This document explains the turkish conquest of India along with the impact and influence on Medieval Indian Society

Overview:

• --> launched multiple invasions into India between 1000 and 1027 AD.
• --> His campaigns were motivated by wealth accumulation and the spread of Islam.
• --> Notable for plundering Somnath Temple and other prosperous cities.
• --> Demonstrated the military prowess of Turkish forces and weakened Rajput kingdoms.

Impact:

• --> Transferred immense wealth back to Ghazni, strengthening his empire.
• --> Established a precedent for subsequent Central Asian invasions into India.
• --> Significantly disrupted the socio-political order in northern India.

Introduction:

• --> 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.

Political Condition of India:

• --> There were no remarkable changes in the condition of India after Ghazni’s invasions.
• --> India was politically divided into many kingdoms both in the North and South.
• --> The North India witnessed the rule of many Rajput princes indulged in constant internecine warfare which ultimately weakened them.

Invasions:

• --> Muhammad Ghori’s first invasions were on Multan and the 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 when Muhammad Ghori was defeated by Prithviraj Chauhan.
• --> The second Battle of Tarain took place in 1192, when Muhammad Ghori defeated Prithviraj Chauhan and killed him.

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 the river Indus in 1206 while engaging in his evening prayers.
• --> Qutubuddin Aibak became the master of his Indian provinces and laid the foundation for the Delhi Sultanate in 1206.

The Gahadavala Challenge:

• --> The first obstacle in the path of Turkish expansion was the formidable Gahadavala kingdom of Kanauj, ruled by the able Jaichandra.
• --> The strategic importance of the Ganga-Yamuna doab as a gateway to northern India made the conquest of this region imperative for the Turks.

Tarain and the Return to Ghazni:

• --> The turning point in the Turkish conquest was the Battle of Tarain.
• --> Muizzuddin, after the triumph at Tarain, returned to Ghazni, leaving affairs in India under Qutbuddin Aibak.

Qutbuddin Aibak’s Strategic Moves:

• --> In the absence of Muizzuddin, Qutbuddin Aibak played a crucial role in consolidating Turkish power in the Ganga Valley.
• --> Over the next two years, the Turks made significant advances, overrunning parts of the upper doab without facing substantial opposition from the Gahadavalas.

Conquest of Bihar and Bengal:

• --> The conquest of Bihar was a key milestone in the Turkish expansion into the Ganga Valley.
• --> Under Qutbuddin Aibak’s leadership, the Turks overcame local resistance, capturing key strongholds and establishing their authority in this fertile region.

Overview:

• --> Indo-Islamic cultural synthesis resulted from interactions between Hindu and Muslim communities.
• --> Persian influence in art, architecture, and literature.
• --> Challenges to the Hindu caste system and efforts to protect lower castes.

Impact:

• --> Development of Indo-Islamic art and architecture, exemplified by structures like Qutb Minar.
• --> Promotion of Persian as a literary and administrative language.
• --> Establishment of madrasas and libraries, promoting education and intellectual exchange.

Overview:

• --> Reforms in military organization and tactics under Turkish rulers.
• --> Centralization of armed forces and emphasis on cavalry.
• --> Successful defense against external invasions.

Impact:

• --> Improved military efficiency and strategic defense.
• --> Military advancements enabled resistance against Mongol invasions.
• --> Establishment of fortified cities and strategic outposts.

Overview:

• --> Turkish conquest of India marks a significant era in Indian history.
• --> Established the Delhi Sultanate and initiated centuries of Muslim rule.
• --> Led to socio-cultural, economic, and political transformations.

Impact:

• --> Legacy of Indo-Islamic culture and architecture.
• --> Strengthened trade links between India and Central Asia.
• --> Continued impact on Indian governance and society.

Establishment of the Muslim rule in North India:

• --> Turk invasion led to the establishment of Muslim rule over a large part of North India.

Political importance of Delhi:

• --> Iltutmish made Delhi the capital of the Sultanate in India, shifting from Lahore.

Supremacy of the Caliph of Baghdad:

• --> Turkish Sultans considered themselves a part of the Islamic world, enhancing foreign religious elements in Indian political life.

'Iqta' System:

• --> Empire was divided into Iqtas or provinces under military commanders, replacing independent kingdoms.
• --> Introduced administrative uniformity and centralization.

Changes in military organization:

• --> Recruitment diversified, with a focus on cavalry and archers.
• --> Standing armies replaced feudal levies, enhancing central control.

Encouragement to trade:

• --> Trade contacts revived, new centers like Multan, Lahore, Delhi, and Lakhnauti emerged.

Changes in taxation system:

• --> Islamic taxation principles introduced, including Zakat, Khams, Jizya, and Khiraj.
• --> Uniformity and growth in the economy, supported by the slave system.

Cultural Effects:

• --> Persian became language of administration, fostering cultural development.
• --> Development of Hindvi language and Persian-inspired architecture.
• --> Rise of educational institutions and patronage of scholars.

Use of Persian language:

• --> Persian used as language of administration, promoting administrative consistency.

The Ghurids