1. The Sultanate Period—Some Questions of Analysis and Periodization
South Asia c. 1000
The Sultanate Period—Some Questions of Analysis and Periodization
Evaluating the nature of power in the Delhi Sultanate

2. Political Developments, c. 1000
Since the seventh century, smaller kingdoms had become the norm
Dominated by new warrior groups such as Rajputs (north) and Cholas (south)
Most had smaller territories and subdivided rule among subordinate dynasties
Cholas were more expansionist, had features of a growing empire

4. North-west Frontier
The weakening of the Abbasid Empire in the middle east gave an impetus to Turkish, Afghan, Mongol tribes in Central Asia.
These groups would expand out of Central Asia into the Middle East, S. Asia, and China.
Most groups were pastoral nomads, but their background offered many advantages compared to the sedentary, settled empires they attacked.

5. Origins of Turkish Power
Origins of Turks
Relative status of Turks at the time of Mahmud’s birth r CE (former slave soldiers)
Open-ness of Turkish identity and utility in raising armies
Influence of Islam—were Turkish states theocracies or was it a legitimizing move?
Persianization—language, arts, courtly culture (Patronage of Al-Beruni and Firdausi)

6. Mahmud’s rise to power
Benefited from the expansion under his father Subuktigin
Was able to create larger army by enrolling other tribes and mercenaries
Needed larger revenue sources to continue expansion and pay allies

8. Major South Asian Campaigns
Northern Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kashmir
1006, Multan
—First extensive raid into Delhi, Mathura, Kanauj
The Somnath raids
Some myths and realities about raids

9. Mahmud’s motivation and his impact
Was his primary motivation political or religious (sharia-minded)?
Primary impact was not that of conquest but of the possibility of gaining access to a insecure cash/bullion hordes. Also demonstrated the need for local allies and the difficulties of continued rule.
The raided parts quickly recovered. Trade was established, temples were rebuilt. Rajput confederacies quickly re-established political control.
The popular historiography is less helpful in giving us information about Mahmud’s own time, much more useful in indicating his influence and growing myth in later times as exemplary Turkish warrior and ruler.

10. Ilbari Rule
Long gap of almost 150 years between Mahmud and the Ilbaris
Next campaign does not occur until the late 12th Century under Muhammad Ghori
The renewed strength of the Rajputs and Indian tribes is clearly demonstrated in their strong opposition of Muhammad Ghori’s armies

11. Muiz-ud-din Mohamad Ghori, 1173-1206
Multan campaign—1175-8
Lahore— , three attempts
First Battle of Tarrain—1190
Finally, Victory at the Second Battle of Tarrain, 1192

12. Delhi Sultanate Sind Jaunpur Malwa Bengal Gujrat Gondwana Orissa
Khandesh
Gondwana
Orissa
Bahamani
Sultanate
Telingana
Vijaynagar

13. Raichur
Doab