10 Questions
What was the central object of worship in the temple of Somnath?
The Shiva linga
Why did Sultan Mahmūd Bin Subuktigin make great efforts to capture and destroy Somnath?
To convert Hindus to Islam
When did Sultan Mahmūd Bin Subuktigin arrive at Somnath?
December, 1025 A.D.
How did the Hindus react to the idol of Somnath during an eclipse of the moon?
They went on pilgrimage and assembled there in large numbers
What was the objective of Sultan Mahmūd Bin Subuktigin's religious war against India?
To capture and destroy Somnath
What was the name of the idol placed in the temple of Somnath?
Shiva linga
When did Sultan Mahmūd Bin Subuktigin arrive at Somnath for the religious war against India?
Middle of Zi-l k’ada
What was the Sultan's objective behind capturing and destroying Somnath?
To convert Hindus to Islam
How did the Hindus react to the idol of Somnath during an eclipse of the moon?
They assembled there to the number of more than a hundred thousand
What did the idol of Somnath represent to the Hindus?
'Held in highest honour' among the Hindus
Study Notes
Somnath Temple and Sultan Mahmūd Bin Subuktigin
- The central object of worship in the temple of Somnath was a sacred idol, known as the idol of Somnath.
- Sultan Mahmūd Bin Subuktigin made great efforts to capture and destroy Somnath in 1024 CE.
- He arrived at Somnath during the reign of the Solanki king, Bhima I.
- During an eclipse of the moon, the Hindus would bathe the idol of Somnath in the sea, as they believed it was a way to purify the idol.
- The objective of Sultan Mahmūd Bin Subuktigin's religious war against India was to expand Islamic rule and spread the Islamic faith.
- The idol of Somnath represented the Hindu god, Shiva, and was considered a symbol of Hinduism.
- Sultan Mahmūd Bin Subuktigin's objective behind capturing and destroying Somnath was to destroy the idol and establish Islamic rule in the region.
Test your knowledge about the Somnath temple in India and Mahmud of Ghazna's actions related to it. Learn more about the historical significance of the temple and the events surrounding it.
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