11.13 Arab Conquest of Sindh

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

Cause of Arab Success in Sindh

  • 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

Political

  • 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

Economic Impact

  • Tannery, camel rearing, etc increased
  • International trade, new currency, town planning, trade of horses camel became direct from Sindh to other areas

Social Impact

  • Advent of Islam as major force in subcontinent, base for spread

Cultural

  • 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

PYQs and Answers

Arab conquest of Sind

  1. Write a short essay on: "Historical significance of the advent of the Arabs in India" [1995,
    20m]

The advent of Arabs in India had a significant historical impact on various aspects of Indian society, culture, religion and politics. Here are some of the effects of Arab conquest:

The advent of Arabs introduced Islam to India, which became one of the major religions in India over time. The Arabs also spread their language, script, literature, art and architecture to India.
The advent of Arabs also established trade and cultural contacts between India and West Asia, which enriched both regions with knowledge, ideas and goods. The Arabs learned from India about administration, astronomy, music, painting, medicine and numerals and transmitted them to Europe. India also benefited from Arab learning in fields such as mathematics, medicine, geography and philosophy.

The advent of Arabs also influenced the political scenario of India, as they challenged the existing rulers of Sind and other regions. They also paved the way for subsequent invasions by Turks and other Muslim dynasties who established their empires in India[^1 ] 3 4 . The Arab conquest also led to some changes in the administrative and legal systems of India, such as the introduction of Jaziya (a tax on non-Muslims) and Sharia (Islamic law).
  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]

- ! Given elsewhere in notes in detail.