Islam Conquest of South Asia

Conquest of Sind

Jan 1, 711

Raja Dahir was defeated by Muhammad bin Qasim who campaigned along the Indus river eventually reaching Multan (city in Punjab, Pakistan).

Brahmanabad Settlement

Jan 1, 713

Muhammad Bin Qasim assured non-muslims they would be treated as "people of the book". In some aspects, the deal made granted more liberal right than to those who were "people of the book" by Islamic law (the saying "people of the book" refers to talking about people who are adherents of Abrahamic religions that predate Islam).

Muhammad Bin Qasim's Death

Jan 1, 714

At age 20, Muhammad is tortured to death in prison after there is a regime change in the Caliphate (change in leadership of the Islamic state).

Mahmud Rules Ghazni

Jan 1, 977

Most prominent ruler of the Ghaznavid empire. He turned the former provincial city of Ghazna into the wealthy capital of an extensive empire which covers most of today's Afghanistan, eastern Iran, and Pakistan. He invaded and plundered parts of the Indus river 17 times throughout his rule.

Mahmud Ghaznavi

Jan 1, 998

Mahmud took over land in Afghanistan and created a kingdom. He then proceeded to raid everyone in sight.

Lahore

Jan 1, 1024

In the 11th century, after a long siege and battle resulting in the city being torched and depopulated, Mahmud Ghaznavi captured Lahore. Mahmud appointed Malik Ayaz to the throne and then made Lahore capital of the Ghaznavid empire.

Somnath

Jan 1, 1025

During this time, Afghan ruler Mahmud raided Gujarat and plundering the Somnath temple. In the process they broke the Hindu temple's Jyotirlinga (object representing religious deity). As a result of the raid, they ended up stealing about 2 crore.

Data Ganj Bakhsh Arrives

Jan 1, 1039

During this time, Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh travels to Lahore from Ghazni. There, he composes the Kashf ul-Mahjub (Revelation of the Veiled). He stays in Lahore until his death.
*Revelation of the Veiled- An ancient and one of the most revered Persian treatises on the inner and mystical dimensions of Islam with its complete doctrine and practices.

Death of Al-Biruni

Jan 1, 1048

In 1017, Mahmud of Ghazni took many scholars took many scholars to Ghazni. There Biruni was made a court astrologer and accompanied Mahmud when he would invade India. During this time he wrote the Kitab ul-Hind.

Ghaznavi's Prime

Jan 1, 1059

Sultan Ibrahims reign is eatblished as being stable and secure. Lahore becomes a central cultural center. Raids continue sporadically eastward extending as far as the Banaras.

Lahore Changes Control

Jan 1, 1186

Muhammad Ghuri, along with his brother Ghiyath ad-Din Muhammad, were sultans of the Ghurid empire. Muhammad Ghuri is often credited with laying the foundation for Muslims to rule in South Asia. He conquered Lahore and finally ended the rule of the Ghaznavids.

Arrival of Chishti Order

Jan 1, 1192

The Chishti order originated in Chisht, a small town near Herat Afghanistan about 930 CE. The order is known for its emphasis on love, tolerance, and openness. It was brought to Lahore by Moinuddin Chishti.

Second Battle of Tarain

Jan 1, 1192

Muhammad Ghuri defeated Rajput king Prithviraj Chauhan. This reversed a defeat a year earlier which took place in the first battle of Tarain. After the battle, Prithviraj was taken prisoner and eventually executed.

Aibak Occupies Delhi

Jan 1, 1193

Per Muhammad Ghuri's orders Aibak and occupied Delhi. Laid out the foundation for the Qutb complex. Eventually he became the first sultan of Delhi.
*Qutb complex- An array on monuments and buildings in Delhi, India.

Ghurri Moves East

Jan 1, 1194

Muhammad Ghurri defeats the raja of Kannauj and then takes over the Banaras. At this point, Ghurri becomes considered one of the greatest of his generation.

Ghurris Conquers Northwest Bengal

Jan 1, 1204

Muhammad Bakhtiyar, a Ghurid general, conquers northwestern Bengal and establishes a base there.

Assassination of Ghuri

Mar 15, 1206

Muhamma Ghuri is eventually assassinated back in Afghanistan. Thus this breaks up the Ghurid kingdom.