FROM CENTRAL ASIA TO THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT: THE TURKISH SLAVE INVASIONS
Abstract
The Turkish invasions of India, beginning in the early medieval period, marked a significant shift in the region’s political and military landscape. Central Asian Turkic military commanders, often enslaved individuals or descendants of slaves, played a pivotal role in the establishment of Muslim rule in the Indian subcontinent. This paper examines the initial Turkish invasions, the role of slave soldiers in these campaigns, and the subsequent rise of slave dynasties that would shape Indian history for centuries. Focusing on the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate, the study highlights the contributions of key figures such as Mahmud of Ghazni, Muhammad Ghori, and the subsequent rise of slave-based regimes. The paper also explores the unique socio-political structure that emerged from the intermingling of Turkic military elites and the indigenous Indian populations. Ultimately, the study sheds light on how the Turkish invasions, driven by both military conquest and the institution of slavery, laid the foundation for the enduring impact of Islamic rule in India.
Keywords
Turkish Invasions, Indian Subcontinent, Slave DynastiesHow to Cite
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