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Arab Conquest of Sindh

2020-04-27 12:05:04


  • Early inroads were from Mumbai, Broach and Debal but did not lead to territorial gains
  • Hajjaj the governor of Iraq sent his nephew Muhammad Bin Qasim to capture Debal followed by Nehrun and Siwistan
    • Chachnama is the source
  • Conquest was completed by Junaid but his inroads to Malwa was thwarted by Nagabhatta I, Pulakesin II and Yashovarman
  • Mahmud was successor of Subuktagin whose campaigns was primarily at looting
  • Ghori conquered Multan, Ucch and southern Sindh
    • 1st battle of Tarain 1191 he was defeated
    • 2nd battle of Tarain 1192 he won
  • Unpopularity of Dahir - enmity w/ cousins, semi-independent governors, most subjects were Buddhists, non-Hindus
  • Buddhist treachery, socio-economic backwardness, isolated from powerful dynasties like Pratiharas of Malwa Kannauj
  • Religious zeal of Islam, Ghazi spirit, concept of Jihad or holy war
  • Superior cavalry, Dahir poorly equipped hastily organised

Impact of Advent of Arabs/ Historical Significance

Section titled “Impact of Advent of Arabs/ Historical Significance”
  • Stanley - triumph without results
  • Haig - mere episode in history of In, small portion of a vast country
  • Paved way for future conquests, base of operation for further inroads
  • Habibullah - Politically Sind affair led to a dead end
  • Tannery, camel rearing, etc increased
  • International trade, new currency, town planning, trade of horses camel became direct from Sindh to other areas
  • Advent of Islam as major force in subcontinent, base for spread
  • Enriched local aspects, Sindhi language, influence philosophy, science, medicine in the region
  • Translation of texts from Sans to Arabic
  • Indian scholars went to Baghdad ex Bala, Manaka etc,
  • Arabs came to IN to study Abu Mashar
  • Lasting impact

Arab conquest of Sind

  1. Write a short essay on: “Historical significance of the advent of the Arabs in India” [1995, 20m]
  1. “The inferior cavalry of the Rajputs was not the only cause of their defeat at the hands of TurkoAfghans and Mughal.” Comment. [2001, 60m]