MUHAMMAD OF GAUR (GHOR)

Ghor was an area between Ghazni and Herat and the Ghoris were vassals of the Ghaznavid dynasty. Over time, they became independent and became involved in a conflict with another dynasty, the Kwazis. These two dynasties wanted control over Kandahar, but the continuous conflicte prompted the Ghoris to look to India for a permanent kingdom.

In 1173 A.D. Shahabuddin Muhammad (Muizzuddin Muhammad Bin Sam / Mohd. Of Ghor) became king and he considered it his duty to conquer more territory and bring Islam to lands where idols were worshipped. Thus in 1176 A.D., he conquered Multan and Sind. But in 1178 A.D., Mohd. attacked and plundered Punjab and captured the fort of Sialkot which then became his base in India.

Battle of Terrain (1191 A.D.) – After these victories, M. G. decided to conquer Ajmer and Delhi, thus bringing him into conflict with Prithviraj Chauhan, the Rajput ruler of Delhi. This led to a battle of Terrain (Terori near Batinda) which was won by Prithviraj Chauhan.

Second Battle of Terrain (1192 A.D.) – As the first battle was turning against them, M. G. withdrew with his troops to a riverbank. After several weeks, Prithviraj Chauhan’s army began to relax, convinced that M. G. had accepted defeat and would not attack again. M. G. also sent several envoys to Chauhan to negotiate, thereby demonstrating his peaceful intentions. However, on a moonless, rainy night, M. G.’s troops moved upstream, crossed the river and launched a surprise attack on Prithviraj’s army. A fierce battle followed but Chauhans army was defeated.

Controversy surrounded the fate of Prithviraj Chauhan – some records say he was killed, others that he was wounded and carried away by his horse, etc.

But the Second Battle of Terrain is a landmark in Indian History because it marked the establishment of a permanent Islamic kingdom in India. After this battle, M. G. conquered Hansi, Sirsa, Kurran and Samana. All these areas were fortified, temples were destroyed, mosques erected, etc. Islam became the official religion (not many converted though) and the Vigraharaj College was converted into a mosque.

A few years later Mohd. of Ghor returned to Central Asia, leaving his North Indian kingdom to his former slave Qutb-ud-din Aibak. (Many historians refer to these leaders as ‘slave dynasty’ – but they were slaves who had secured their freedom before they became kings). In 1194 A.D. M. G. returned to India and defeated Jay Chandra (Battle of Chandawar) thus gaining complete control of Ajmer. After his death in 1206 A.D. Ghor’s territory was managed by Qutb-ud-din Aibak.

Estimate of M. G. (A. L. Shiva) – Mohd. Ghori was inferior to Mohd. of Ghazni in military ability. Unlike M. Ghazni, M. Ghor suffered many defeats. But in practical statesmanship, constructive ability and actual achievements, he was far superior. He quickly perceived the political situation in India but unlike M. of Ghazni who was interested only in wealth, M. of Ghor conquered territory and established an empire. Wealth for its own sake had no attraction for him. He wanted territory which he desired to pass on to his successors.

Mohd. Ghor also patronized scholars and poets. E.g. Fakhruddin Nizami Uruzi. M. Ghor is considered the real founder of the Turkish Empire in India.