The Ghurid Empire was a Persianate Muslim dynasty that ruled over parts of Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent from the 12th to the 13th centuries CE.
The Ghurid Empire was founded by Ghiyasuddin Ghori, who became the sultan in 1173 CE.
Ghiyasuddin Ghori established his capital in Ghazni, which became a center of culture and learning.
Under Ghiyasuddin Ghori’s leadership, the Ghurids conquered much of eastern Iran and parts of Afghanistan.
Ghiyasuddin Ghori was known for his military campaigns against the Hindu kingdoms of northern India.
In 1192 CE, Ghiyasuddin Ghori defeated the Rajput king Prithviraj Chauhan in the Second Battle of Tarain, establishing Muslim rule over northern India.
Ghiyasuddin Ghori was assassinated in 1206 CE, and was succeeded by his brother, Mu’izzuddin Muhammad bin Sam.
Mu’izzuddin Muhammad bin Sam continued his brother’s expansionist policies, conquering much of northern India, including Delhi and Ajmer.
Mu’izzuddin Muhammad bin Sam was known for his patronage of the arts and sciences, and his court in Delhi was a center of learning and culture.
Mu’izzuddin Muhammad bin Sam died in 1215 CE, and was succeeded by his son, Ghiyath al-Din Mahmud.
Ghiyath al-Din Mahmud continued his father’s expansionist policies, conquering Gujarat and Bengal.
Ghiyath al-Din Mahmud was known for his religious tolerance, and he appointed Hindus to important positions in his administration.
Ghiyath al-Din Mahmud was assassinated in 1236 CE, and was succeeded by his son, ‘Ala al-Din Muhammad.
‘Ala al-Din Muhammad continued his father’s expansionist policies, conquering much of northern and central India.
‘Ala al-Din Muhammad was known for his strict rule and his efforts to reform the Ghurid administration.
‘Ala al-Din Muhammad died in 1236 CE, and was succeeded by his son, Shihab al-Din Muhammad.
Shihab al-Din Muhammad faced several rebellions during his reign, and the Ghurid Empire began to decline.
In 1245 CE, the Mongols invaded the Ghurid Empire, sacking Ghazni and other cities.
The Ghurid Empire was effectively destroyed by the Mongol invasion, and the remaining Ghurid territories were absorbed by other Islamic powers.
The Ghurids were known for their contributions to Islamic art and culture, including the development of a unique style of Persianate architecture, known as the Ghurid style.
