Mahmud of Ghazni's numerous raids into the Indian subcontinent were primarily driven by which objective?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Solution: The correct answer is Economic plunder.
Explanation:
☛ Mahmud of Ghazni ruled Ghazni (present-day Afghanistan) from 998 CE to 1030 CE and led approximately 17 expeditions into the Indian subcontinent between 1000 CE and 1027 CE.
☛ His primary motive was to acquire vast wealth by plundering affluent temple towns and royal treasuries to finance his imperial ambitions and maintain his army in Central Asia.
☛ Unlike later invaders, he had no intention of establishing a permanent empire in India, confining his territorial annexations in India primarily to the Punjab region to secure his supply lines.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ First Invasion (1000–1001 CE): Mahmud defeated Raja Jayapala of the Hindu Shahi dynasty near Peshawar in 1001 CE.
☛ Attack on Somnath (1025–1026 CE): His most famous raid was against the wealthy Somnath Temple in Gujarat during the reign of Chalukya/Solanki king Bhima I.
☛ Scholars at Court: Famous scholar Al-Biruni (author of Kitab-ul-Hind) and court poet Firdausi (author of Shahnama) were associated with Mahmud's court.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ Who was the court historian of Mahmud of Ghazni who wrote 'Tarikh-i-Yamini'? → Utbi
☛ Which Persian scholar accompanied Mahmud of Ghazni during his Indian campaigns? → Al-Biruni
☛ Against whom did Mahmud of Ghazni fight his last campaign in India in 1027 CE? → The Jats of Sindh
☛ Which dynasty did Mahmud of Ghazni belong to? → Yamini dynasty (Ghaznavid dynasty)
☛ Who was the ruler of the Hindu Shahi dynasty defeated by Mahmud in the Battle of Waihind (1008 CE)? → Anandapala