The entry of Islam in northern India culminated at the most definitive period that was followed by the invasions of Muhammad Ghori in the late 12th century. This is in contrast with Mahmud of Ghazni who was a plunderer unlike Ghori whose focus was to settle politically. His differences with Prithviraj Chauhan, especially the Battles of Tarain (1191-1192 CE) led to a new development in the history of India and laid the foundation of Delhi Sultanate.

Background of Battle of Tarain

• The Fall of Ghaznavids: Ghazni lost its strength following the death of Mahmud and this allowed the emergence of new powers.
• Ghurids: Based in their homeland of Ghur (Afghanistan), they spread eastwards as a direct result of the pressure of the Khwarizmians based in Iran.
• Muhammad Ghori: Ruled the throne of Ghazni(1173 CE), started conquering India.
• Initial Campaigns:
  • 1175: Conquered Multan and Uchch.
  • 1178: Defied by Bhima II (Solanki king) in Gujarat in the neighborhood of the mountain of Abu.
  • courses to Punjab, annexed Lahore and Bathinda (1186 CE).

The Prithviraj Chauhan and Chauhan Dynasty

• Delhi was seized by Chauhans who ousted Tomars.
• Prithviraj III (1149-1192 CE) was 11 in the reign of his family.
• Unified by defeating the Paramaras, the Chalukyas, the Chandelas, and the Gahadavalas.
• Growth also pitted Chauhans against Muhammad Ghori in the Punjab, over frontier towns such as Tabarhinda (Bathinda).

First battle of Tarain (1191 CE)

• Combatants: Rajput Confederacy (mainly led by Prithviraj Chauhan) vs. Muhammad Ghori.
• Course:
  • A significant defeat was inflicted on Ghori by Rajputs/Rajputs inflicted a major defeat against Ghori near Tarain.
  • Ghori was made prisoner, but got away to Ghazni.
• Outcome:
  • Rajput Victory.
  • Chauhans took control of Tabarhinda after a siege of one year.
• Significance: Demonstrated Rajput martial power yet no equivalent consequence of that strength was exercised and Ghori was able to recover.

Second Battle of Tarain (1192 CE)

• The Belligerents: Same enemies, but the Rajput confederacy had been disorganised by the mutual war between Prithviraj and Jayachandra (Gahadavala ruler of Kanauj).
• Course:
  • Ghori came back with a big army (~1,20,000 men).
  • Rajputs defended courageously although the tactics and the strength of the cavalry was overpowering.
• Outcome:
  • Definite success of Ghori.
  • What happened to Prithviraj Chauhan: deposed, whether executed or only briefly readmitted as vassal and then executed not sure.

Fallout Tarain

• Ajmer, Delhi, Hansi, Saraswati and Samana were captured by Ghurids.
• Delhi was surrendered to Qutbuddin Aibak, whose Ghori slave-general.
• Chauhans remained at Ranthambore as the son of Prithviraj.
• Start of Muslim political reign in northern India.
• 1194 CE Battle of Chandawar: Jayachandra (Kanauj) was defeated by Ghori thereby controlling the Ganga-Yamuna doab.
• The generals of Ghori such as Qutbuddin Aibak and Bakhtiyar Khalji consolidated the territories:
  • Aibak: Delhi, Ajmer, Kalinjar, Mahoba.
  • Bakhtiyar Khalji: Bihar, Bengal; a spectacular University of Nalanda and Vikramshila.

Eastern Campaigns and Sena Dynasty

• Nabadwip saw the rule of Lakshmana Sena (1179–1206 CE) which was the ruler of Bengal.
• The dominant Lakshmana Sena was run away to Sonargaon (Bangladesh) on the sudden raid by Bakhtiyar Khalji on Nabadwip.
• Khalji took control of Bengal, nominally Gurids.

Death of Muhammad Ghori and the Delhi Sultanate

• 1206 CE: Ghori defeated the Khokhar revolt in the Punjab before being murdered on his way back.
• He died and direct rule by Ghurid ceased.
• His generals put themselves on an independent status-Qutbuddin Aibak established the Slave (Mamluk) dynasty marking the start of the Delhi Sultanate (1206 1526 CE).

Historical Significance

• Defined defeat of the Rajput power in the north of India.
• Prepared the ground to Delhi Sultanate and 320 years of Islamic dominance.
• The innovation of new methods of military combats: riding archers, fast cavalry.
• Cultural change- Indo Islamic architecture and management.
• Established preconditions to a prolonged Rajput struggle and to eventual Sultanate unification.

Conclusion

The Battle of Tarain was an after effects in the history of India. The First Battle (1191 CE) was evidence of Rajput chivalry but the Second Battle was the dawn of Arab political domination in India. The collapse of Rajput unity along with the military strategy of Ghori resulted in the creation of Delhi Sultanate. Not only did this change the political system of medieval India but also set forth deep cultural, social and administrative changes in medieval India.