Muhammad Ghori: Architect of Muslim Rule in India
Muhammad Ghori History
Muhammad Ghori, also known as Sultan Shahab-ud-Din-Muhammad Ghori, was a prominent figure in the history of the Indian Subcontinent. Born in the Ghor region of present-day Afghanistan, he was member of the Ghurid Dynasty. Ghori is well-known for his crucial role in laying the foundation for Muslim rule in India. His invasions of India in the 12th century marked the beginning of Islamic dominance in the region. Notably, his victory in the Second Battle of Tarain against Prithbiraj Chauhan in 1192 is considered a turning point, establishing Muslim power in North India. Ghori establish the Delhi sultanate, a Muslim kingdom that ruled large parts of the Indian Subcontinent for over three centuries.
Muhammad Ghori Invasion to India:
1. Battle of Kayadara 1178 CE:
- Ghori made an initial attempt to enter India via the lower Sindh area. However, after a long march through the Thar desert, his exhausted army was engaged by Rajput chief Mularaja II near Mount Abu. As a result, Ghori was forced to retreat and work out an alternative route to enter India.
- In 1186 CE, Ghori uprooted the Ghaznavids in the upper Indus plain, entered India via the Khyber Pass, and occupied most of Punjab.
- He was to encounter the Rajput states before establishing his rule over India.
2. First Battle of Tarain/Taroari 1191 CE
- Muhammad Ghori faced the Chauhan Rajput king, Prithvi Raj III, in this battle.
- Ghurid forces lost and returned to Ghazni.
- His trusted slave commander Qutubuddin Aibak fought in this battle along Ghori.
3. Second Battle of Tarain/Taroari 1992 CE
- Ghori returned more potent this time with a vast army of Turkish-mounted archers against Prithviraj-III, the ruler of Delhi.
- The battle was a decisive one. Prithviraj-III lost and was later executed.
4. Battle of Chandawar 1194 CE
- Ghori defeated the Gahadvala Rajput ruler Jaichand. This win cleared Ghori’s way for ingress into Bihar and Bengal.
5. Khokhar Campaign of 1205 CE
- Khokhar tribes were natives of Punjab’s Pothohar plateau. Initially, they were Hindus but adopted Islam under the influence of Baba Fariduddin Ganjshakar.
- Khokhars were hostile to Muslims. As a result, Ghori conducted several campaigns against the Khokhars and forcibly converted them to Islam.
- In the 1205 campaign, Ghori ordered a general massacre of the Khokhars, imprisoned many others and forcibly converted them to Islam.
How Muhammad Ghori Died?
Muhammad Ghroi died in 1206, under circumstances that remain a subject of historical debate. Most accounts suggest Ghori was assassinated in this final campaign while returning by an unidentified rival, possibly a Hindu Khokhar.
FAQ’s Related to Muhammad Ghori
Muhammad Ghori was a Ghurid ruler who laid foundations for Muslim rule in India.
Muhammad Ghori was assassinated while sleeping in his tent in 1206.
What was the full name of Muhammad Ghori?
The full name of Muhammad Ghori was Shahab-ud-Din Muhammad Ghori.
Muhammad Ghori First Attack in India?
Muhammad first attack in India was in 1175, he attacked Multan in the Punjab region.
