NCERT Notes of important GK topics for the UPSC civil services exam, NDA, CDS, CAPF, AFCAT, etc. This article covers an important Medieval India topic - Mahmud of Ghazni Check Other NCERT Notes Here
Maḥmud of Ghazni was the son of Sebuktigin, a Turkish slave, who in 977 became ruler of Ghazna and established the Ghaznavid dynasty. Mahmud ascended the throne in 998 at the age of 27. He was also the first ruler to carry the title Sultan. He wanted to make Ghazni into a big and powerful kingdom; therefore, he decided to conquer a part of Central Asia.
In order to make his large and powerful army, Mahmud had needed a huge property; hence, he decided to attack India to rob Indian wealth (to accomplish his great ambition).
Mahmud initiated the first of numerous invasions of North India in 1001. His army fought and defeated the army of Raja Jayapala of the Kabul Shahis at the Battle of Peshawar.
In a short period of 25 years, Mahmud made seventeen raids. Meanwhile, he fought battles in Central Asia and in Afghanistan as well.
Between A.D. 1,010 and 1025, Mahmud attacked only on the temple towns in northern India, as he had heard that there was much gold and jewelry kept in the big temples in India.
In 1025 Mahmud raided Gujarat, plundering the Somnath temple and breaking its jyotirlinga. He took away booty of 2 million dinars.
With all the looted wealth, Mahmud founded a university, a library, and a museum, a grand mosque and richened his capital.
In 1,030, Mahmud died and the people of northern India were relieved.
At the time of his death, his kingdom extended from northwestern Iran proper to the Punjab in the Indian subcontinent, Khwarazm in Transoxiana, and Makran.
Mahmud was the patron of the famous Persian poet, Firdausi, who wrote the epic poem ‘Shah Namah.’
Mahmud sent the Central Asian scholar Alberuni to India, who lived here for many years and had written his experience, describing the country and the condition of the people.
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