Invasions of India

Chronology of Foreign Invaders | Ghaznavi to Taimur

The chronological order of invaders is: Mahmud Ghaznavi, Muhammad Ghori, Genghis Khan, and Taimur.

Primary Reference: NCERT Class VII - Our Pasts II

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Arrange the following names chronologically and select correct answer from the codes given below:
1. Genghis Khan
2. Mahmud Ghaznavi
3. Muhammad Ghori
4. Taimur

[U.P.P.C.S. Mains 2008]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept


Indian history was repeatedly shaped by invasions from Central and West Asia. Understanding their chronological sequence is key to mapping the shifts in political power.

Authentic Source Evidence


Chronological sequence: Mahmud Ghaznavi (r. 998–1030), Muhammad Ghori (r. 1173–1206), Genghis Khan (r. 1206–1227, reached Indus in 1221), and Taimur (invaded India in 1398).

Analytical Breakdown


  • Logic 1: Mahmud Ghaznavi (2) raided India in the early 11th century.

  • Logic 2: Muhammad Ghori (3) established a permanent foothold in the late 12th century.

  • Logic 3: Genghis Khan (1) threatened India during Iltutmish’s reign in 1221.

  • Logic 4: Taimur (4) sacked Delhi during the Tughlaq decline in 1398.
  • Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

    "Who was the first invader to establish a permanent sultanate in India?"

    Muhammad Ghori, as his conquests were turned into a stable administration by his general Qutbuddin Aibak.

    Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

    "Each of these invaders represented a different wave of ethnic and military transformation—Turkic, Mongol, and Timurid—that redefined the subcontinent."

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