The Turkish Invasions

Vocabulary flashcards covering key historical figures, events, terms, and texts related to the Turkish Invasions in India and contemporary comparative history.

Mahmud of Ghazni

Turkish ruler who ascended the throne of Ghazni in 998 CE and conducted 17 raids into the Indian subcontinent, primarily targeting temple towns to fund his army and Central Asian expansion.

Firdausi

Renowned Persian poet and poet-laureate at the court of Mahmud of Ghazni who composed the epic poem Shahnama.

Shahnama

An epic poem composed by Firdausi in the first decade of the 11th century that serves as a primary source of information about Persian history from mythical times to the mid-7th century.

Sabuktigin

A former Turkish slave who became a general, seized Ghazni in 977 CE, and expanded his territory by invading the Shahi kingdom of the Punjab.

Jayapala

Ruler of the Shahi dynasty of the Punjab who fought Sabuktigin and was later defeated by Mahmud of Ghazni near Peshawar in 1001 CE.

Anandapala

Son of Jayapala who formed a confederacy of Indian rulers against Mahmud of Ghazni but was defeated at Waihind in 1008-09 CE after his elephant became agitated.

Somnath Temple

A temple located in Kathiawar whose attack in c. 1025 CE represented Mahmud of Ghazni's most ambitious and profitable expedition.

Al-Biruni

Persian historian patronised by Mahmud of Ghazni who translated Sanskrit texts into Arabic and authored Kitab al-Hind.

Kitab al-Hind

An Arabic work by Al-Biruni detailing an account of the Indian subcontinent, serving as a primary source for historians.

Muhammad Ghori

Governor of Ghazni who ended the Ghaznavid Empire, conquered regions across northern India, and paved the way for the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate.

Bhima II

Vaghela ruler of Gujarat who completely routed Muhammad Ghori when he attempted to enter Gujarat by crossing the Rajputana desert.

Battles of Tarain

Two major battles fought in 1191 CE and 1192 CE near Thanesar between Muhammad Ghori and Prithviraj Chauhan.

Prithviraj Chauhan

Ruler of Ajmer, Delhi, Haryana, and Rajasthan who defeated Muhammad Ghori in the First Battle of Tarain (1191 CE) but was defeated and killed in the Second Battle of Tarain (1192 CE).

Jaichand

Powerful Rajput ruler of Kanauj who did not assist Prithviraj Chauhan during the Second Battle of Tarain in 1192 CE.

Qutbuddin Aibak

Turkish slave and trusted general of Muhammad Ghori who was appointed regional governor of northern India and declared himself the first sultan of Delhi in 1206 CE.

Muhammad bin Bakhtiyar Khalji

Protégé of Qutbuddin Aibak and general appointed by Muhammad Ghori who helped overthrow the Sena dynasty of Bengal.

Battle of Hastings

Decisive battle fought on 14 October 1066 CE between Harold II of England and William, Duke of Normandy, leading to the Norman Conquest of England.

William I

Also known as William, Duke of Normandy, who defeated Harold II at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 CE and ascended the throne of England.

Mercenary

A soldier who fights for any army that will pay him or her.

Incursion

A sudden attack on an area controlled by other people.

Exact

To get something from someone through threats or by force.

Veritable

Real.