Muhammad Ghori

Muhammad Ghori, a significant figure in history, played a pivotal role in shaping the Ghori Empire that left a lasting impact on India from 1206 to 1526 C.E. Unlike his predecessors, who attempted and failed to establish Muslim rule in the region, Ghori emerged as a successful leader. Credited as the true founder of the Muslim empire in India, he initiated the formation of a dominion that spanned a majority of the Indian subcontinent. This study delves into the life of Muhammad Ghori, shedding light on the key events and contributions that defined the Ghori Empire’s legacy in Indian history.

Muhammad Ghori – Background

Following Mahmud’s demise, Ghori ascended to the Ghazni throne, marking a significant shift in the region’s leadership.
In 1186, Ghori launched a successful campaign to capture Punjab from “Khusro Malik,” consolidating his power and expanding his dominion.
Recognizing the impending threat, North Indian Hindu princes united under the leadership of Prithvi Raj Chauhan to form a confederacy.
The Battle of Tarain in 1191 witnessed Prithvi Raj Chauhan’s triumph over Muhammad Ghori, near Delhi, showcasing the resilience of the Hindu confederacy.
Undeterred by defeat, Ghori regrouped, prompting Prithvi Raj Chauhan to face a renewed challenge. Ghori’s offer for Chauhan to embrace Islam and accept his rule was met with refusal.
In a turning point, Prithvi Raj Chauhan was captured and killed in the 2nd Battle of Tarain in 1192, establishing the first Muslim kingdom’s rule over Ajmer in India.
Ghori returned to Ghazni, appointing his general Qutubuddin Aibak to continue the conquest of India.
In 1193, Aibak successfully captured Delhi and Meerut.
Expanding further, Ghori invaded and annexed Jayachandra, the ruler of Kannauj, in the Battle of Chandwar or Ghardawala, solidifying Turkish rule in North India.

What is the Battle of Tarain?

First Battle of Tarain in 1191:

The battle between Muizzuddin Muhammad and Prithviraj arose from rival claims for Tabarhinda, setting the stage for conflict.
The initial clash occurred at Tarain in 1191, where the Ghurid forces were defeated, with Muizzuddin Muhammad narrowly escaping thanks to a young Khalji horseman.
Following the battle, Prithviraj successfully besieged Tabarhinda, capturing it after a twelve-month siege.
Prithviraj’s focus on Tabarhinda allowed Muizzuddin Muhammad time to regroup, leading to another Ghurid bid for India the following year.

Second Battle of Tarain in 1192:

Regarded as a pivotal moment in Indian history, Muizzuddin Muhammad meticulously prepared for the battle.
Muizzuddin marched with a formidable force of 1,20,000 men, including heavy cavalry and mounted archers, facing Prithviraj’s force of 3,00,000, including cavalry and elephants.
Despite the numerical advantage of Indian forces, the better organization and leadership of the Turkish army led to victory.
Prithviraj was captured, and Turkish forces captured key fortresses.
Prithviraj’s son established a new Chauhan kingdom in Ranthambore, while Delhi and eastern Rajasthan fell under Turkish rule.

Conquest of Bihar and Bengal:

Between 1192 and 1206, Turkish influence extended over the Ganga-Yamuna doab, Bihar, and Bengal.
The Turks defeated the powerful Gahadavala kingdom of Kanauj, paving the way for their expansion.

Battle of Chandawar (1194):

Muizzuddin returned to India and engaged in a fierce battle with Jaichandra near Kannauj at Chandawar.
Despite a valiant effort, Jaichandra was killed, and the Turks established control over a vast territory, including Banaras.

Expedition to Banaras:

After the Battle of Chandawar, Muizzuddin moved to Banaras, destroying numerous temples and solidifying Turkish control in the region.

Turkish Expansion and Aibak’s Campaigns:

Muizzuddin secured forts like Bayana and Gwaliyar to guard Delhi’s southern flank.
Aibak, Muizzuddin’s trusted general, conquered Kalinjar, Mahoba, and Khajuraho, expanding Turkish influence in the doab.
The Turks launched successful raids in the east, with Bakhtiyar Khalji’s expedition into Bihar laying the groundwork for Bengal’s conquest.

Expedition of Bakhtiyar Khalji (1205 AD):

Bakhtiyar Khalji’s well-planned expedition into Bengal resulted in the capture of Lakhnauti, establishing Turkish control in the region.
Bengal’s wealth and flourishing trade made it a coveted prize for the Turks, with Bakhtiyar Khalji appointed as its governor.
Lakshmana Sena, the Sena ruler, moved to Sonargaon as Turkish rule expanded in Bengal.
Although appointed as the governor, Bakhtiyar Khalji ruled Bengal almost independently until his eventual fall.

These historical events, including the Battles of Tarain, Chandawar, and the Turkish expansion into Bihar and Bengal, marked significant shifts in the political landscape of medieval India.

How Muhammad Ghori died

On the fateful day of March 15, 1205, Muhammad Ghori met his demise in Dhamaik near Sohawa, now part of present-day Pakistan. The assassins struck during the evening prayer, catching Ghori and his army off guard as they rested after their victorious campaign across India. The identity of the perpetrators remains shrouded in mystery to this day. While some attribute the assassination to the Khokar Jatts, others point fingers at the Ismaili Nizari. Contrary to certain historical accounts linking Prithvi Raj Chauhan to the event, it is essential to clarify that Chauhan had already passed away a year prior to Ghori’s death. The attack on Ghori’s army during their moment of repose has raised suspicions of foul play in the pages of Indian history.

Conclusion

Muhammad Ghori’s impactful campaigns in India and beyond left an enduring mark on history. Despite not having any biological heirs, he meticulously groomed his slave generals as if they were his own sons, providing them with top-notch martial training and education. This foresight aimed to equip them with the skills needed for effective administration in the future. Qutb al-Din Aibak, a seasoned figure in both statecraft and military affairs due to his involvement in Muhammad’s various campaigns, eventually ascended to the Sultanate of Delhi and Hindustan. Upon assuming the throne, Aibak surpassed expectations by annexing a vast expanse of the Indian plains, surpassing even Muhammad’s initial projections.