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

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

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.

Origins of Turkish Power Origins of Turks Relative status of Turks at the time of Mahmud’s birth r. 998-1030CE (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)

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

Major South Asian Campaigns 1000-1005 Northern Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kashmir 1006, 1008-1009 Multan 1018-1019—First extensive raid into Delhi, Mathura, Kanauj 1025-1026 The Somnath raids Some myths and realities about raids

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.

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

Muiz-ud-din Mohamad Ghori, 1173-1206 Multan campaign—1175-8 Lahore—1179-86, three attempts First Battle of Tarrain—1190 Finally, Victory at the Second Battle of Tarrain, 1192

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

Raichur Doab