Turkish Invasions: 1000 to 1200 AD

Introduction

• After 200 years of struggle between the three main powers of North India (Palas, Rashtrakutas, Pratiharas), political disintegration occurred.
• Rapid political changes in West and Central Asia.

Background of the Invasions

• Decline of the Abbasid Caliphates and rise of Islamized Turks.
• Expansion of Turks at the north-west border.
• The region of Kabul and its south was considered Alhind.

Rise of the Ghaznavids

• Mahmud of Ghazni's raids and their impact.
• Invaded India 17 times. Major raids: 108 Kannauj, 1025 Somnath.
• Decline of Pratiharas and change in the stability of North-West India.

Rise of Rajput States

• Formation of new Rajput states after the fall of the Pratihara empire.
• Major states: Paramaras of Malwa, Chauhans of Ajmer.
• The Rajputs are considered defenders against Ghaznavid raids.

Rise of Muhammad of Ghur

• Rise of the Ghurids after the fall of the Ghaznavids.
• Expansion of Muhammad Ghori in the Ganga valley and surrounding areas.
• Important outcomes in the battles of Tarain in 1191 and 1192.

Turkish Expansion in the Ganga Valley

• Expansion in the Ganga Yamuna Doab and beyond.
• Defeat of Jayachandra and Turkish control of the Ganga valley.

Turkish Military System

• Centralized army based on the Iqta and Khalisa system.
• Tribal structure and system of unity.

Conclusion

• Defeat of the Rajputs and their strategic weaknesses.
• Successes of the Turks and their rule over North India for the next 200 years.
• Overlooking of internal politics by the Rajputs and changes in Central Asia.