Muslim Invasion on India


Q.1 Given below are two statements, one is labeled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R). (U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2018)

 

Assertion (A) : Turkish invasions on India were successful.

Reason (R) : There was no political unity in North India.

 

Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

(a) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is correct explanation of (A).

(b) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).

(c) (A) is true, but (R) is false.

(d) (A) is false, but (R) is true.

 

Ans. (a)

Exp:

  1. The Turkish invasions/conquests in North India, particularly those of Muhammad Ghori, ultimately resulted in the establishment of Turkish political rule. Muhammad Ghori defeated Prithviraj Chauhan in the Second Battle of Tarain (1192 CE). His commanders, particularly Qutb-ud-din Aibak, consolidated Turkish rule in North India. This eventually led to the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate in 1206 CE.
  2. North India was divided among several independent kingdoms, rather than being under one unified political authority. Major powers included:

·  Chauhans — Ajmer/Delhi

·  Gahadavalas — Kannauj

·  Chandelas — Bundelkhand

·  Paramaras — Malwa

·  Solankis/Chaulukyas — Gujarat

  1. Because these kingdoms often pursued their own interests and did not maintain sustained political unity, they could be defeated individually by Turkish forces.
  2. However, remember that political disunity was one important factor, not the only factor. Military organization, cavalry tactics, strategic leadership and other circumstances also contributed to the Turkish successes.

Q.2 Which one of the following statements about Alberuni is not correct? (U.P.P.S.C. (R.I.) 2014)

 

(a) He was a secular author

(b) His writing was influenced by India

(c) He was a Sanskrit Scholar

(d) He was an expert of trigonometry

 

Ans. (a)

Exp:

  1. Al-Biruni was a Muslim scholar and was deeply interested in religion, philosophy and comparative study. His famous work Kitab-ul-Hind (Tahqiq ma li'l-Hind) discusses Indian religion, philosophy, customs, sciences and society. Therefore, describing him simply as a “secular author” is not appropriate in the context of this question.
  2. Al-Biruni spent considerable time studying Indian society and intellectual traditions. His writings show extensive engagement with Indian philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, religion and customs.
  3. Al-Biruni learned Sanskrit and studied Sanskrit texts. He used Indian scholarly works to understand Indian mathematics, astronomy, philosophy and religion.
  4. Al-Biruni was an accomplished mathematician and astronomer. He studied and wrote about trigonometry, astronomy and mathematical methods.

Q.3 Which slave of Muhammad Ghori conquered Bengal and Bihar – (U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2018)

(a) Qutbuddin Aibak (b) Iltutmish (c) Bakhtiyar Khalji (d) Yaldauj

 

Ans. (c)

Exp:

·   Muhammad Bakhtiyar Khalji was a Turkish military commander and one of the important commanders associated with Muhammad Ghori's expansion in North India. He conquered Bihar and Bengal around the end of the 12th century. He attacked important Buddhist educational centres, including Nalanda and Vikramashila. He captured Nadia (Nabadwip), the capital of the Sena ruler Lakshmana Sena, around 1204 CE. He subsequently established his authority in Lakhnauti (Gaur).