Shahabuddin Muhammad (Muhammad Ghori): Architect of Muslim Rule in India | Complete History
This article covers Muhammad Ghori: History, Conquests, and Death in a clear and exam-oriented manner, making it highly useful for UPSC Notes, SSC CGL, and other competitive examinations. Special focus has been given to the famous conflicts between Prithviraj Chauhan and Muhammad Ghori, especially the Battle of Tarain, which proved to be a turning point in Medieval Indian history. To help students prepare better, this content also includes MCQ on Medieval History | Objective Questions & Answers, making it ideal for quick revision and practice. If you are preparing for UPSC, SSC, WBCS, or State-level exams, this detailed yet easy explanation of Muhammad Ghori will strengthen your conceptual clarity.
Muhammad Ghori (Shahabuddin Muhammad): Full Biography & Achievements for SSC CGL
Muhammad Ghori (Shahabuddin Muhammad)
Muhammad Ghori, also known as Shahabuddin Muhammad, became the ruler of Ghazni in AD 1173. He ruled till AD 1206. The Ghoris were weak in Central Asia and could not compete with the powerful Khwarizmi Empire. Therefore, Muhammad Ghori turned his attention towards India to expand his empire.
Unlike Mahmud of Ghazni, Muhammad Ghori wanted to establish permanent rule in India, not just loot wealth. His military campaigns were well planned. Whenever he conquered a region, he appointed a trusted general to govern it. His invasions finally led to the foundation of the Turkish (Delhi) Sultanate in northern India, especially the areas north of the Vindhya Mountains.
Conquest of Punjab and Sind
Muhammad Ghori’s first invasion of India took place in AD 1175. He attacked Multan and freed it from its ruler. In the same campaign, he captured Uchch from the Bhatti Rajputs.
In AD 1178, he tried to conquer Gujarat, but he was defeated by the Chalukya ruler Bhima II at the Battle of Anhilwara. This defeat did not discourage him. He understood that before moving further into India, he needed a strong base in Punjab.
He then attacked the Ghaznavid territories in Punjab. Peshawar was captured in AD 1179–80, and Lahore in AD 1186. Later, Sialkot and Debol were also conquered. By AD 1190, Muhammad Ghori had secured Sind, Multan, and Punjab, which opened the path to the Gangetic Doab.
First Battle of Tarain (AD 1191)
Muhammad Ghori’s expansion brought him into conflict with the Rajput ruler Prithviraj Chauhan. The main cause of the conflict was the control over Bhatinda.
The First Battle of Tarain was fought in AD 1191. In this battle, Muhammad Ghori was defeated, and he narrowly escaped death. Prithviraj Chauhan captured Bhatinda but failed to strengthen or guard it properly. This mistake gave Ghori time to reorganize his army and plan another attack.
Second Battle of Tarain (AD 1192)
The Second Battle of Tarain (AD 1192) was a turning point in Indian history. This time, Muhammad Ghori came fully prepared. Although the Rajput army was larger, the Turkish army was better organized and had fast-moving cavalry.
The Turkish soldiers used horseshoes and iron stirrups, which gave them better balance, speed, and striking power. The Indian army could not match their tactics. A large number of Indian soldiers were killed. Prithviraj Chauhan was captured near Sarsuti.
After the victory, the Turkish army captured Hansi, Sarsuti, and Samana, and then occupied Delhi and Ajmer.
Later Campaigns and Importance
After the Battle of Tarain, Muhammad Ghori returned to Ghazni and left India under the control of his trusted general Qutbuddin Aibak. In AD 1194, Ghori again came to India and defeated Jai Chand at the Battle of Chandwar near Kanauj.
The victories at Tarain and Chandwar firmly established Turkish rule in North India.
Muhammad Ghori’s achievements were more permanent than those of Mahmud of Ghazni. While Mahmud mainly looted temples and wealth, Muhammad Ghori aimed to rule India. Even after his death in AD 1206, Turkish rule continued. His general Qutbuddin Aibak became the first Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate.
Who Was Muhammad Ghori? Why Did He Invade India?
Introduction of Shahabuddin Muhammad (Muhammad Ghori)
Shahabuddin Muhammad, popularly known as Muhammad Ghori, is considered the real founder of Muslim rule in the Indian subcontinent. Along with his elder brother Ghiyath-ud-din, he ruled the Ghurid Empire from around 1173 to 1202 CE. After his brother’s death, Muhammad Ghori became the supreme ruler and governed alone until 1206 CE. He was one of the most capable and influential rulers of the Ghurid dynasty.
The emergence of the Ghurids took place during a period when earlier Islamic powers such as the Samanids and Seljuk Turks were declining. This political vacuum allowed the Ghurids to rise rapidly and expand their influence through continuous military campaigns.
The Ghurid Expansion
In 1173 CE, Muhammad Ghori took control of Ghazni, while his brother continued to rule over Ghur. Ghori was not satisfied with ruling Ghazni alone and aimed to build a large empire. He understood India’s political disunity, weak military organization, and vast wealth, which encouraged him to plan invasions of the Indian subcontinent.
At its height, the Ghurid Empire extended from Khorasan in the west to Bengal in the east. Initially, Firozkoh in the Ghur region served as the capital, but later Herat and Ghazni became important administrative centers.
Causes Behind Ghurid Conflicts and Indian Invasions
Several reasons pushed the Ghurids toward India:
➡ Continuous conflicts with Seljuk rulers and Turkish tribes beyond the Oxus River made westward expansion difficult.
➡ The growing strength of the Khwarizmi Empire blocked Ghurid ambitions in Central Asia. The loss of Khorasan forced them to look eastward.
➡ Imperial ambition was a key factor, as the Ghurids wanted to establish a powerful and lasting empire.
➡ Muhammad Ghori, like many rulers of his time, sought glory, power, and territorial expansion.
➡ Long-standing hostility between the Ghurids and Ghaznavids also played a role. After capturing Ghazni, Ghori aimed to defeat the remaining Ghaznavid power in Punjab to secure his eastern borders.
➡ Ghiyath-ud-din focused on western expansion, leaving Muhammad Ghori responsible for eastern conquests, especially India.
➡ Although wealth from India attracted Ghori, financial gain was not his only objective; political dominance was more important.
Muhammad Ghori as a Ruler
Muhammad Ghori was a far-sighted and determined leader. In 1173 CE, Ghiyath-ud-din entrusted him with the governance of Ghazni. However, Ghori’s ambitions extended beyond this region. He aimed to increase his authority and influence by conquering India.
He was aware of India’s internal divisions, religious diversity, and weak defensive systems, as well as its immense resources. Along with political control, he also sought to spread Islam through conquest. These combined factors motivated his repeated invasions of India.
Strength of the Khwarizmi Empire
Before the Mongol invasions, the Khwarizmi Empire possessed a strong military force, including nearly 40,000 cavalry soldiers, most of whom were Turkic. While major cities had local militias, they were poorly trained and equipped. Large urban populations could supply manpower, but only a small percentage were trained soldiers. The strength of the Khwarizmians prevented the Ghurids from expanding westward.
Cooperation Between the Brothers
One of the main reasons for Ghurid success was the strong and harmonious relationship between Ghiyath-ud-din and Muizz-ud-din (Muhammad Ghori). Unlike many medieval dynasties, there was no rivalry or jealousy between them. Their mutual trust and cooperation played a vital role in the empire’s expansion.
Decline of the Ghurid Empire
Despite its rapid rise, the Ghurid Empire did not last long. Political instability was common during this period. Ghiyath-ud-din died in 1202 CE, and Muhammad Ghori was assassinated in 1206 CE while returning to Ghazni, near Dhamyak in the Jhelum region.
After his death, internal conflicts among Ghurid nobles weakened the empire. By 1215 CE, rival powers had taken control of Ghurid territories. Military weaknesses and lack of strong successors also contributed to the fall of the dynasty.
Summary
Although the Ghurid Empire was short-lived, Muhammad Ghori’s conquests had a lasting impact on Indian history. His victories laid the foundation for permanent Muslim rule in India, which later evolved into the Delhi Sultanate. Even after his death, the political structure he established continued through his trusted generals and successors.
MCQ on Muhammad Ghori || MCQ on Medieval History
1. Who defeated Muhammad Ghori near Mount Abu?
(a) Prithviraj Chauhan
(b) Bhima II
(c) Jaichandra
(d) Rana Kumbha
Answer: (b) Bhima II
Explanation:
Muhammad Ghori was defeated by the Chaulukya (Solanki) ruler Bhima II of Gujarat near Mount Abu in 1178 CE. This defeat forced Ghori to change his strategy and strengthen his base in Punjab before further Indian campaigns.
2. Who among the following were the last belligerents against whom Muhammad Ghori led a campaign?
(a) Rajputs of Delhi
(b) Gahadavalas of Kannauj
(c) Chandelas of Bundelkhand
(d) Solankis of Gujarat
Answer: (b) Gahadavalas of Kannauj
Explanation:
The Gahadavala ruler Jaichandra of Kannauj was the last major Indian ruler against whom Muhammad Ghori personally led a campaign. He was defeated in the Battle of Chandawar (1194 CE).
3. In which year did Muhammad Ghori first attack India at Multan?
(a) 1171 CE
(b) 1173 CE
(c) 1175 CE
(d) 1186 CE
Answer: (c) 1175 CE
Explanation:
Muhammad Ghori’s first Indian campaign took place in 1175 CE, when he attacked and captured Multan. This marked the beginning of his Indian invasions.
4. The Battle of Chandawar was fought in the last decade of the 12th century between which rulers?
(a) Prithviraj Chauhan and Muhammad Ghori
(b) Bhima II and Muhammad Ghori
(c) Jaichandra and Muhammad Ghori
(d) Rana Kumbha and Muhammad Ghori
Answer: (c) Jaichandra and Muhammad Ghori
Explanation:
The Battle of Chandawar (1194 CE) was fought between Muhammad Ghori and Jaichandra, the Gahadavala ruler of Kannauj. Ghori emerged victorious, further consolidating Turkish rule in North India.
5. In which of the following battles was Jaichandra defeated and killed by Muhammad Ghori?
(a) Battle of Tarain
(b) Battle of Chandawar
(c) Battle of Anhilwara
(d) Battle of Kannauj
Answer: (b) Battle of Chandawar
Explanation:
Jaichandra was defeated and killed by Muhammad Ghori in the Battle of Chandawar (1194 CE). This victory removed the last major obstacle to Turkish domination in the Gangetic plains.
6. The First Battle of Tarain was fought between which of the following?
(a) Alauddin Khilji and Prithviraj Chauhan
(b) Muhammad Ghori and Prithviraj Chauhan
(c) Mahmud of Ghazni and Prithviraj Chauhan
(d) Muhammad Shah and Prithviraj Chauhan
Answer: (b) Muhammad Ghori and Prithviraj Chauhan
Explanation:
The First Battle of Tarain was fought in 1191 CE between Muhammad Ghori and the Rajput ruler Prithviraj Chauhan. Ghori was defeated in this battle and had to retreat.
7. Which Sufi saint’s dargah is located at Ajmer?
(a) Baba Farid
(b) Qutb-ud-din Bakhtiyar Kaki
(c) Moinuddin Chishti
(d) Khwaja Bahauddin
Answer: (c) Moinuddin Chishti
Explanation:
Moinuddin Chishti, also known as Gharib Nawaz, was the most prominent Sufi saint of the Chishti Order in India. His shrine, popularly called Ajmer Sharif Dargah, is located in Ajmer, Rajasthan, and is one of the most important Sufi centers in the Indian subcontinent.
8. The First Battle of Tarain was fought in which year?
(a) 1191 AD
(b) 1192 AD
(c) 1193 AD
(d) 1216 AD
Answer: (a) 1191 AD
Explanation:
The First Battle of Tarain took place in 1191 AD between Muhammad Ghori and Prithviraj Chauhan, in which Ghori was defeated by the Rajput forces.
9. Who is considered the last Hindu ruler of the Indian subcontinent?
(a) Raja Prithviraj Chauhan
(b) Raja Dahir
(c) Raja Jaipal
(d) None of these
Answer: (a) Raja Prithviraj Chauhan
Explanation:
Prithviraj Chauhan is often regarded as the last major Hindu ruler who resisted Muslim invasions before the establishment of permanent Turkish rule in North India.
10. In which year did Muhammad Ghori become the ruler of Ghazni?
(a) 1171 AD
(b) 1172 AD
(c) 1173 AD
(d) 1174 AD
Answer: (c) 1173 AD
Explanation:
Muhammad Ghori became the ruler of Ghazni in 1173 AD, after which he began planning systematic military campaigns, especially toward India.
11. Which of the following battles was fought in 1192 AD?
(a) First Battle of Tarain
(b) Second Battle of Tarain
(c) Battle of Talikota
(d) None of these
Answer: (b) Second Battle of Tarain
Explanation:
The Second Battle of Tarain (1192 AD) was a decisive victory for Muhammad Ghori, leading to the defeat of Prithviraj Chauhan and the foundation of Turkish rule in India.
12. Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni wrote a book on which subject?
(a) Sufism
(b) Ijtihad
(c) Hadith
(d) Fiqh
Answer: (d) Fiqh
Explanation:
Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni was a patron of Islamic learning and authored works related to Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), showing his interest in religious scholarship.
13. Al-Biruni came to India along with which ruler?
(a) Mahmud of Ghazni
(b) Muhammad bin Qasim
(c) Muhammad Ghori
(d) None of these
Answer: (a) Mahmud of Ghazni
Explanation:
The famous scholar Al-Biruni accompanied Mahmud of Ghazni during his Indian campaigns. He later wrote Kitab-ul-Hind, an important account of Indian society and culture.
14. Who served as the Commander-in-Chief of Muhammad of Ghor?
a) Jahangir
b) Qutb-ud-Din Aibak
c) Balban
d) Shah Jahan
Answer: b) Qutb-ud-Din Aibak
Explanation:
Qutb-ud-Din Aibak was the trusted slave general and commander-in-chief of Muhammad Ghori. After Ghori’s death, he became the first Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate.
15. Who is known as the “Founder of Muslim Rule in India”?
a) Mahmud of Ghazni
b) Muhammad bin Qasim
c) Muhammad Ghori
d) Babur
Answer: c) Muhammad Ghori
Explanation:
Muhammad Ghori laid the permanent foundation of Muslim rule in India through systematic conquests and administration, unlike earlier invaders who focused mainly on plunder.
16. What was the primary objective of Arab invasions in Sindh?
a) Spread Christianity
b) Political alliance
c) Trade
d) Expansion of Islam and trade
Answer: d) Expansion of Islam and trade
Explanation:
The Arab invasions aimed to spread Islam and secure important trade routes, especially along the western coast and the Indus region.
17. Why is the Second Battle of Tarain historically important?
a) Ended Mughal rule
b) Ended British rule
c) Established Turkish rule in India
d) Ended Arab rule
Answer: c) Established Turkish rule in India
Explanation:
The Second Battle of Tarain (1192 AD) resulted in the defeat of Prithviraj Chauhan and led to the establishment of Turkish political dominance in North India.
18. The term “Jiziya” refers to which of the following?
a) Land tax
b) Trade tax
c) Tax on non-Muslims
d) Income tax
Answer: c) Tax on non-Muslims
Explanation:
Jiziya was a religious tax imposed on non-Muslims in return for protection and exemption from military service under Islamic rule.
19. Which Indian ruler refused to support Prithviraj Chauhan during the Tarain battles?
a) Rana Sanga
b) Jayachandra
c) Harshavardhana
d) Vikramaditya
Answer: b) Jayachandra
Explanation:
Jayachandra, the Gahadavala ruler of Kannauj, declined to assist Prithviraj Chauhan due to political rivalry, weakening the Rajput resistance.
20. What was the official language of administration under the Turkish rulers?
a) Sanskrit
b) Arabic
c) Persian
d) Urdu
Answer: c) Persian
Explanation:
The Turkish rulers adopted Persian as the administrative language, which later became the dominant court language of medieval Indian sultanates.
21. What was the most important reason for the failure of Indian rulers against foreign invasions?
a) Weak armies
b) Inferior weapons
c) Lack of unity
d) Poor geography
Answer: c) Lack of unity
Explanation:
The absence of political unity among Indian rulers prevented a strong collective defense, making it easier for foreign invaders to succeed.
