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Muhammad Ghori was the leader of the Ghori Dynasty who expanded the Muslim empire to India. He is often regarded as the true architect of the Muslim empire in India. Moreover, Ghori succeeded where previous rulers had failed to further establish Muslim dominance across significant portions of the Indian subcontinent. All in all, Muhammad Ghori’s conquests played a key role in laying the foundation for the Muslim rule that followed.
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What was the Early Life of Muhammad Ghori?
In the year 1144, Muhammad Ghori was born in Ghor, which is present-day Afghanistan. His father, Baha al-Din Sam 1, was a Ghurid ruler who passed away when Muhammad was a child. Muhammad Ghori is also known as Muhammad of Ghor and Mu’izz ad-Din Muhammad ibn Sam. In his early years, his mother affectionately referred to him as “Zangi” because of his dark complexion. After his coronation in Ghazna, Muhammad adopted the title “Malik Shihabuddin.”
Furthermore, when Ghiyath al-Din Muhammad, the senior in the dyarchy, passed away, Muhammad assumed the title of “al-Sultan al-Azam”, which means the “Greatest Sultan.” Muhammad is praised as the “Sikander al-Thani”, which means Second Alexander, on one of the colonnades in the Qutub Minar, along with some of his golden mints circulated in India.
He was sent to India by his brother Ghiyath-al-Din-Mohammad, who was the ruler of the Ghur dynasty and sent him to conquer and establish the Ghur rule in the Indian Subcontinent by 1173 AD.
Major Rivals and Opposition
Muhammad Ghori faced strong resistance during his campaigns in India. His most notable opposition came from powerful Rajput rulers who fiercely defended their kingdoms.
Prithviraj Chauhan
Prithviraj Chauhan, the ruler of the Chauhan dynasty, was Ghori’s most famous adversary. The two clashed in the First and Second Battles of Tarain. Ghori lost the first battle in 1191 but returned stronger the next year, defeating Prithviraj in 1192. This victory marked the beginning of Muslim dominance in North India.
Jayachandra of Kannauj
Jayachandra, the Gahadavala ruler of Kannauj, refused to ally with Prithviraj Chauhan, which proved disastrous for Rajput unity. Later, Muhammad Ghori defeated Jayachandra in the Battle of Chandawar (1194), further solidifying his hold over the Gangetic plains.
Resistance from Rajput Kingdoms
Despite initial successes, Ghori faced continuous resistance from smaller Rajput states. While he managed to overpower some, the Rajput spirit of independence and frequent uprisings meant his hold on power in India was constantly tested. His campaigns were often marked by brutal warfare and political intrigue.
What were the Key Conquests of Muhammad Ghori in India?
Some of the important conquests undertaken by Muhammad Ghori in India are –
Multan
In the year 1175, Muhammad Ghori strategically chose the Gomal Pass over the Khyber Pass to swiftly access the coastal plains of Gujarat and advance into Peninsular India. Without a doubt, he opted for a shorter route, thus, Ghori’s earliest campaign targeted the Qarmatians in Multan. The Qarmatians had earlier faced defeat in the 11th century by Mahmud of Ghazni, though they had managed to recover authority over Multan and parts of Sindh. Nevertheless, despite a strong defence by the Qarmatians, Muhammad Ghori successfully conquered them and captured Multan.
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First Battle of Tarain
Subsequently, in 1191, the Ghurid army, which was led by Muhammad Ghori, came face to face with the Rajputs led by Prithviraj Chauhan near Tarain, now Taraori in Haryana, India. Moreover, even though the Rajputs achieved victory, Muhammad Ghori was able to escape and return to Ghazni.
After the defeat, the Ghurid armies retreated to Ghazni while leaving a force of 2000 soldiers under Zia ud-Din Tulaki at the fort of Tabarhind, which is present-day Bhatinda. Undoubtedly, this thought-out strategic move easily delayed the Rajput army for thirteen months. In the meantime, Muhammad Ghori during this period was able to raise a powerful army of 120,000, thus leading to the following Second Battle of Tarain.
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Second Battle of Tarain
Additionally, in the year 1192, the Second Battle of Tarain took place between the Ghurid forces and the Rajputs led by Prithviraj Chauhan again. Tarain is located roughly 110 kilometres north of Delhi, The second battle ended with the Ghurids being victorious. Unquestionably, this accomplishment memorialised the successful spread of the Ghurids into the northern Indian plains.
In Medieval Indian History, this very moment is highlighted and considered a milestone. The battle further resulted in the temporary weakening of the Rajput powers. Thus, this set the stage for the establishment of Muslim rule in North India, eventually leading to the formation of the Delhi Sultanate by Qutub-ud-din-Aibak.
What was the Fate of Muhammad Ghori?
On the 15th of March 1205, in Dhamaik, now a part of Pakistan, Muhammad Ghori passed away. While his army was resting and celebrating their victory across India, he was assassinated while he was praying. There are various speculations as to who is responsible, but that remains a mystery to date. However, some blame the Khokar Jatts or the Ismaili Nizari. This assassination is regarded with scepticism in Indian historical accounts as they targeted Ghori’s army during their rest, a time of repose and evening prayer.
Quick Facts About Muhammad Ghori
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mu’izz ad-Din Muhammad Ghori |
| Born | c. 1149 CE |
| Died | 1206 CE |
| Major Battles | Tarain (1191 & 1192), Chandawar |
| Region Ruled | Ghor (in present-day Afghanistan), parts of North India |
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FAQs
While Muhammad Ghori was praying, he was assassinated and died on the 15th of March, 1205. After the expansive victory of India, his army and he were in their restful space, but they did not know what was to come.
Muhammad Ghori ruled India from 1202 to 1206 on his own. His victorious reign led to the formation of the Delhi Sultanate.
Muhammad Ghori defeated Prithviraj Chauhan, the Rajput leader, in the Second Battle of Tarain. This was a momentous victory for the Ghurid army.
Mahmud of Ghazni came before Muhammad Ghori. Ghazni invaded India multiple times between 1000 and 1027 CE. Muhammad Ghori’s invasions occurred later in the 12th century, laying the foundation for Muslim rule in North India
Muhammad Ghori ruled parts of North India from around 1192 to 1206. Though his reign was short, his victories laid the groundwork for the Delhi Sultanate established by his general, Qutb-ud-din Aibak.
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