Ghurid invasion of Bengal

The Ghurid invasion of Bengal was a military expedition of Ghurid empire under Muhammed Bhakhtiyar Khalji aganist the Sena dynasty in 1202. Bhaktiyar Khalji defeated the Sena forces and annexed most of the lands held by the Sena Dynasty. Lakshmana Sena, the ruler of Sena dynasty later retreated to southeast Bengal.[2][3][4][5][1]

Ghurid conquest of Bengal
Part of Ghurid conquests
Date1202
Location
Nabadwip
Result Ghurid victory
Territorial
changes		 Annexation of Nadia of Sena Dynasty by Ghurid Dynasty
Belligerents
Ghurid Dynasty Sena Dynasty
Commanders and leaders
Bakhtiyar Khalji Lakshmana sena
Strength
18 horsemen[1] ~unknown~

Background

Returning to Bihar, Bhakhtiyar Khalji learnt of Sena Dynasty and Lakshmana Sena. He was said to be eighty years old, and had been a famous warrior. Khalji decided to conquer Bengal following the conquest of Bihar in 1202. After hearing that Khalji have decided to attack Bengal, many Brahmins and traders left the Sena capital for a safer place. But Lakshman Sena decided to remain in Nadiya.[6][7][8][9]

The siege

Bakhtiyar stationed most of his army in a forest near the city of Nadia and entered the city with only seventeen horsemen. They were not questioned since it was believed that they were horse sellers. Bakhtiyar moved slowly towards the palace which seems to be a mile distant from the gate. After reaching the palace, Bakhtiyar began to attack the guards, which created a disturbance. By that time the main army of Bakhtiyar reached the principal gate of the city, they were opposed by the guards there, which created more disturbance. Lakshmansena was taking his midday meal when a loud cry arose from the gate of the palace and the interior of the city.[10][11] When the situation became critical, Lakshmansena left the palace and retired to Eastern Bengal.[11]As soon as Bakhtiyar's whole army arrived, Bakhtiyar took the possession of the city.[11] His men seized several horses and elephants along with enormous wealth. In the meantime, the main army of Bakhtiyar had overcome the guards and began to plunder the city. This plunder continued for three days. Bakhtiyar moved on to Lakshmanavati, which he planned to make his capital.[6][12][13]

Aftermath

Bakhtiyar Khilji left Nadia in desolation and removed his capital to Lakhnawati.[11][13] Lakshmansena continued to rule in Eastern Bengal at least for three or four years after the raid on Nadia and died some time after 1205 A.D.[11][14] The historical work Tabaqat-i-Nasiri states that Bang (Vanga or Eastern and Southern Bengal) was ruled by the descendants of Lakshmansena even when that work was composed.[15][16]

Further reading

The detailed account of this conquest or the expedition of Muhammad Bakhtiyar Khalji to Nadia is given in Tabaqat -i-Nasiri, an historical work, composed by Maulana Minahj-ud-din Abu Umar-i-Usman who held various high offices under the Sultans of Delhi.[17][10] In 639 A.H.(1243A.D.) he was appointed chief Qazi of the Delhi Kingdom and of the capital.[17][18]Next year he proceeded to Lakhnawati and remained for two years there to get his information about the history of Bengal chronicled by him.[17][19]

References
  1. The Pakistan Review. Ferozsons Limited. 1958. p. 15.
  2. Jenkins, Everett (1999). The Muslim Diaspora: 570-1500. McFarland. p. 194. ISBN 978-0-7864-0431-5.
  3. Jr, Everett Jenkins (2015-05-07). The Muslim Diaspora (Volume 1, 570-1500): A Comprehensive Chronology of the Spread of Islam in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas. McFarland. p. 194. ISBN 978-1-4766-0888-4.
  4. Syed, Muzaffar Husain; Akhtar, Syed Saud; Usmani, B. D. (2011-09-14). Concise History of Islam. Vij Books India Pvt Ltd. p. 275. ISBN 978-93-82573-47-0.
  5. "Laksmanasena, Banglapedia".
  6. Chandra, Satish (2004). Medieval India: From Sultanat to the Mughals-Delhi Sultanat (1206-1526) - Part One. Har-Anand Publications. ISBN 978-81-241-1064-5.
  7. Pandey, Bishnu Dayal (1994). Political History of Rajmahal. Capital Publishing House. p. 33. ISBN 978-81-85157-77-1.
  8. Singh, Brig K. Kuldip (2013-10-28). Indian Military Thought KURUKSHETRA to KARGIL and Future Perspectives. Lancer Publishers LLC. ISBN 978-1-935501-93-0.
  9. "Tabaqat-i-Nasiri, translated from original Persian manuscripts by Major H.G.Raverty, page no. 557".
  10. "The History of Bengal, Volume I, by R.C.Majumdar, page no. 223".
  11. "The History of Bengal, Volume I, by R.C.Majumdar, page no. 224".
  12. Murshid, Ghulam (2018-01-25). Bengali Culture Over a Thousand Years. Niyogi Books. ISBN 978-93-86906-12-0.
  13. "Tabaqat-i-Nasiri, translated from original Persian manuscripts by Major H.G.Raverty, page no. 559".
  14. "The History of Bengal, Volume I, by R.C.Majumdar, page no. 225".
  15. "The History of Bengal, Volume I, by R. C. Majumdar, page no. 226".
  16. "Tabaqat-i-Nasiri, translated from original Persian manuscripts by Major H.G.Raverty, page no. 558".
  17. "The History of Bengal, Volume I, by R. C. Majumdar, page no. 242".
  18. "Tabaqt-i-Nasiri, Translated from original Persian manuscripts by Major H.G.Raverty, page xxvi".
  19. "Tabaqat-i-Nasiri, translated from original Persian manuscripts by Major H.G.Raverty, page xxvii".
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