HINDUS (Part 2)

HINDUS

(Part 2)

1206 AD – 1290 AD

After the defeat of Prithviraj Chauhan, Qutubbudin Aibak and Muhammad Ghori invaded Kannuaj, defeating King Jaichand (Prithviraj’s father-in-law). After the death of Ghori, when Qutubbudin ascended the throne as a slave of Ghora, he invaded the kingdoms of Samana, Kuhram, Kol and Banaras, and merged into Delhi Sultanate till 1210 AD. This era of Qutubuddin Aibak’s life was called Mamluk Era.

By Ghori’s order, main temples of Gujarat, Rajasthan (Ajmer), and Delhi were demolished to the ground by Muslims. And Hindus were burdened with high taxes everywhere. 

1290 - 1320 AD (Khilji Dynasty)

Jalaluddin Khilji killed Aibak's son and took the Delhi Sultanate under his rule. He was even worse towards Hindus. Khilji Dynasty destroyed as many temples as they could and invaded Nalanda, Odantapuri,Vikramashila, Bhilsa, Ujjain, Jhain, Vijapur, Devagiri, Somnath, Chidambaram, Madurai.

Alauddin Khilji, the well-known Sultan of Delhi Sultanate was famous for his cruelty against attacked empires. He destroyed the Somnath Temple for the fourth time, and looted treasure. This was the third time when a Muslim demolished Somnath temple, which was the symbol of Hinduism. He killed more than 20000 Hindus at once. 

Not only temples, but he also destroyed the well-known Hindu Universities of Nalanda and Taxila. He was against Hinduism and he didn’t want anyone to study about Hinduism. And that’s why he destroyed the libraries with old scriptures at Nalanda and Taxila Universities, which were well-known for their teachings. 

Among Alauddin Khilji’s loots, there was a loot which contained the precious diamond of “Koh-i-noor”. He stole that diamond too and brought it to Delhi. He was cruel on Hindus, and especially to religious Brahmins. He slayed as many Brahmins as he could. He was making Islam the religion of Blood. And Hindus couldn’t help but endure the pain that was given to them in the name of religion. Delhi Sultanate just wanted to make everyone Muslim. But Rajputs were still fighting against them bravely. Although, Khiljis expanded Delhi Sultanate in South India too. 

During Khilji Dynasty major temples in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh were demolished. 

1320 – 1395 AD (Tughluq Dynasty)

Giyasuddin Tughluq started ruling Delhi Sultanate from 1320 AD and was Turkish Ruler. He was a fond supporter of Islam and the entire Tughluq Dynasty considered Hindus as their enemies and they also continued to slay Hindus. 

Tughluq Dynasty launched new currency and raised taxes to 50%. They started study of Quran everywhere and destroyed the temples of Orissa and South India. They expanded Delhi Sultanate towards Warangal, Bodhan, Pillalamarri, Puri, Sainthali, Idar, Somnath.

Meanwhile, the Somnath Temple was rebuilt by Mahipala Deva, the Chudasma King after 1308 AD. It was the fifth time when this temple was rebuilt to restore faith. And then Shiva Lingam wasinstalled by son of Khengar after completion of construction.

Unfortunately, that temple was again destroyed by Muzaffar Shah of Gujarat Sultanate for sixth time in 1357. And then it was again destroyed by Mohammad Begda in 1450s.

Somnath temple in 1869 after 3 continuous demolition

1400 – 1518 AD (Saiyad and Lodi Dynasties)

Saiyad Dynasty ruled Delhi Sultanate from 1400 – 1442 AD and continued genocide of Hindus. Then, Lodi Dynasty came in power, and they ruled till 1518 AD.

Meanwhile, Lodi Dynasty managed relations with Persia and Afghan. But the last ruler of Delhi Sultanate, Ibrahim Lodi, wasn’t comfortable with them. 

21st April, 1518 (First battle of Panipat)

After losing the battle of Samarkand, Babur had his eye on the Hindustan which was being ruled by Ibrahim Lodi. Babur decided to fight a battle against Ibrahim Lodi. On the first battle of Panipat, regardless of Ibrahim’s large army, Babur’s skills destroyed the army and captured Ibrahim Lodi. 

Ibrahim was executed later and Babur ended the Delhi Sultanate forever. He then killed the King of Gwalior, Vikramjit, and ascended the throne of Delhi.

First battle of Panipat

Rise of Mughal Empire

With the assassination of Ibrahim Lodi, Babur got almost whole northern Hindustan in one plate. After ending Delhi Sultanate, he established the MUGHAL SULTANATE in place and Hindus were still slaves. 

Babur wasn’t even worse that one could expect. His hatred towards Hindus was even bigger and he was fond Muslim. He made destroyed temples with their roots. And he had established that sultanate which would rule Hindustan for next 150 years. 

Babur ruled for next 9 years and then died. After his death, his son Humayun ascended the throne of Mughal Empire. In those nine years, Babur destroyed hundreds of temples in northern and central Hindustan. But then his son Humayun was not like him.

In 1540, after 10 years of Humayun’s reign, Sher Shah Suri, interrupted Mughal Empire and for 14 years by Humayun’s defeat. And Sur Empire ruled for 14 years. During those 14 years, while Humayun making plans to reclaim the empire, his wife Hamida Banu gave birth to the heir of Mughals. Jalaluddin Muhammad, he was named. Even the cruelty of Humayu didn’t affect his child. Humayun and Hamida Banu were eager to reclaim the empire, but were anxious about Jalaluddin’s safety. So they sent new-born child at unknown safe place with a maid, named Mahamanga. 

After 14 years, Humayun again attacked over Delhi and ended Sur Empire. He finally reclaimed the throne in 1554 and secured the Mughal Empire once again. After his death in 1556, his 12 year old son Jalaluddin Muhammad ascended the throne. Unlike other Muslim rulers, he was different. He was completely different than all Muslims that Hindus had ever seen. When he became full of youth and was completely ready to rule the empire by himself, he became the most popular ruler among Hindus too.

Jalaluddin Muhammad expanded boundaries to the entire Hindustan, except Rajputana. But unlike his predecessors, he didn’t destroy any temples. He didn’t disrespect faiths of Hindus. In fact, he removed taxes and restored faith of Hindus. According to Hindus, he was the first Muslim who was aware of the Hindu Epics. He was the first Muslim Emperor who saw Hinduism with respect. There was a relief for few years at least. Genocide of Hindus in the name of religion was at halt. Forceful conversion was banned by this emperor. And he invaded the entire Hindustan (except Rajputana) into Mughal Empire. Jalaluddin Muhammad was given another name by the people of Hindustan. AKBAR. And due to his triumph over Hindustan, he was called AKBAR THE GREAT. 

To be continued...