Arab Invasion of India: Muhammad bin Qasim and the First Muslim Attack on Indian Soil
Welcome to Info Edu Story! The First Arab attack on India marked a significant turning point in Indian history and is an important topic in Arab Invasion in India - Medieval India History Notes. These events were part of the wider Umayyad campaigns in India, which aimed to expand Islamic political influence beyond Arabia. On Info Edu Story, this topic is widely explained with the help of resources such as the Arab invasion of India PDF and Muhammad-bin-Qasim - Medieval India History Notes, as Muhammad bin Qasim played a central role in this invasion. The conflict between Mohammad Bin Qasim vs Raja Dahar highlights the resistance faced by the Arab forces, while the Death of Muhammad bin Qasim remains one of the most tragic episodes of early medieval history. For students and competitive exam aspirants, sections like Muhammad Bin Qasim | Invasion of Sindh MCQs and Question related to muhammad bin qasim are specially designed on Info Edu Story to help understand the early phase of Muslim rule in India.
Arab Invasion of India
Introduction
The Arab invasion of India occurred in the early eighth century AD and marked the beginning of Muslim political involvement in the Indian subcontinent. This invasion took place in AD 712 and was led by Muhammad bin Qasim, a young general serving under the Umayyad Caliphate. The campaign was part of the wider Arab policy of territorial expansion following the rise of Islam. The invasion mainly affected the region of Sindh in north-western India.
Rise and Spread of Islam
Islam emerged in Arabia during the seventh century AD and brought about significant religious, social, and political transformation. It was founded by Prophet Muhammad (AD 570–632), who preached belief in one God, Allah, and emphasized justice, moral conduct, and equality. The Quran, the holy book of Islam, is believed by Muslims to be the divine revelation given to the Prophet. Islamic practices include five daily prayers, fasting during the month of Ramzan, giving alms to the poor, and performing the pilgrimage to Mecca if possible.
What are the roles and responsibilities of a caliph?
Role of the Caliphs
After the death of Prophet Muhammad in AD 632, leadership of the Muslim community passed to the Caliphs, who acted as both religious and political leaders. The first four rulers, known as the Rightly Guided or Pious Caliphs, ruled from AD 632 to 661. They were succeeded by the Umayyad dynasty (AD 661–750), which established a strong and stable empire. Later, the Abbasid Caliphate (AD 750–1258) replaced the Umayyads, though its authority weakened over time, leading to the emergence of independent Muslim rulers in different regions.
Arab Expansion
Arab expansion was notable for its rapid success. Between AD 633 and 637, Arab armies conquered vast regions of West Asia, including Syria, Iraq, Persia, and parts of present-day Turkey. Egypt was conquered by AD 639. The Arabs also advanced into North Africa and Europe, capturing Spain by AD 712 and moving into southern France. By the eighth century, the Arab Empire extended from Spain in the west to India in the east, linking Mediterranean and Indian Ocean trade routes.
Causes of the Arab Invasion of Sindh
India attracted Arab attention because of its wealth and prosperity, as described by Arab traders and sailors. However, the immediate cause of the invasion of Sindh was the attack on Arab ships by pirates near the port of Debal. These ships were carrying Muslim traders and gifts for the Caliph. Raja Dahir, the ruler of Sindh, refused to punish the pirates or compensate for the loss. This angered Hajjaj bin Yusuf, the governor of Iraq, who decided to send a military expedition to Sindh.
Campaign of Muhammad bin Qasim
Hajjaj appointed Muhammad Bin Qasim to lead the expedition. In 712 AD, Qasim reached Sindh and besieged the port city of Debal. After capturing Debal, he crossed the River Indus and advanced further inland. The decisive battle took place at Rawar, where Raja Dahir was defeated and killed. The Arab forces inflicted heavy losses on Dahir’s army, effectively ending organized resistance.
Results of the Invasion
After his victory, Muhammad Bin Qasim captured several important towns, including Brahmanabad and Multan. He established Arab control over most of Sindh and parts of lower Punjab. However, the prolonged military campaigns disturbed the economic life of Sindh, forcing many traders and residents to flee.
Impact and Conclusion
Muhammad bin Qasim ruled for only about two years before being recalled due to political changes in the Caliphate. Despite the short duration of his rule, Arab influence in Sindh continued for a long period. Many Arabs settled in the region, formed relations with the local population, and contributed to cultural and religious exchanges. Thus, the Arab invasion laid the foundation for lasting Muslim influence in north-western India.
Who Was Muhammad bin Qasim? The Arab Invasion of India and the First Muslim Invader
Muhammad bin Qasim – Background
◉ Muhammad bin Qasim was born in 695 AD.
◉ He belonged to the Saqqafi tribe of Taif in Arabia.
◉ From a young age, he showed exceptional intelligence and administrative skills.
◉ He was raised by his mother and later guided by his uncle, Muhammad ibn Yusuf, the governor of Yemen.
◉ Under his uncle’s guidance, he received training in administration, governance, and military affairs.
◉ His discipline, leadership, and sharp judgment distinguished him from other officers.
◉ He gained early recognition and was appointed to important administrative posts at a young age.
◉ He was closely related to Hajjaj bin Yusuf, the powerful governor of Iraq.
◉ With Hajjaj bin Yusuf’s support, he was appointed governor of Persia in his teenage years.
◉ He successfully suppressed rebellions in Persia and restored law and order.
◉ His success enhanced his reputation within the Umayyad administration.
◉ According to popular belief, he may have been the son-in-law of Hajjaj bin Yusuf.
◉ Muhammad bin Qasim gained lasting fame through his military campaigns in India.
◉ He conquered Sindh and parts of Punjab along the Indus River.
◉These conquests brought north-western India under Umayyad rule and established Arab political presence in the region.
The Battle of Rewar (also known as the Battle of Aror) in 712 AD
◉ The Battle of Rewar was fought between Muhammad bin Qasim and Raja Dahir in 712 AD.
◉ Muhammad bin Qasim was the Arab commander of the Umayyad Caliphate.
◉ Raja Dahir was the ruler of Sindh, located in present-day Pakistan.
◉ Dahir belonged to the Brahmin dynasty and was the last Hindu ruler of Sindh.
◉ The battle took place near Rewar after the Arabs captured the port city of Debal.
◉ Muhammad bin Qasim advanced inland along the Indus River.
◉ The Arab army was better organized and strategically superior.
◉ Raja Dahir was defeated and killed in the battle.
◉ With Dahir’s death, organized resistance in Sindh came to an end.
◉ Sindh came under Arab control after the victory.
◉ Muhammad bin Qasim later captured important centers, including Multan.
◉ Multan was called the “City of Gold” due to its wealth.
◉ The Battle of Rewar marked a turning point in establishing Arab dominance in north-western India.
End of Muhammad-bin-Qasim - Medieval India History Notes
◉ Muhammad bin Qasim was sent by the Umayyad Caliphate to conquer Sindh.
◉ He led an army of about 6,000 Syrian cavalry, supported by camel riders and catapults (Manjaniks).
◉ In AD 712, he captured the port of Debal and advanced along the Indus River.
◉ Raja Dahir was defeated and killed near Rohri, leading to the Arab conquest of Sindh.
◉ Muhammad bin Qasim went on to conquer Nirun, Brahmanabad, Alor, Multan, and parts of Gujarat.
◉ After capturing Multan, he advanced towards the borders of Kashmir, but further expansion was stopped.
◉ Arabs established control over the whole of Sindh and parts of Punjab up to the northern frontier of Kashmir.
◉ Muhammad bin Qasim followed a tolerant policy, allowing people freedom of religion and culture.
◉ He introduced a strict but organized tax system and ensured protection of life and property.
◉ After the death of Hajjaj in AD 714 and Caliph Walid, Suleman became Caliph.
◉ Suleman was hostile to Hajjaj’s family and recalled Muhammad bin Qasim from Sindh.
◉ Muhammad bin Qasim obeyed the order but was imprisoned and executed on 18 July 715 AD at the young age of twenty.
Arab Invasion & Muhammad bin Qasim || Muhammad Bin Qasim | Invasion of Sindh MCQs
1. Who ordered the recall of Muhammad bin Qasim and later had him tortured to death?
a. Walid bin Abdul Malik
b. Suleman bin Abdul Malik
c. Hajjaj bin Yusuf
d. Muhammad bin Yusuf
Answer: b. Suleman bin Abdul Malik
Explanation: Suleman bin Abdul Malik became Caliph after Walid and was hostile towards Hajjaj’s family. He recalled Muhammad bin Qasim and ordered his execution.
2. In which year did Hajjaj bin Yusuf, the governor of Iraq, die?
a. 712 AD
b. 714 AD
c. 716 AD
d. 717 AD
Answer: b. 714 AD
Explanation: Hajjaj bin Yusuf died in 714 AD. His death weakened the political support of Muhammad bin Qasim at the Umayyad court.
3. Who sent Muhammad bin Qasim to take action against the pirates of Sindh?
a. Al Hajjaj bin Yusuf
b. Walid bin Abdul Malik
c. Suleman bin Abdul Malik
d. None of these
Answer: a. Al Hajjaj bin Yusuf
Explanation: Hajjaj bin Yusuf, the governor of Iraq, dispatched Muhammad bin Qasim after Raja Dahir refused to punish the pirates of Debal.
4. Which region is referred to as the first stronghold of Islam in India?
a. Punjab
b. Sindh
c. Delhi
d. Agra
Answer: b. Sindh
Explanation: Sindh was the first region of India to come under Muslim rule after the Arab conquest led by Muhammad bin Qasim.
5. Who founded the Umayyad Dynasty?
a. Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A.)
b. Hazrat Amir Muawiya (R.A.)
c. Hazrat Ali (R.A.)
d. None of these
Answer: b. Hazrat Amir Muawiya (R.A.)
Explanation: Hazrat Amir Muawiya established the Umayyad Dynasty in AD 661 after the period of the Rightly Guided Caliphs.
6. Muhammad bin Qasim served under which dynasty?
a. Ottoman Empire
b. Abbasid Dynasty
c. Umayyad Dynasty
d. None of these
Answer: c. Umayyad Dynasty
Explanation: Muhammad bin Qasim was a general of the Umayyad Caliphate, which ruled from AD 661 to 750.
7. Which river did Muhammad bin Qasim cross to enter India?
a. Ganga
b. Yamuna
c. Indus
d. Narmada
Answer: c. Indus
Explanation: Muhammad bin Qasim crossed the Indus River while advancing into Sindh during his military campaign.
8. Which was the first Indian city captured by Muhammad bin Qasim?
a. Delhi
b. Debal
c. Multan
d. Kannauj
Answer: b. Debal
Explanation: Debal, an important port city, was the first place captured by Muhammad bin Qasim in AD 712.
9. Who was the ruler of Sindh during Muhammad bin Qasim’s invasion?
a. Raja Dahir
b. Harshavardhana
c. Jaipal
d. Rajendra Chola
Answer: a. Raja Dahir
Explanation: Raja Dahir, the last Hindu ruler of Sindh from the Brahmin dynasty, opposed the Arab invasion.
10. What was the capital city of Raja Dahir?
a. Multan
b. Debal
c. Brahmanabad
d. Ujjain
Answer: c. Brahmanabad
Explanation: Brahmanabad served as the capital of Raja Dahir’s kingdom in Sindh.
11. Which city captured by Muhammad bin Qasim was known as the “City of Gold”?
a. Lahore
b. Debal
c. Multan
d. Delhi
Answer: c. Multan
Explanation: Multan was extremely wealthy and famous for its riches, earning it the title “City of Gold.”
12. Who led the Arab invasion of Sindh in AD 712?
a. Mahmud of Ghazni
b. Muhammad Ghori
c. Muhammad bin Qasim
d. Alauddin Khilji
Answer: c. Muhammad bin Qasim
Explanation: Muhammad bin Qasim led the Arab invasion of Sindh in 712 AD on behalf of the Umayyad Caliphate.
13. Who was the first Muslim invader of India?
a) Mahmud of Ghazni
b) Muhammad Ghori
c) Muhammad bin Qasim
d) Timur
Correct Answer: c) Muhammad bin Qasim
Explanation: Muhammad bin Qasim led the first successful Muslim invasion of India in AD 712 during the Umayyad Caliphate and conquered Sindh.
14. Muhammad bin Qasim (712 AD) introduced which tax in Sindh?
a) Zakat
b) Ushr
c) Jizya
d) Kharaj
Correct Answer: c) Jizya
Explanation: After the Arab conquest of Sindh in 712 AD, Muhammad bin Qasim introduced the jizya tax on non-Muslims under Umayyad administration.
