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Module - II Establishment of The Delhi Sultanate

Military History of
Impact of the invasion
Medieval India
The impact of the invasion not only paved the way for the establishment of Muslim rule
but also that the Khyber Pass became the frequent route through which subsequent
invasions from abroad became possible. As we will see later, Babur's invasion also
came through this route, which led to the establishment of Mughal rule.
Note
Intext Questions 5.1

1. Why did foreign invasions take place?

2. What was the reason for Mohammed Ghori to invade India?
3. Where is Khyber pass?
4. Who were the Rajputs?

5. What was the impact of Ghori's invasion?

5.1.1 The Battles at Tarain and consolidation of Muslim rule

As you have learnt above, it was the battles at Tarain that was remarkable as it provided
the initial entry of Muslim rule in India. But soon after that they got involved in dealing
with regular threats from Mongol invasions, putting down frequent internal rebellions
that arose both within the dynasty as well as from the Rajput chiefs. They also tried to
expand territory by conquest of neighboring territories. It is important to note that
each of the Delhi Sultanate rulers dealt with these problems in different ways. During
the reign of Khilji and Tughlaq dynasty, for example, the empire expanded West and
South. The invasion from the Mongols was also effectively stopped by erecting strong
defenses.

The first battle of Tarain was fought between Mohammed Ghori and the Indian
Rajput King Prithviraj Chauhan in 1191 A.D. at Tarrain near the present day Thaneshwar
city in Haryana. Prithviraj Chauhan won the battle. However, it was after defeating the
Rajput King at the second battle of Tarrain in 1192 A.D that Mohammed Ghori was
able to gain foot-hold in Northern India and thereby establish the Muslim rule. After
crossing the Khyber Pass, Ghori reached North Western part of India, the present
day Punjab, and attacked and captured the fortress of Bathinda which was the outpost
of the Rajput kingdom.

This made Prithviraj counter-attack and recapture Bathinda by fiercely attacking Ghori's
forces from both sides called 'the flanks'. The attack was a success for Prithviraj as
Ghori's forces could not withstand and hence retreated. Ghori narrowly escaped death

and was saved by one of his loyal slave Qutub-ud-din Aibak, who later established
the Slave Dynasty in Delhi.

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MILITARY HISTORY