Muhammad Ghori (also spelled as Mu’izz-ud-Din Muhammad bin Sam) was a ruler of the Ghurid Empire and played a crucial role in establishing Muslim rule in India. His conquests laid the foundation for the Delhi Sultanate.
Basic Information
- Full Name: Mu’izz-ud-Din Muhammad bin Sam
- Born: 1149 CE (Ghor, Afghanistan)
- Died: 1206 CE (Assassinated near Jhelum, Pakistan)
- Dynasty: Ghurid Dynasty
- Reign: 1173 – 1206 CE
- Brother & Predecessor: Ghiyas-ud-Din Ghori
- Successor: No direct heir; his territories were taken over by his generals (like Qutb-ud-din Aibak in India)
Early Life & Rise to Power
- Born in Ghor (modern-day Afghanistan).
- Became the ruler of Ghurid Empire in 1173 CE after his brother Ghiyas-ud-Din Ghori made him the governor of Ghazni.
- Expanded Ghurid territory into modern-day Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, and India.
Major Conquests in India
Muhammad Ghori invaded India multiple times, defeating major Hindu rulers and paving the way for the Delhi Sultanate.
1. First Battle of Tarain (1191 CE)
- Fought between Prithviraj Chauhan (Chahamana dynasty) and Muhammad Ghori.
- Prithviraj Chauhan defeated Muhammad Ghori and forced him to retreat.
2. Second Battle of Tarain (1192 CE)
- Muhammad Ghori returned with a stronger army.
- Defeated and captured Prithviraj Chauhan.
- This victory marked the beginning of Muslim rule in North India.
3. Conquest of Delhi & Ajmer (1192 CE)
- Established control over Delhi and Ajmer after Tarain’s victory.
- Appointed Qutb-ud-din Aibak as his governor in India.
4. Conquest of Kannauj & Benares (1194 CE)
- Defeated Jaichand of Kannauj at the Battle of Chandawar (1194 CE).
- Extended Ghurid rule to Kannauj, Benares (Varanasi), and Ganga valley.
5. Bengal & Bihar Campaign (1202-1203 CE)
- His general Bakhtiyar Khilji conquered Bihar & Bengal.
- Nalanda University and Vikramshila University were destroyed during this invasion.
Administration & Legacy
- Qutb-ud-din Aibak was appointed as his governor in India.
- Did not establish a stable administration in India but laid the foundation for the Delhi Sultanate.
- His rule ended Rajput dominance in North India.
Death & Aftermath
- Died in 1206 CE (assassinated near Jhelum, Pakistan).
- His Indian territories were taken over by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, who established the Delhi Sultanate.
- His Ghurid Empire in Afghanistan collapsed soon after his death.
Significance
- Considered the real founder of Muslim rule in India.
- His victories led to the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate.
- His military campaigns changed the political structure of North India.
Key Facts for Quick Revision
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founder of | Ghurid rule in India |
| Reign in India | 1175 – 1206 CE |
| First major battle in India | First Battle of Tarain (1191) |
| Major victory in India | Second Battle of Tarain (1192) |
| Rajput ruler defeated | Prithviraj Chauhan (Tarain), Jaichand (Chandawar) |
| Indian governor | Qutb-ud-din Aibak |
| Died in | 1206 CE (assassinated near Jhelum) |
| Successor in India | Qutb-ud-din Aibak (Delhi Sultanate) |
MCQs on Muhammad Ghori
1. Which dynasty did Muhammad Ghori belong to?
A) Slave Dynasty
B) Ghurid Dynasty
C) Tughlaq Dynasty
D) Khalji Dynasty
Answer: B) Ghurid Dynasty
2. In which year did the Second Battle of Tarain take place?
A) 1191 CE
B) 1192 CE
C) 1206 CE
D) 1175 CE
Answer: B) 1192 CE
3. Who was defeated by Muhammad Ghori in the Second Battle of Tarain?
A) Jaichand
B) Prithviraj Chauhan
C) Mahmud of Ghazni
D) Balban
Answer: B) Prithviraj Chauhan
4. Muhammad Ghori’s Indian territories were taken over by whom after his death?
A) Razia Sultan
B) Iltutmish
C) Qutb-ud-din Aibak
D) Alauddin Khalji
Answer: C) Qutb-ud-din Aibak
5. Which battle led to the fall of Jaichand of Kannauj?
A) Battle of Tarain
B) Battle of Chandawar
C) Battle of Panipat
D) Battle of Buxar
Answer: B) Battle of Chandawar
6. Where was Muhammad Ghori assassinated?
A) Delhi
B) Lahore
C) Jhelum
D) Ghazni
Answer: C) Jhelum
Subjective Questions on Muhammad Ghori
Short Answer Questions (2-5 Marks)
- Who was Muhammad Ghori, and why is he significant in Indian history?
- Name two major battles fought by Muhammad Ghori in India.
- What was the outcome of the First Battle of Tarain (1191 CE)?
- How did Muhammad Ghori die?
- Who succeeded Muhammad Ghori in India after his death?
Long Answer Questions (8-15 Marks)
- Discuss the role of Muhammad Ghori in establishing Muslim rule in India.
- Compare the First and Second Battles of Tarain, highlighting their impact on Indian history.
- Explain the reasons behind Muhammad Ghori’s success in North India.
- Describe the military campaigns of Muhammad Ghori and their significance.
- How did Muhammad Ghori’s conquests lead to the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate?
These notes and questions are important for UPSC, SSC, State PSCs, NDA, CDS, and other competitive exams covering Medieval Indian History.