Ghurid invasion of Bengal

The Ghurid invasion of Bengal commonly known as Bakhtiyar Khalji's conquest of Bengal in 1202 or 1204/5^[a] was a military campaign of Ghurid dynasty led by Muhammad Bhakhtiyar Khalji against the Sena dynasty. Bakhtiyar Khalji emerged victorious in his campaign at Sena capital Nabadwip.^[10][11][12] He established his kingdom at Lakhnawati which included a small part of Varendra.^[3] Following their defeat, Lakshmana Sena, the ruler of the Sena dynasty, retreated to the southeastern region of Bengal.^[13][10][9]

Ghurid conquest of Bengal
Part of Indian campaigns of Muhammad of Ghor
Date 1202 or 1204/5 Location Nabadwip and Varendra[1][2][3] Result Ghurid victory Territorial changes Annexation of Lakhnauti by Ghurid Dynasty[3]
Belligerents
Ghurid Dynasty	Sena Dynasty
Commanders and leaders
Bakhtiyar Khalji	Lakshmana Sena
Strength
18 horsemen[4][5]	Unknown

Background

Bakhtiyar Khalji, after the successful annexation of Bihar to the Ghurid dynasty, learned about the Sena Dynasty and its illustrious ruler, Lakshmana Sena. Despite Sena's advanced age and reputation, Khalji was determined to extend his conquests further into Bengal. Upon hearing of Khalji's intent to invade Bengal, many Brahmins and traders decided to leave the Sena capital in search of safer locations. However, in a display of resilience, Lakshmana Sena chose to remain in Nadiya, ready to defend his realm.^[14][15]

The siege

Bakhtiyar, leading his forces from Bihar, strategically positioned the majority of his army within a forest near the city of Nadia^[b] (in Rajshahi). It was said that he advanced so rapidly that only 18 horsemen from his army could keep up. Posing as horse traders, Bakhtiyar proceeded cautiously towards the palace. Upon reaching the palace, he initiated an attack on the guards, causing a significant commotion. Then Lakshmana Sena was taking his mid day meal.^[19][20] The small horde entered the city unchallenged and took the emperor and his army by shock.^{[citation needed]} This caused Lakshmana Sena to flee with his retainers to east Bengal.^[21] As Bakhtiyar took the possession of the city, his men seized several horses and elephants along with enormous wealth. In the meantime, the main army of Bakhtiyar had overcome the guards and began to plunder the city. This plunder continued for three days. Bakhtiyar moved on to Lakshmanavati, which he planned to make his capital.^[14][12][22]

Aftermath

Bakhtiyar Khilji left Nadia in desolation and removed his capital to Lakhnauti. Lakshmana Sena continued to rule in Eastern Bengal at least for three or four years after the raid on Nadia and died some time after 1205 A.D. ^[23] According to the historical work Tabaqat-i Nasiri, Bang (Vanga or Eastern and Southern Bengal) was ruled by the descendants of Lakshmana Sena at least up to 1245 A.D. or 1260 A.D.^[19][24]

In the year 1204-5 (601 A.H.) , Bakhtiyar Khalji struck a gold coin in the name of his overlord in Delhi, sultan Muhammad of Ghor, with one side depicting a cavalryman charging at full gallop and holding a mace in hand. The coin bears the conquest of Gaur. In 1205, Bakhtiyar Khalji was killed by one of his nobles, Ali Mardan Khalji.^[14][25] During the reign of Ali Mardan Khalji , who declared his independence from Delhi Sultanate, silver coins were struck , commemorating the conquest of Bengal in Ramzan 600 A.H.(May 1204 A.D.)^[26]

Coin issued by Bakhtiyar Khalji reads "Gauda vijaye", "On the conquest of Gaur" inscribed in Sanskrit.^[27]

Further reading

The detailed account of this conquest or the expedition of Muhammad Bakhtiyar Khalji to Nadia is given in Tabaqat-i Nasiri, an historical work, composed by Maulana Minahj-ud-din Abu Umar-i-Usman who held various high offices under the Sultans of Delhi. In 639 A.H. (1243 A.D.) he was appointed chief Qazi of the Delhi Sultanate and of the capital. Next year he proceeded to Lakhnauti and remained for two years there to get his information about the history of Bengal chronicled by him.^[28]

Notes

1. The date is varied upon sources 1202 AD^[6] 1204 AD^[7][3][8] 1205 AD^[2][9]
2. Nadiya, a city that is now identified with the village of Naoda, a village several miles northeast of Rohanpur railway station in western Rajshahi District (and not to be confused with the city of Nadia in West Bengal)^[16][17][18]