Muslim Invasion in India since Tenth Century.

For nearly 900 years the activities of Muslim Rulers particularly dominate the pages of Indian History. They invaded Indian Country seeing the Great wealth and happy living of people. During the 10th century, Alptapgin a Arab leaving the service of his master in Northern Persia, penetrated into Afghanistan and set up a small Kingdom with its centre at Ghazni. In 962 Subuktigin a slave who succeeded him, was the first Muslim to attempt the invasion of India through the lofty north-west passes, He fought King Jaipal of Punjab and he cannot able to follow up his victories.

Subuktigin was succeeded in 997, by his son Mahmud. Elated by Khalifas blessing on his succession, he there and then resolved to wage a ‘Jihad’ each year against the Hindu Kings at Hindustan. It is calculated that between the years 1000 and 1026 he raided India seventeen times, traversing the ground between the Indus and Ganges. It is particularly to note that he slew tens of thousands of Hindus and took them as slaves. At one time he stormed the fortress of Kangra {Nagarkot} where the Hindu ancestors kept their wealth of treasure and jewels and took them to Ghazni. The treasure he took with him to Ghazni must have been several millions of rupees value.

Thus again and again he swept over the plains of Hindustan conquering Kings and their castles, razing temples and smashing Idols, until he become the terror of the countryside.
Little wonder he earned such titles as ‘Ghazi’ ‘Victor’ and ‘Ideal breaker.’

Mahmud realm by now includes Khursan in Persia and rich territories to the west so that his conquests and his wealth become notorious all over the east. With his rude forces he came again to Hindustan in 1018 and crossing the rivers of Punjab he stood before the temples of Mathura, the ancient centre of Hindu worship. From the temple he gained vast treasure and smashing to pieces of Hindu idols of gold and silver. During the campaign the King was made to surrender before Mahmud and ten thousands of peoples were forced to accept Islam. In subsequent raids also Mahmud overrun Kanoj, Lahore and Gwalior

With his rude warriors he captured Somanath in Gujarat in 1025-26. It is said that several thousands of pilgrims used to assemble at its costly temple, which was served by one thousand Brahman Priests. The temple fame and wealth of its Gems enticed Mahmud to make the exhausting journey across the Rajaputana desert from Multan. He sacked the temple, carrying off to Ghazni the famous Golden gates of the temple and treasure worth one Million pounds sterling.

{Muslim Invasion in India will continue}