The Real Founder of Muslim Rule in India: Mahmud of Ghazni vs. Sultan Muhammad Ghor

The history of Muslim rule in India is often marked by significant and tumultuous invasions. Two prominent invasions, led by Muhammad bin Qasim and later by Mahmud of Ghazni, laid the foundation for Muslim dominance in the subcontinent. However, it was Sultan Muhammad Ghor who is largely credited with establishing a lasting Muslim rule. This article explores the contributions of these invasions in shaping the future of Muslim rule in India.

The Invasions of Muhammad bin Qasim (712 AD)

One of the earliest and notable invasions was conducted by Muhammad bin Qasim in 712 AD when he attacked and occupied the Sindh area. As the first Muslim ruler to venture into India, his campaign marked the beginning of a series of conquests and transformations in the region. Bin Qasim’s invasion was primarily aimed at bringing an end to piracy supporting the local ruler, Raja Dahir. His actions not only ended the raiding activities but also established a presence of Muslim rule in Sindh. Qasim’s rule, however, was short-lived and faced significant opposition. Qasim was eventually defeated and executed by the local ruler, Raja Dahir, thus marking the brief inception of Muslim rule.

The Invading Armies of Mahmud of Ghazni

The subsequent period witnessed the invasions of Mahmud of Ghazni, who launched a series of 17 raids into India, most famously raiding the Somnath temple in Gujarat. Despite his plundering, Mahmud’s raids did not establish a lasting rule in India. He went back after each raid, and his raids served more as a demonstration of power rather than establishing a lasting state. His raids enriched the Ghaznavid treasury but did not bring about a permanent Muslim presence in India.

The Long-lasting Rule of Sultan Muhammad Ghor

While Mahmud's invasions were significant, it was Sultan Muhammad Ghor who truly established a lasting Muslim rule in India. Ghor's conquests included capturing the city of Multan in 1175 and appointing his generals, such as Ziauddin Tulki, to administer various regions. One of the most notable appointments was Ziauddin Tulki, who was placed in the Bhatinda fort after its occupation in 1189. This strategic move not only expanded the Muslim presence in India but also sowed the seeds of conflict with Rajput dynasties, notably the Chauhan dynasty under Prithviraj Chauhan.

The conflict with Prithviraj Chauhan at the First Battle of Tarain in 1191 was a turning point. Although Prithviraj Chauhan initially defeated the invaders, Ghor returned with a larger, better-equipped army in 1192 and emerged victorious. The armies and tactics of both sides were vividly described by contemporary historians such as Minhaj us Siraj in his work "Tabaqat-e-Nasiri" and Fakhr-e-Mudabbir in his "Adab ul Harb wa Shujaat". These historical accounts provide insight into the strategies and composition of both sides.

Ghor's subsequent defeat of the Gahnavi ruler Jaichand of Kanauj in 1194 and the establishment of his rule in the region of Ajmer and Delhi further strengthened his position. This consolidation of power was further solidified by his slave, Qutbuddin Aibak, who became the first ruler of the Slave Dynasty.

The Perspective of Qutbuddin Aibak and Early Slave Dynasty Rulers

While many attribute the establishment of Muslim rule to Sultan Muhammad Ghor, some historians argue that the foundation was laid by earlier rulers such as Qutbuddin Aibak. Aibak, a former slave, ascended to the throne in Punjab, which was then considered the first Muslim state to permanently occupy a region in India. Accounts suggest that Aibak did not ask mullahs to read his khutba or mint coins in his own name, suggesting a cautious approach in establishing his rule.

Nevertheless, it is Aibak's establishment of the Delhi Sultanate, following his death in 1210, that marks a significant milestone in the consolidation of Muslim rule in India. His state, though founded on the earlier conquests of Mahmud of Ghazni and Sultan Muhammad Ghor, laid the groundwork for the subsequent slave dynasty rulers, such as Iltutmish, who further solidified the ruling structure.

Conclusion

The invasions led by Muhammad bin Qasim, Mahmud of Ghazni, and Sultan Muhammad Ghor, each played a crucial role in the establishment of Muslim rule in India. While Qasim laid the groundwork for the initial Muslim presence, Mahmud of Ghazni’s raids helped establish the wealth and power necessary for further conquests, and Ghor is credited with the first lasting Muslim state. The contributions of early slave dynasty rulers, such as Qutbuddin Aibak, further solidified this rule, ensuring the lasting impact of Muslim governance in the subcontinent.

For better insight into the battles and strategies of these conquerors, we encourage readers to study the works of contemporary historians such as Minhaj us Siraj and Fakhr-e-Mudabbir.