MEDIEVAL HISTORY
15. (THE THIRTEENTH CENTURY )Establishment of the
Delhi Sultanate: The Ghurian invasions – factors
behind Ghurian success - Economic, social and
cultural consequences
Establishment of the Delhi Sultanate: The Ghurian invasions –
factors behind Ghurian success - Economic, social and cultural
consequences
Establishment of Turkish Rule in India
Introduction
The defeat of Prithviraj Chauhan in the 2nd battle of Tarain (1192 AD) had resulted in the Establishment of Turkish
Rule in India.
The establishment of Turkish rule in India was not the result of any sudden development. The factors responsible
for the success of Turk and failure of Rajputs have to be perceived in the light of the prevailing politico-
administrative, socio-cultural, economic and religious conditions prevailing in India.
Politico-Administrative Factors
The closer examination of the politico-administrative system of North India of early medieval age reveals that it
was having a no. of serious defeats.
1. There was no central authority in North India when Turkish invasion commenced.
2. A no. of small Rajput states were existing in different parts of North India.As a result of this, the Turk were
not required to face any strong challenge and they easily defeated Indian rulers one after the other.
3. Absence of a sound strategic conciousness among Rajputs.The Rajput rulers did not pay sufficient attention
to the development going on in Central Asia. They could not prepare themselves for any possible challenge
coming from North-West direction.As a result of this, when Turkish invasion commenced, the Rajput rulers
found themselves unprepared and got defeated.
4. Mutual enemosity (hostility) prevailing among Indian rulers also contributed to their defeat at the hands of
Turks, the Rajput rulers were fighting among themselves on small issues and because of this, they could not
stand together even against foreign invaders and get defeated one by one.
, 5. The Rajput rulers of interior did not consider it as their responsibility to support the frontier kingdoms like
Hindushahi against foreign invaders. They remained busy in their affairs.
6. Tripartate struggle involving Gurjara Pratiharas, Palas and Rashtrakutas also played an important role in the
success of Turkish invasion.This struggle had continued for more than 100 years.
It was indecisive as none of the party involved in it could succeed in establishing its dominance. This struggle had
exhausted the politico-military strength of India because 3 most important Indian dyansties were involved in it.
Military Factors
1. The military strength of Turks and the comparitive military weakness of Rajputs were also responsible for
their defeat against Turkish invaders.The Rajput military forces were fedual in character as most of the
soldiers were maintained by feudal lords.Only a small percentage of army was maintained by king under his
direct command.The soldiers maintained by different feuders were loyal to their immediate commands.There
was hardly any loyalty or sense of attachment towards the king.On the other hand, the Turksih army was
cohesive as the Sultan maintained a central standing army under his direct command.It could fight more
effectively as a unit.The Rajputs failed to learna and adopt new war strategies.They continued to fight in a
traditional manner.On the other hand, Turks had adopted new methods of warfare.
2. The nature of Rajput warfare was also an important limitation.The Rajputs fought defensive battles instead
of taking the fights to the doors of enemy.They waited for the enemy to come to their gates.
3. Rajput military was like a moving city because Rajput kings used to carry their family members, servants
and slaves to the battlefield and because of this, Rajput army lacked swiftness.On the other hand, Turks
relied on swiftness.They could appear suddenly to attack the enemies and could disappear if they found
enemy was having upper hand.
4. The Rajputs relied on elephants' force, then cavalry.The elephants had served Indian rulers with remarkable
success for more than 1500 years.But the Turks had discovered a no. of weaknesses of Indian elephant
force.Turks had realised that the elephants could be terrified by making a loud noise or by putting on
fire.These terrified elephants used to crush their own soldiers.
5. The Turks used superior weapons when compared with Rajputs.The Turkish archers used superior Persian
bow.They could shoot from long distance more effectively.
6. Military base of turks was good becuz in rajputs only kshtriya could fight.
Social Factors
1. The fight between Rajputs and Turks was not justified as between two military forces.It also involved a
struggle between two social systems.The Rajput society was in degenerative state, it was marred by a no. of
social evils like untouchability, caste system, child marriage, widow remarriage prohibition, Johar etc had
exhaused the strength of Rajput society.
2. The internally divided Rajputs could not stand together against Turks.On the other hand, the Islamic society
, of Turks was egalitarian in character.Sultan would sit with an ordinary soldier and could take food from
same plate without any difficulty.
Economic Factors
1. The economic weakness of Rajput states was also responsible for their defeat at the hands of Turks to some
extent.The economic life of early medieval age was characterised by the predominance of agriculture. The
secondary economic activities such as art & craft, trade and commerce were not significant.
2. As a result of this, resources within the states were limited.The kings could not maintain a powerful standing
army to fight offensive-defensive fights. The resource scarcity had adversely affected their administrative
efficiency as well.
Role of Religion
1. Islam had also played an important role in the success of Turks against Rajputs.The idea of Jihad was used
by Turkish Sultans to motivate their soldiers to fight against much stronger enemy far away from their
home.The Islamist identity had strengthened the bonds of unity among the Turks and they could fight
together effectively.Such religious zeal was missing in Rajput soldiers.The degenerating Indian religion
could not motivate the Rajputs like Islam was doing for Turks.
Foundation of Delhi Sultanate and early Turkish Sultans -
Consolidation: The rule of Iltutmish and Balban
ltutmish (1210-36)
Iltutmish was the real founder of Delhi Sultanate.
The term real founder refers to the ruler who protects newly established state from various external and
internal challenges and initiate steps to provide a solid political, administrative, economic and cultural
platform so that the state could continue for a long time.
In the history of Delhi Sultanate, Iltutmish is known as the real founder.
The Sultanate was founded by Qutb-ud-din Aibek (1206-10), but during his short reign of about 4 years,
Aibek could do nothing to strengthen the foundation of his newly established Turkish state.He died suddenly
due to fall from horse while playing polo.
Challenges faced by Sultanate at the time of rise of Iltutmish
When Sultan Iltutmish sat on throne, the Sultanate was facing a no. of internal and external challenges.
The whole of Rajputana had declared its independence.
Tajuddin Yaldaj and Nasiruddin Kubacha were claiming their rights over the throne of Delhi.
15. (THE THIRTEENTH CENTURY )Establishment of the
Delhi Sultanate: The Ghurian invasions – factors
behind Ghurian success - Economic, social and
cultural consequences
Establishment of the Delhi Sultanate: The Ghurian invasions –
factors behind Ghurian success - Economic, social and cultural
consequences
Establishment of Turkish Rule in India
Introduction
The defeat of Prithviraj Chauhan in the 2nd battle of Tarain (1192 AD) had resulted in the Establishment of Turkish
Rule in India.
The establishment of Turkish rule in India was not the result of any sudden development. The factors responsible
for the success of Turk and failure of Rajputs have to be perceived in the light of the prevailing politico-
administrative, socio-cultural, economic and religious conditions prevailing in India.
Politico-Administrative Factors
The closer examination of the politico-administrative system of North India of early medieval age reveals that it
was having a no. of serious defeats.
1. There was no central authority in North India when Turkish invasion commenced.
2. A no. of small Rajput states were existing in different parts of North India.As a result of this, the Turk were
not required to face any strong challenge and they easily defeated Indian rulers one after the other.
3. Absence of a sound strategic conciousness among Rajputs.The Rajput rulers did not pay sufficient attention
to the development going on in Central Asia. They could not prepare themselves for any possible challenge
coming from North-West direction.As a result of this, when Turkish invasion commenced, the Rajput rulers
found themselves unprepared and got defeated.
4. Mutual enemosity (hostility) prevailing among Indian rulers also contributed to their defeat at the hands of
Turks, the Rajput rulers were fighting among themselves on small issues and because of this, they could not
stand together even against foreign invaders and get defeated one by one.
, 5. The Rajput rulers of interior did not consider it as their responsibility to support the frontier kingdoms like
Hindushahi against foreign invaders. They remained busy in their affairs.
6. Tripartate struggle involving Gurjara Pratiharas, Palas and Rashtrakutas also played an important role in the
success of Turkish invasion.This struggle had continued for more than 100 years.
It was indecisive as none of the party involved in it could succeed in establishing its dominance. This struggle had
exhausted the politico-military strength of India because 3 most important Indian dyansties were involved in it.
Military Factors
1. The military strength of Turks and the comparitive military weakness of Rajputs were also responsible for
their defeat against Turkish invaders.The Rajput military forces were fedual in character as most of the
soldiers were maintained by feudal lords.Only a small percentage of army was maintained by king under his
direct command.The soldiers maintained by different feuders were loyal to their immediate commands.There
was hardly any loyalty or sense of attachment towards the king.On the other hand, the Turksih army was
cohesive as the Sultan maintained a central standing army under his direct command.It could fight more
effectively as a unit.The Rajputs failed to learna and adopt new war strategies.They continued to fight in a
traditional manner.On the other hand, Turks had adopted new methods of warfare.
2. The nature of Rajput warfare was also an important limitation.The Rajputs fought defensive battles instead
of taking the fights to the doors of enemy.They waited for the enemy to come to their gates.
3. Rajput military was like a moving city because Rajput kings used to carry their family members, servants
and slaves to the battlefield and because of this, Rajput army lacked swiftness.On the other hand, Turks
relied on swiftness.They could appear suddenly to attack the enemies and could disappear if they found
enemy was having upper hand.
4. The Rajputs relied on elephants' force, then cavalry.The elephants had served Indian rulers with remarkable
success for more than 1500 years.But the Turks had discovered a no. of weaknesses of Indian elephant
force.Turks had realised that the elephants could be terrified by making a loud noise or by putting on
fire.These terrified elephants used to crush their own soldiers.
5. The Turks used superior weapons when compared with Rajputs.The Turkish archers used superior Persian
bow.They could shoot from long distance more effectively.
6. Military base of turks was good becuz in rajputs only kshtriya could fight.
Social Factors
1. The fight between Rajputs and Turks was not justified as between two military forces.It also involved a
struggle between two social systems.The Rajput society was in degenerative state, it was marred by a no. of
social evils like untouchability, caste system, child marriage, widow remarriage prohibition, Johar etc had
exhaused the strength of Rajput society.
2. The internally divided Rajputs could not stand together against Turks.On the other hand, the Islamic society
, of Turks was egalitarian in character.Sultan would sit with an ordinary soldier and could take food from
same plate without any difficulty.
Economic Factors
1. The economic weakness of Rajput states was also responsible for their defeat at the hands of Turks to some
extent.The economic life of early medieval age was characterised by the predominance of agriculture. The
secondary economic activities such as art & craft, trade and commerce were not significant.
2. As a result of this, resources within the states were limited.The kings could not maintain a powerful standing
army to fight offensive-defensive fights. The resource scarcity had adversely affected their administrative
efficiency as well.
Role of Religion
1. Islam had also played an important role in the success of Turks against Rajputs.The idea of Jihad was used
by Turkish Sultans to motivate their soldiers to fight against much stronger enemy far away from their
home.The Islamist identity had strengthened the bonds of unity among the Turks and they could fight
together effectively.Such religious zeal was missing in Rajput soldiers.The degenerating Indian religion
could not motivate the Rajputs like Islam was doing for Turks.
Foundation of Delhi Sultanate and early Turkish Sultans -
Consolidation: The rule of Iltutmish and Balban
ltutmish (1210-36)
Iltutmish was the real founder of Delhi Sultanate.
The term real founder refers to the ruler who protects newly established state from various external and
internal challenges and initiate steps to provide a solid political, administrative, economic and cultural
platform so that the state could continue for a long time.
In the history of Delhi Sultanate, Iltutmish is known as the real founder.
The Sultanate was founded by Qutb-ud-din Aibek (1206-10), but during his short reign of about 4 years,
Aibek could do nothing to strengthen the foundation of his newly established Turkish state.He died suddenly
due to fall from horse while playing polo.
Challenges faced by Sultanate at the time of rise of Iltutmish
When Sultan Iltutmish sat on throne, the Sultanate was facing a no. of internal and external challenges.
The whole of Rajputana had declared its independence.
Tajuddin Yaldaj and Nasiruddin Kubacha were claiming their rights over the throne of Delhi.
