bulandshahr, where King Hardat of Bulandshahr fled, leaving a garrison to defend the fort. The Ghaznavid forces defeated this garrison, and peace was secured with a payment of 1,000,000 dirhams and 30 elephants. Continuing his advance, Mahmud reached Mahaban. The king of Mahaban, named Kulchand, retreated to a dense forest and prepared for a battle. However, the forces of Mahaban were defeated by the Ghaznavids and many of them perished, some drowning in the river Yamuna. In a tragic turn of events, Kulchand took the life of his wife and then his own.[59] He subsequently launched an attack on Mathura. Although it was under the control of the Tomara dynasty, he did not encounter significant opposition. Mahmud plundered and devastated Mathura, leaving it in ruins. From Mathura, he advanced towards Kannauj. Upon his approach, Rajyapala, the Gurjar King, retreated to a location known as Bari. Kannauj fell easily to the Ghaznavids due to the lack of resistance. Eventually, Rajyapala surrendered to the Sultan.[14] Mahmud then took control of Munjhawan, a Brahmin stronghold. The garrison put up a spirited defense against the invasion for 25 days but was ultimately defeated. Tragically, many of the defenders, along with their wives and children, chose to immolate themselves in the fire, while others leaped from the fort onto the battlefield, preferring death over dishonor. In the end, it was discovered that no one had survived within the fort.Template:Citation needed

Mahmud then advanced towards Asi which was surrounded by dense jungle. Its ruler Chandrapal Bhur fled from his territory and the Sultan captured five of his forts. By the Sultan's order, the fort was plundered and the garrison were either imprisoned or put to death.[60]

File:Mahmud captures the fort of Asi.jpg
Mahmud conquers Asi in India, miniature from the Jamiʿ al-Tawarikh Template:Circa

In January 1019, Mahmud marched towards Sirsawa. Chand Rai, the Hindu chief of that region, prepared for battle. However, before the Sultan's arrival, Bhimpala, the son of Trilochanapala, advised him not to engage in a battle with Mahmud. Consequently, he fled from his fort, sought refuge on a hill, and concealed himself in a dense forest. Mahmud reached Sirsawa, plundered the fort, and then led his army into the forest, capturing Chand Rai.Template:Citation needed

Template:Blockquote

Mahmud of Ghazni receiving Indian elephants
Mahmud of Ghazni receiving Indian elephants

By the time, Rajyapala, the Gurjar ruler who surrendered to Mahmud was killed by the Chandela ruler Vidhyadara. In 1021, Mahmud marched from Ghazni with the intention of punishing Vidhyadara for his actions. However, he faced opposition from Trilochanapala on the banks of the Rahib River (either Yamuna or Ravi). Trilochanapala's army was defeated by the Ghaznavid forces, compelling him to retreat from the battlefield, resulting in the loss of many of his soldiers. Trilochanapala himself died shortly after the battle, and his son Bhimpala succeeded him.[16][61]

Capture of Gwalior

Mahmud attacked the territories of Vidhyadara. He attacked the Gwalior fort in 1021 and forced its Kachchhapaghata ruler Kirthiraja to surrender. Kirthiraja accepted the nominal suzerainty of the Sultan and became a vassal of Ghaznavids. Kirthiraja offered thirty five war elephants to Mahmud.Template:Sfn

Capture of Kalinjar

Mahmud then directed his attention towards Kalinjar, where Vidhyadara had sought refuge after the Battle of the Rahib. The Sultan laid siege to the fort of Kalinjar, and after a fierce conflict, both parties opted for a peace treaty. Vidhyadara composed a poem praising Mahmud of Ghazni, and in a gesture of goodwill, Mahmud returned 15 forts to Vidhyadara as a part of the agreement.Template:Sfn

Conquest of Lahore

In 1022, Lahore was captured after defeating Trilocanapala. The entire region of Punjab up to Sutlej was annexed to the Ghaznavid Empire.[21]

Ruins of Somnath temple
Ruins of the Somnath temple of Gujarat

Sack of Somnath

Template:Main

In 1026, Mahmud led an army of 80,000 men on a campaign to plunder the Somnath temple. Rajput forces opposed his army at Somnath, but the Sultan's forces emerged victorious, with a devastating toll of 50,000 casualties among the defending army. The Ghaznavids looted the Somanath temple and destroyed its idols. This event earned Mahmud the title of "The Idol Breaker" due to his actions during this campaign.Template:Sfn Mahmud defeated Jats near the Indus River in 1027.Template:Sfn[62]

Later conflicts

Mas'ud I

Mahmud died in 1030, succeeding Mas'ud (Template:Reign) to the throne. In 1031 Mas'ud appointed Ahmad Niyaltigin governor of the Punjab. In 1033 Mas‘ud captured the fortress of Sarsuti or Sarwasa.[25] In 1034, Ahmad led campaigns against Indian chieftains, compelling the Thakurs to pay tribute. He crossed the Ganges River, traveled along its left bank, and reached Banaras, part of the Kalachuri king Gangeyadeva’s (Template:Reign) realm. There, he plundered the markets returned to Punjab with a substantial haul of gold, silver, and jewels.[63] In 1036 CE, Mas‘ud appointed his second son, Majdud, as governor of Punjab who occupied the territories in the Indus valley and its tributaries as far east as Hansi and Thanesar.[64] The following year, Masud assembled a large army. He then marched to Punjab, camping along the Jhelum River near Dinarkotah. From there, he advanced to Hansi in the Hisar District, Punjab, and besieged its fort. After a fierce battle, Hansi was captured. He then proceeded to Sonipat,[65] defeating its governor, Dipal Har. Continuing his campaign, Mas‘ud approached the kingdom of Ram Rai, who avoided conflict by offering valuable gifts.[29]

Mawdud

Mas'ud was killed in the fort of Giri in 1040 AD by his slaves who declared Muhammad as the new ruler. Mas'ud son Mawdud (Template:Reign) hearing the news of his father's death dethroned and executed Muhammad. Muhammad's rule only lasted four months before Mawdud's accession.[29] Mawdud nominated Faqih Salti as the governor of Lahore. The news of Mas'ud's death opened the opportunity to Indian rulers to attack the Ghaznavids. Sandanpal the grandson of Hindu Shahi dyansty attacked Lahore with a coalition of various Indian rulers. Faqih Salti's army defeated the coalition killing Sandanpal.[66] In 1043 CE, three Indian kings under the leadership of Mahipal of Tomara launched offensives against Ghaznavids. The coalition possibly consisted of Paramara king Bhoja, Kalachuri Lakshmikarna and AnahillaTemplate:Efn captured Hansi, Nagarkot, Thanesar and other dependencies at last besieged Lahore. After seven months of unsuccessful siege the garrison of the fort inflicted defeat on the allied army forcing them to desert the battlefield.[67] In 1048, Maudud dispatched Abu Ali Hasan, the kotwal of Ghazni, with an army to suppress rebellious Indian chiefs. After subduing the insurgents in Punjab, Abu Ali advanced to the fort of Mahitah, near Kashmir, and captured it.[33]

Abd al-Rashid

In 1052 AD, Sultan Abd al-Rashid's general Nushtigin managed to recapture Nagarkot which had been in the possession of Hindus since 1043.[68]

Ibrahim of Ghazni

Contemporary Ghaznavid poets wrote poems commemorating victories of Ibrahim of Ghazni (Template:Reign) and his two son Saif-ad-Daula Mahmud and Mas'ud, who later became the Sultan.[69] In 1079, Ibrahim led various campaigns against Indian chiefs[70] and conquered Tabarhindah, Burya on the Yamuna in Ambala, Dhangan, Jalandhar, Ajudhan, and Rupal on the summit of a hill, and reduced the fort of Darah, in the neighbourhood of Rupal.[36]

In 1075 AD, Ibrahim appointed Saif-ad-Daula Mahmud as the governor of Indian territories.[36] He led campaigns into Uttar Pradesh and in Central India.[71] Between 1070-1086 AD, Mahmud leading a army of Ghazis with 40,000 cavalrymen penetrated into Uttar Pradesh in modern India. The Ghaznavids laid siege on the fort of Agra. Raja Gopala of the Rastrakuta dynasty offered resistance. After few days of fierce combat the fort was captured. Several local rulers submitted and brought treasures and elephants for Mahmud.[72] He then captured Kannauj.[36] According to the 12th century text Diwan-i-Salman, a man named Chand Rai was left in charge of the elephants.Template:Sfn One theory identifies Chand Rai as the Gahadavala king Chandradeva, and postulates that he entered into friendly relation with Mahmud,[72] or became his tributary.Template:Sfn However, no concrete evidence supports this theory.Template:Sfn Mahmud also invaded Ujjain, but was repulsed by the Paramara Lakshmadeva. He also invested the fort of Kalanjara, which was then ruled by the Chandella Kirttivarman[36][73]

Mas'ud III

Ibrahim succeeded Ala ad-Dawlah Mas'ud III (Template:Reign) in 1099 AD. Hajib Tughatigin, an officer under the Sultan, crossed the Ganges and carried on conquest in India. King of Kannauj who was probably Madanapala (Template:Reign) of Gahadavala dynasty was captured by the Sultan's army. Madanapala's son Govindachandra (Template:Reign) defeated the Ghaznavids releasing his father from captivity.[74][75] In 1112 AD, Muhammad Bahlim captured Nagaur from Chauhan ruler Ajayaraj II.[44]

Khusrau Malik

During the reign of last Ghaznavid Sultan Khusrau Malik (Template:Reign), Vigraharaj IV retook Hansi from the Ghaznavid Sultan of the Punjab. An inscription of his nephew and his successor records that Prithviraja II fortified it as an outpost against the Ghaznavids in 1167.[76] A few years later, Prithviraja II sieged Bhatinda, and thus shifted the Chauhan frontier in the north to modern Ferozepore. Khusrau Shah's slothful reign allowed his generals to exercise their power independently, often carried out raids deep into Indian territories bringing valuable spoils.[44]

The raids in late 11th century, were not highly impactful, but the Rajput kings recognized their threat, as evidenced by the Turushkadanda tax mentioned in grants by Gahadavala rulers Chandradeva (Template:Reign), Madanapala (Template:Reign), Govindachandra (Template:Reign), and Vijayachandra (Template:Reign) likely used to counter or appease the Ghaznavids.[77]

See also

Notes

Template:Notelist

References

  1. ↑ The Ghaznavid and Seljuk Turks: Poetry as a Source for Iranian History{{#if:Tetley|, Tetley}. Routledge(2008-10-27). ISBN 978-1-134-08438-8
  2. ↑ Template:Harvard citation no brackets
  3. ↑ Template:Harvard citation no brackets "… he was surrounded but, preferring death to the humiliation of captivity, the high-spirited Raja stabbed himself with a sword."
  4. ↑ Template:Harvard citation no brackets
  5. ↑ Template:Harvard citation no brackets
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 History of the Punjab: A.D. 1000-1526. Editor: Fauja Singh{{#if:Singh|, Singh}. Department of Punjab Historical Studies, Punjabi University(1972)
  7. ↑ Template:Harvard citation no brackets
  8. ↑ Glimpses of World History{{#if:Nehru|, Nehru}. Penguin Random House India Private Limited(2004-05-07). ISBN 978-93-85990-06-9
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Rajasthan Through the Ages: From the earliest times to 1316 A.D{{#if:Sharma|, Sharma}. Rajasthan State Archives(1966)
  10. ↑ Template:Harvard citation no brackets
  11. ↑ Vrindaban Days (English){{#if:Dasa|, Dasa}. Golden Age Media(2020-01-01). ISBN 978-93-89050-61-5
  12. ↑ Do your History textbooks tell you these Facts?{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Maanoj Rakhit मानोज रखित(1985). ISBN 9788189746070
  13. ↑ The Hindu Civilisation: A Miracle of History{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Gyan Publishing House, 2010(2010). ISBN 9788121210416
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Uttar Pradesh District Gazetteers: Saharanpur{{#if:|, }. Government of Uttar Pradesh(1988)
  15. ↑ Cultural History of Kapisa and Gandhara{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Sundeep(1984). ISBN 9788175740273
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 The Chronology of Indian History, from the Earliest Times to the Beginning of the Sixteenth Century{{#if:Rickmers|, Rickmers}. Cosmo Publications(1972)
  17. ↑ The Muslim Diaspora (Volume 1, 570-1500): A Comprehensive Chronology of the Spread of Islam in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. McFarland, 2010(2010). ISBN 9781605204994
  18. ↑ Archeological Survey of India: Vol. II{{#if:Cunningham|, Cunningham}. BoD – Books on Demand(2022-12-06). ISBN 978-3-368-13568-3
  19. ↑ Kashmir Under the Sultans{{#if:Hasan|, Hasan}. Aakar Books(2005-12-30). ISBN 978-81-87879-49-7
  20. ↑ Template:Harvard citation no brackets
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 Template:Harvard citation no brackets "He invaded Lahore (1021-22) during his fourteenth expedition and gave yet another defeat to Trilochanpal. Lahore fell into the hands of the invader as also 270 war elephants. The whole of Punjab up to the banks of the Sutlej was declared annexed to the Ghazni empire."
  22. ↑ Template:Harvard citation no brackets "Later, in the course of an expedition against Somnath in Gujarat in year 414 of the Muslim Hijri calendar (AD 1024-25), Mahmud Ghazni marched across the desert through Multan, attacked the Bhati-held Lodrava"
  23. ↑ Template:Harvard citation no brackets "From Modhera, Mahmud marched on Prabhasa Patan looting Delvada on the way. On January 6, 1026, he invested the fort of Somanatha. It was in charge of Mandalika, the descendant of the Abhira Gruharipu with whom Mularaja had fought."
  24. ↑ Template:Harvard citation no brackets
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 Template:Harvard citation no brackets
  26. ↑ Template:Harvard citation no bracketsTemplate:BreakTemplate:Harvard citation no brackets
  27. ↑ Template:Harvard citation no brackets
  28. ↑ A Military History of Medieval India{{#if:Sandhu|, Sandhu}. Vision Books(2003). ISBN 978-81-7094-525-3
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 29.2 29.3 Template:Harvard citation no brackets
  30. ↑ Template:Harvard citation no brackets "A battle took place at Q.d.r.j.w.r (?) in which the Faqïh Salïtï’s army routed the infidels and in which Sandanpäl was killed"
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 31.2 The Growth of the Paramara Power in Malwa{{#if:Seth|, Seth}. Progress Publishers(1978)
  32. ↑ The Encyclopaedia of Islam: Fascicules 111-112 : Masrah Mawlid{{#if:Bosworth|, Bosworth}. BRILL(1989-01-01). ISBN 978-90-04-09239-6
  33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 Template:Harvard citation no brackets "In 1048, Sultan Maudud sent Abu Ali Hasan, the Kotwal of Ghaznin with an army to suppress the rebel Indian chiefs. Having subdued the rebels of Panjab, Abu Ali advanced to the fort of Mahitah, in the vicinity of Kashmir and Seized the fort."
  34. ↑ History of the Punjab from the Remotest Antiquity to the Present Time{{#if:Latif|, Latif}. Sang-e-Meel publications(1997). ISBN 978-969-35-0735-5
  35. ↑ History Of The Chahamanas{{#if:Singh|, Singh}(1964)
  36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 36.2 36.3 36.4 36.5 36.6 Template:Harvard citation no brackets
  37. ↑ Power, Administration, and Finance in Mughal India{{#if:Richards|, Richards}. Variorum(1993). ISBN 978-0-86078-366-4
  38. ↑ Template:Harvard citation no brackets
  39. ↑ Template:Harvard citation no brackets
  40. ↑ The Candellas of Jejākabhukti{{#if:Dikshit|, Dikshit}. Abhinav Publications(1976). ISBN 978-81-7017-046-4
  41. ↑ The Rise of Wisdom Moon{{#if:Mishra|, Mishra}. NYU Press(2016-10-01). ISBN 978-1-4798-5264-2
  42. ↑ Indian History{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Allied Publishers(1988). ISBN 978-81-8424-568-4
  43. ↑ History of the Chāhamānas{{#if:Singh|, Singh}. N. Kishore(1964)
  44. ↑ 44.0 44.1 44.2 44.3 44.4 Template:Harvard citation no brackets "The Chauhan ruler, Prithvi Raj I, fought with the Muslims, His successor Ajayaraj lost Nagor to Bahlim, a Ghaznavide officer, in 1112 A.D. Vigraharaj IIITemplate:Dubious recovered Hansi from the Ghaznavide Sultan of the Punjab in 1167 A.D. and his successor Prithvi Raj II fortified it as an outpost against the Turks. A few years later, Prithvi Raj II wrested Bhatinda, situated further north, and thus shifted the Chauhan frontier in the north to very near modern Ferozepore."
  45. ↑ Template:Harvard citation no brackets "… Muhammad Bahlim, whom Bahram Shah of Ghazni had appointed the Governor of his dominions in Hindustan in A.D., captured and fortified the town of Nagor …"
  46. ↑ Template:Harvard citation no brackets
  47. ↑ Ancient India{{#if:Majumdar|, Majumdar}. Motilal Banarsidass Publ.(1977). ISBN 978-81-208-0436-4
  48. ↑ History of Medieval India (1000-1740 A.D.){{#if:Sharma|, Sharma}. Konark Publishers(1989). ISBN 978-81-220-0042-9
  49. ↑ The Candellas of Jejākabhukti{{#if:Dikshit|, Dikshit}. Abhinav Publications(1976). ISBN 978-81-7017-046-4
  50. ↑ Hutchinson's story of the nations, containing the Egyptians, the Chinese, India, the Babylonian nation, the Hittites, the Assyrians, the Phoenicians and the Carthaginians, the Phrygians, the Lydians, and other nations of Asia Minor{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. London, Hutchinson
  51. ↑ 51.0 51.1 Muslim Rule in India: From the Invasion of Muhammad-bin-Qasim to the Battle of Plassey, 712-1757 A.D.{{#if:Qasem|, Qasem}. Z.A. Qasem(1958)
  52. ↑ A Comprehensive History of India: A.D. 985-1206{{#if:Sharma|, Sharma}. People's Publishing House(1992). ISBN 978-81-7007-121-1
  53. ↑ The Last Two Dynasties of the Śahis: An Analysis of Their History, Archaeology, Coinage, and Palaeography{{#if:Rehman|, Rehman}. Centre for the Study of the Civilizations of Central Asia, Quaid-i-Azam University(1979)
  54. ↑ A History of the Peoples of Pakistan: Towards Independence{{#if:Hussain|, Hussain}. Oxford University Press(1997). ISBN 978-0-19-577819-9
  55. ↑ A Military History of Medieval India{{#if:Sandhu|, Sandhu}. Vision Books(2003). ISBN 978-81-7094-525-3
  56. ↑ Template:Harvard citation no brackets; Template:Harvard citation no brackets
  57. ↑ Template:Harvard citation no brackets
  58. ↑ Template:Harvard citation no brackets
  59. ↑ The History of Hindus: The Saga of Defeats{{#if:Sharma|, Sharma}. Vishva Books(1998). ISBN 978-81-85679-92-1
  60. ↑ Template:Harvard citation no brackets
  61. ↑ History of India{{#if:Sastri|, Sastri}. S. Viswanathan(1959)
  62. ↑ Turkish History and Culture in India: Identity, Art and Transregional Connections{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. BRILL(2020-08-17). ISBN 978-90-04-43736-4
  63. ↑ Template:Harvard citation no brackets
  64. ↑ Template:Harvard citation no brackets "Majdud, at the instigation of his adviser Ayāz Khāss, marched from Multān and occupied the territories in the Indus valley and its tributaries as far east as Hansi and Thanesar."
  65. ↑ Template:Harvard citation no brackets
  66. ↑ Template:Harvard citation no brackets
  67. ↑ Template:Harvard citation no brackets; Template:Harvard citation no brackets; Template:Harvard citation no brackets; Template:Harvard citation no brackets
  68. ↑ Template:Harvard citation no brackets; Template:Harvard citation no brackets
  69. ↑ Template:Harvard citation no brackets
  70. ↑ Template:Harvard citation no brackets
  71. ↑ Template:Harvard citation no brackets
  72. ↑ 72.0 72.1 Template:Harvard citation no brackets
  73. ↑ Template:Harvard citation no brackets "According to Baihaqui, Ahmad Niyaltigin led an expedition into Hindusthan and penetrated as far as Banaras. The same authority also credits Masud with the capture of Hansi. Ibrahim is also said to have conducted expeditions against “the infidels”. Between 1086 and 1090 his son Mahmud, the governor of the Punjab, is also reported to have plundered Kanauj and Kalinjar and attacked Ujjain."
  74. ↑ Template:Harvard citation no brackets
  75. ↑ Template:Harvard citation no brackets "During the reign of Ibrahim's successor Mas'ud III (1099-115 A.D.), the Muslims made another plundering raid beyond the Ganga in course of which they took prisoner Malhi, the king of Kanauj. He is probably to be identified with Gahadavala Madanachandra, and his son Govindachandra defeated the Muslims and secured his release."
  76. ↑ Template:Harvard citation no brackets: "The Chauhan king Visaladeva Vigraharaja IV claimed to have captured Asi (modern Hansi) in the Punjab from the Muslims whom he defeated in a number of battles. An inscription of his nephew and successor Prithviraja ITemplate:Dubious records the conversion of Asi (Hansi) into a fortified outpost against the Muslims, in 1167 A.D."
  77. ↑ Template:Harvard citation no brackets

Sources

Template:Refbegin

  • Early Aryans to Swaraj{{#if:Bakshi|, Bakshi}. Sarup & Sons(2005). ISBN 81-7625-537-8
  • The Ghaznavids, 994-1040{{#if:Bosworth|, Bosworth}. Edinburgh University Press(1963)
  • The Later Ghaznavids: Splendour and Decay{{#if:Bosworth|, Bosworth}. Edinburgh University Press(1977). ISBN 978-0-85224-315-2
  • The Cambridge History of Iran{{#if:Bosworth|, Bosworth}. Cambridge University Press(1975-06-26). ISBN 978-0-521-20093-6
  • The Foundation of Muslim Rule in India: A History of the Establishment and Progress of the Turkish Sultanate of Delhi, 1206-1290 A.D.{{#if:Habibullah|, Habibullah}. Central Book Depot(1961)
  • The Cambridge History of India: Turks and Afghans, edited by W. Haig{{#if:Haig|, Haig}. Cambridge University Press(1928)
  • A History of Rajasthan{{#if:Hooja|, Hooja}. Rupa & Company(2006). ISBN 978-81-291-0890-6
  • History of India: The Mohammedan period as described by its own historians{{#if:Jackson|, Jackson}. Grolier Society(1907)
  • History and Culture of Indian People - 5 Struggle For Empire{{#if:Majumdar|, Majumdar}. Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan(1966)
  • Advanced Study in the History of Medieval India{{#if:Mehta|, Mehta}. Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd(1979). ISBN 978-81-207-0617-0
  • The Hindu Sahis of Afghanistan and the Punjab, A.D. 865-1026: A Phase of Islamic Advance Into India{{#if:Mishra|, Mishra}. Vaishali Bhavan(1972)
  • Somnath: The Shrine Eternal{{#if:Munshi|, Munshi}. Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan(1952)
  • The Life and Times of Sulṭān Maḥmūd of Ghazna{{#if:Nazim|, Nazim}. CUP Archive(1931)
  • The History of the Gāhaḍavāla Dynasty{{#if:Niyogi|, Niyogi}. Oriental(1959)
  • The Shahis of Afghanistan and the Punjab{{#if:Pandey|, Pandey}. Historical Research Institute; [sole distributors: Oriental Publishers](1973)
  • A Short History of Muslim Rule in India from the Advent of Islam to the Death of Aurangzeb{{#if:Prasad|, Prasad}. The Indian Press Publishers Ltd.(1956)
  • History and Culture of the Indian People, Volume 05, The Struggle For Empire{{#if:Ramakrishnan|, Ramakrishnan}. Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan(2001)
  • Hindus Under the Ghaznavids. Proceedings of the Indian History Congress({Template:Date).
  • Ancient Indian History and Civilization{{#if:Sen|, Sen}. New Age International(1999). ISBN 978-81-224-1198-0
  • Early Chauhan Dynasties: A Study of Chauhan Political History, Chauhan Political Institutions and Life in the Chauhan Dominions from 800 to 1316 A. D.{{#if:Sharma|, Sharma}. Motilal Banarsidass Publishers (Pvt. Limited)(1975). ISBN 978-81-208-0492-0
  • History of India 1000 A D to 1707 A D{{#if:Srivastava|, Srivastava}. Shiva Lal Agarwala & Company(1971)

Template:Refend

Retrieved from "https://indianpedia.org/index.php?title=Ghaznavid_campaigns_in_India&oldid=456181"
Discover more