Sack of Somnath

This article is about the 1026 attack on Somnath by the Ghaznavid Empire. For the Pakistani Naval raid in 1965, see Operation Somnath.

The Sack of Somnath in 1025-1026^[6] was a military campaign orchestrated by Mahmud of Ghazni, a ruler of the Ghaznavid Empire, directed against the Chaulukya dynasty of Gujarat. This is considered Mahmud's fifteenth invasion of India, which saw strategic captures and decisive battles and culminated in the destruction of the revered Somnath Temple. Facing staunch resistance, Mahmud's forces emerged victorious, resulting in significant casualties. Entering Somnath in mid-January, Mahmud looted and burned the temple, earning him the title “The Idol Breaker”.

Sack of Somnath
Part of Ghaznavid campaigns in India
Ruins of Somnath as viewed in 1869
Date 8 January 1026[1] Location Somnath Temple 20°53′16.9″N 70°24′5.0″E Result Ghaznavid Victory
Belligerents
Ghaznavids	Chaulukya dynasty
Commanders and leaders
Mahmud of Ghazni	Bhima I
Strength
30,000 cavalry 1400 boats[a] Unknown number of volunteers[3][4]	20,000[5]
Casualties and losses
Unknown	50,000
Location within Gujarat Show map of Gujarat Sack of Somnath (India) Show map of India

Background

The Somnath Temple, situated in Veraval, Gujarat, India, is a sacred Hindu temple. In 1026, Gujarat was under the rule of King Bhima I from the Chalukya dynasty.^[7] Mahmud of Ghazni conducted multiple attacks on Indian kingdoms during that era. Mahmud of Ghazni gained renown through campaigns in India, vassalizing the Gurjara Pratihara dynasty and overthrowing the Hindu Shahi dynasty. His successful campaigns against the Chandelas and other Hindu chiefs established him as a formidable figure among Indian kings.^[8]

Historian Ibn al-Athir noted during Mahmud's invasion of Indian kingdoms the sultan destroyed idols and temples on his way. The Hindus said that Somnath was displeased with those idols and if it had been pleased with them then none could harmed them. When Mahmud heard this he decided to destroy the idol of Somnath.^[3]

March towards Gujarat

On October 18, 1025, Mahmud of Ghazni embarked on a march from Ghazni, leading 30,000 cavalry. Each soldier was personally given two camels for essential resources like food and water. The Sultan himself loaded his arrangements with 20,000^[3] or 30,000 camels.^[4] On 26th November after a rest in Multan, they resumed their journey proceeding through the desert.

Mahmud initially seized the fort of Ludrava, near Chiklodara Mata, close to Palanpur which was capital of the Bhati Jadons.^[5] He continued to march crossing the Jaisalmer state and Mallani. By the end of December, he reached Anhilwara, prompting its ruler, Bhima I, to flee to the fort of Kanthkot^[b] in Kachchh upon hearing of the Ghaznavid approach, fearing for his life.^[8][9]

Mahmud of Ghazni stationed his army at Patan, bolstering resources for the campaign. Moving southwards Mahmud reached at Mundhera^[c], where the Hindus made a significant effort to halt the advance of the invading Muslim army. Approximately 20,000 warriors, rallied under their local chiefs, but were ultimately defeated and dispersed. Following this victory, the Sultan proceeded directly to Delvāda, near Unā, where the local population, believing the deity Somnath would divinely intervene to destroy the Muslim forces, offered little resistance. Consequently, Delvāda was captured with minimal opposition.^[5] He then advanced towards Somnath, seizing the Somnath fort from Mandalika, the fort's overseer on 6 January 1026 AD.^[9]

At Somnath

Known as his fifteenth invasion of India, Mahmud's Somnath expedition targeted the temple located in the southernmost part of Kathiawar. Mahmud laid siege on the fort of Somnath. The garrison, supported by Brahmins and devotees of the idol, defended. On Friday, 7th January, the Ghaznavids launched a fierce assault with a barrage of arrows, forcing the defenders to abandon the battlements. By the afternoon, during the Jumu'ah prayer time, the invading army scaled the walls and announced their success with the call to prayer. The Hindus retreated to the temple, prayed before the idol, and, with renewed resolve, launched a counterattack, driving the Ghaznavid army from their captured positions by evening. On the third day of the battle, the Ghaznavid forces attacked, recaptured the fortifications, and drove the Hindus to the shrine's gates, where a melee ensued. Although found themselves surrounded, yet they ultimately triumphed, defeating the Chalukyas and causing 50,000 casualties among the defenders.^[11] Many tried to flee on boats but were slain or drowned by a guard posted along the sea coast.

Mahmud of Ghazni, upon entering the temple, plundered the idols and shattered the Shiva Linga into pieces. He extensively looted and razed the temple to the ground plundering 20,000,000 dinars.^[12] This successful campaign earned Mahmud the title 'The Idol Breaker'.^[11][13]

Return to Ghazni

Triggered by the destruction of the idol, wave of indignation swept among the Hindus. Neighbouring chieftains under Raja Paramdeva of Abu blocked Ghaznavid army's passage, forcing them to take the passage of Aravalli hills and the Rann of the Cutch. To avoid conflicts Mahmud took the watery rout of Cutch and Sindh. When Bhima I heard the news of Mahmud's approach he abandoned the fort of Kanthkot, Mahmud captured the fort, plundered it and left for Ghazni. He then marched to Mansura. Khafif, the Carmathian ruler, fled across the river and took refuge in a date-palm forest. The Sultan sent some of his officers after him, who surrounded his camp and put many of his followers to death. Mahmud continued his return, while facing numerous attacks from the Jats on the way.^[14] On 2 April 1026 AD, he returned to Ghazni.^[15]

Campaign against Jats

In 1027 AD, Mahmud conducted his last military engagement (16th invasion) as a naval attack near the Indus River, where Mahmud of Ghazni inflicted a severe defeat on the Jats, compelling them to retreat with substantial losses.^[11] In March, he set out for Multan, building 1400 boats, each carried 20 archers, armed with spikes on two sides, hand grenades and Naphthaballs. The Jats prepared for the conflict, relocating their families and possessions to a distant island in the river and assembling a fleet of approximately 4,000 boats. The Sultan countered by blocking the river's upper course with his own flotilla and deploying two robust cavalry detachments, supported by elephants, to secure the riverbanks. A naval engagement followed. Many Jat boats were capsized and sunk upon colliding with the spiked prows of the Ghaznavid vessels. The Sultan emerged victorious, decisively defeating the Jats. Some attempted to flee overland but were repelled by Turkoman forces stationed along the riverbanks, forcing them back into the water. Ghaznavids pursued the Jats to their island refuge, where they had stored their valuables, resulting in significant casualties and the capture of substantial spoils. The Sultan returned to Ghazna in the early summer of 1027.^[16]

Aftermath

The news of triumph sent a wave of praise all over the Muslim world, and the delighted Caliph al-Qadir heaped titles and honours on the Sultan, his sons and his brother. Sultan Mahmud received the title of Kahfud-Dawlah wa'l-Islām, Mas'ud was bestowed Shihabu'd-Dawlah wa Jamālu l-Millah, following Jalalud-Dawlah wa Jamalu'l-Millah to Muhammad and 'Adudu'd-Dawlah wa Muayyidu'l-Millah to Yusuf.^[15]

Notes

1. Against Jats in 1027.^[2]
2. Kanthkot is 16 miles south-west from Rao and 36 miles north-east from Anjar. ^[5]
3. Situated eighteen miles south of Patan ^[10]