Chapter 4 THE NEXT INVASION - Mohammed Gauri

The Ghurid Empire: Origins and Major Events

1. The Ghurid Empire was established on the ruins of the Ghaznavid Empire, also known as the Yamini Empire.

2. Both dynasties were of Turkish origin and centered in Afghanistan.

1161 AD Background

At this time, the king of Ghazni was Bahram Shah. In Ghaur Pradesh, a powerful family was influential, which included:

- Ala-ud-Din: He was a court minister of Bahram Shah, who disapproved of Ala-ud-Din due to his popularity among the masses.

- Saif-al-Din Muhammad.

- Saif-al-Din Suri: Bahram Shah killed him by poisoning, a disastrous decision that ultimately backfired.

Ala-ud-Din killed Bahram Shah and burned Ghazni, earning him the title "Jahan-e-Sauj" (meaning "the one who sets the world on fire"), as Ghazni was at that time a center of global trade. This marked the beginning of the Ghurid Empire. However, in a twist of fate, Jahan-e-Sauj was killed in 1163 AD.

Leadership Transition:

Saif-al-Din Muhammad ruled from 1163 to 1173. His son, Ghiyath-al-Din (Ghiyasuddin), and his nephew Shahbuddin (Shaifuddin) succeeded him.

In 1173, Ghiyasuddin Ghour became ruler, but Shahbuddin opposed him and seized the throne, adopting the new name Muhammad Gauri. His real name was Shahbuddin Moijuddin Muhammad bin Sam.

Advisors and Initial Invasions:

Shahbuddin Moijuddin Muhammad bin Sam was advised by Moinuddin Chishti to invade India. His first attack occurred in 1175 against the Karmathi Muslims in Multan. The second attack happened in 1178 against Bhimsen II (a minor ruler); Nayika Devi, his mother, besieged Gauri and his army near Mount Abu, leading to a crushing defeat at the Battle of Kaydra.

Political Context of Delhi in the Late 12th Century:

- Ajmer: Someshwar Chauhan

- Delhi: Anangpal Tomar

- Kannauj: Jaychand

The kingdoms merged, and a son named Rai Pithora (Prithviraj III) was born to them. He had a daughter named Karpuri Devi and no sons. Prithviraj had two important courtiers, Anirudh (a painter) and Chandravardai (a writer). He was married to Someshwar Chauhan, and they turned down a marriage proposal from Jaychand. They had a daughter named Sanyogita, who had an interest in painting.

When a drawing competition was held in Kannauj, Anirudh drew Sanyogita's portrait and won. Sanyogita was impressed and requested to see more of his paintings. Upon viewing a painting of Rai Pithora, she fell in love with him. Jaychand organized a Swayamvara for Sanyogita, but she eloped with Rai Pithora, deepening the enmity between the two dynasties.

**The Invasion of Muhammad Ghauri on Delhi:**

Jaychand invited Muhammad Gauri to invade India.

- **First Battle of Tarain (1191):** Prithviraj III faced Muhammad Gauri. Prithviraj won but chose to forgive Gauri.

  

- **Second Battle of Tarain (1192):** Unfortunately, Gauri won this time and captured Rai Pithora, taking him and Chandravardai to Afghanistan, where they were blinded.

Reasons for Prithviraj’s Loss:

1. Jaychand shared military tactics with Gauri.

2. Prithviraj became increasingly engaged in his married life.

Battle of Chandawar (1194): By this point, Gauri had stabilized his rule and defeated Jaychand, who was killed in the conflict.

Decline of the Ghurid Empire:

- **Story 1:** According to "Taj ul Masir."

- **Story 2:** Based on "Prithviraj Raso" by Chandravardai.

In 1205, Gauri came to India with his slave Aibak and Aibak’s slave Iltutmish. Both were not only slaves but also sons-in-law of their masters. Chandravardai revealed Gauri’s location. On returning in 1206, the Khokhar Jats learned of Gauri's presence and sought revenge, resulting in Gauri’s death at the hands of Ramnath Khokhar. Prithviraj aimed directly at Gauri's neck, leading to his demise.