Invasion and the Establishment of the Delhi Sultanate

Vocabulary flashcards covering Turkish invasions of India, the raids of Mahmud of Ghazni, key historical figures, and Rajput kingdoms.

Abbasid Caliphate

A great Arab empire whose cultural vitality and brilliance in the 8th and 9th centuries CE was followed by political disintegration by the end of the 9th century CE into independent states ruled by the Turks.

Ghazni and Ghor

Two important independent states established in Central Asia by the Turks who had previously served in the armies of the Caliphs.

Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni

A powerful and ambitious ruler who invaded India 17 times over 25 years (1001–25 CE) to plunder temple riches and fund a well-equipped army to expand his Central Asian kingdom.

Jaipal

The Hindu ruler of the Punjab whose territory extended to present-day Afghanistan; after being defeated by Mahmud of Ghazni and forced to pay tribute, he burnt himself to death.

Anandapal

Jaipal's son and successor who formed an alliance with western and central Indian rulers to resist Mahmud of Ghazni, but was ultimately defeated in battle.

Somnath Temple

The richest and most sacred Hindu temple located in Kathiawar; the site of Mahmud's most ambitious expedition where 50,000 defending soldiers died after three days of fighting.

Punjab (Annexation)

The only Indian province annexed by Mahmud of Ghazni, as his primary interest lay in Central Asian territorial expansion rather than establishing an Indian empire.

Firdausi

An eminent Persian poet patronized by Mahmud of Ghazni and the author of the great epic Shahnama.

Al Beruni

A famous Persian historian and mathematician who was among the eminent scholars patronized by Mahmud of Ghazni.

Five Major Rajput Kingdoms

The north Indian powers present when Muhammad Ghori invaded at the end of the 12th century CE: Rathors of Kanauj, Chauhans of Delhi and Ajmer, Solankis of Gujarat, Paramaras of Malwa, and Chandellas of Bundelkhand.

Rajput Lineages

The royal lineages linked by Rajput families, which include the Suryavamsi (solar), Chandravamsi (lunar), or Agnikula (fire) lineage from the itihasa-purana tradition.

Map of Mahmud of Ghazni's Empire (11th Century CE)

A map illustrating the extent of the Ghaznavid Empire, the areas overrun by Mahmud of Ghazni, and key regions across India in the 11th century CE.