Achievements of Mahmud, Ghaznavids, and Ghori

Study Notes

Mahmud of Ghazni destroyed non-Islamic sites as a military tactic.
The destruction of the Kesava Deo temple in 1017 CE in Maratha, and the destruction of the idol at the Somnath temple in 1025 CE are examples of his tactics.
The Ghaznavids facilitated the trade of gunpowder, tea, paper, and fine pottery between China and the Subcontinent.
The Ghaznavids brought cotton, sugar, spices, and perfumes from the Indian subcontinent to China and Europe.

Muhammad of Ghor is recognized as a notable military leader.
His military expeditions to India were designed to expand his influence in the region.
Muhammad of Ghor was defeated in the first battle of Tarain in 1191 CE.
He returned the following year and secured victory against the Rajputs at the second battle of Tarain in 1192 CE.
- This battle is considered one of the most impactful in South Asian history.

The Mamluk dynasty was a powerful military force originating from the Abbasid Caliphs.
The Mamluk dynasty consisted of slaves who held positions of power and political influence within the Delhi Sultanate.
Iltutmush, a member of this group, played a crucial role in the administration of the Delhi Sultanate.
Bahram's successor, Ala-ud-din Masud, served as Sultan for a brief period and lacked real power.
- His poor lifestyle and excessive drinking contributed to his removal.

Balban's successor, Muiz ud-Din Salquabad, ruled for a short period from 1287-1290.
- He was murdered by Jalal ud-Din Firoz Khilji, his chief general who also murdered his son.
- This event marked the beginning of the Khilji dynasty.

Jalal ud din Khilji seized power and expanded the empire through military conquests.
Alla ud din Khilji's conquest of South India under the Khilji dynasty marked a significant expansion of the Delhi Sultanate.

Alla ud-din's death triggered internal conflicts and instability.
Weak rulers, such as Qutubuddin Mubarakshah, contributed to the decline of the dynasty.
The Khilji empire was ultimately brought to an end by Ghazi Malik, who later became Ghiyass ud din Tughlaq.

Bahlul Lodhi, the founder of the Lodi Dynasty, strengthened the Sultanate and extended its control over northern India.
- His successors, Sikander Lodhi and Ibrahim Lodhi, continued to manage the empire.

Ibrahim Lodhi's autocratic rule and conflicts with nobles weakened the dynasty.
- His defeat by Babur at the Battle of Panipat in 1526 marked the end of the Lodhi Dynasty and established the Mughal Empire.

Sufis practiced a mystical approach to religion.
Their approach to searching for and pleasing Allah was more open compared to traditional religious practices.
Their inclusive perspective allowed people to embrace Islam and convert, despite their practices potentially contradicting traditional beliefs.

Ali Bin Usman Hajveri (1009-c.1072/1076)
- Known for his writings on Sufism, expertise in legal matters, and wide-ranging intellectual perspectives.
Moinuddin Chishti (1142-1236 CE)
- A Persian preacher and scholar from Sistan who traveled to promote the influential Chisti order.
Bahauddin (c.1170-1262)
- A Sunni scholar and poet who was a Sufi saint, born in Multan, Punjab.
Lal Shahbaz Qalandar (1177-1274)
- A multilingual scholar, poet, and saint known for advocating religious tolerance, earning the name "Lal."
Baba Farid Shakar Ganj (c 1179-1266 CE)
- A Punjabi Sufi preacher who traveled to Delhi to study under the Sufi Master, Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki.
Nizamuddin Aulia (1238-1325)
- A Sunni and Sufi Scholar of the Chisti Order. Believed that love was the key to reaching Allah.