Siege of Bhatiya

In 1004–1005 AD, Ghaznavid sultan Mahmud of Ghazni (r. 998–1030) led his third military expedition into India, targeting the Multan region. Marching through Balochistan and crossing the Indus River, his army faced strong resistance at the fort of Bhatiya, a key point on the trade route from the Khyber Pass to Multan. Baji Rai the Rajput Raja of the Kingdom of Bhatiya, put up a fierce defense but was ultimately defeated. Baji Rai committed suicide which led the end of the kingdom.^[1]

Conquest of Bhatiya
Part of Ghaznavid campaigns in India
Date 1004–1005 Location Possibly Bhera in Punjab, Pakistan or Bhatinda, Punjab, India or Uch, Punjab, Pakistan (disputed) Result Ghaznavid victory Territorial changes Kingdom of Bhatiya annexed by the Ghaznavids
Belligerents
Ghaznavids	Kingdom of Bhatiya
Commanders and leaders
Mahmud of Ghazni	Baji Rai †

Location

The identification of the Kingdom of Bhatiya is a subject to debate. It's commonly identified with Bhera in the Punjab, Pakistan, Uch and Bhatnair in Bikanir State.^[2] Description of Bhatiya is narrated by al-Utbi, Unsuri, Al-Biruni and Gardizi. According to Al-Biruni, "Bhātiya" was situated between Narayan and Rohri, somewhere near Sind, in the same latitude as Multan.^[3] Bhera is most commonly perceived by historians to be accurate location of Bhatiya.^[4] Muhammad Nazim identifies Bhatiya with Bhatinda.^[5] However the accurate location remains uncertain.^[6]

Background

Further information: Ghaznavid-Hindu Shahi wars

In 1000 AD, Mahmud launched his first expedition to India. In 1001 AD, Mahmud's army defeated the Hindu Shahi ruler Anandapal at Battle of Peshawar. Following the conquest and subjugation of Sistan in 1002-03, Mahmud turned his attention to India. In 1004, he renewed his campaigns in India.^[7]

Battle with Baji Rai

In October 1004, Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni initiated the military campaign from Ghazni crossed the Indus and started plunder in the Multan region.^[1] His route took him through Walishtan, located in present-day Sibi, Balochistan. After crossing the Indus River near Multan, he reached and laid siege to Bhatiya, then ruled by Baji Ray.^[8]

Baji Ray, the Raja, displayed remarkable confidence in his military prowess, opting to confront an invading force led by the Sultan in open battle rather than retreating to the safety of his fort. For three days, Baji Ray and his forces staunchly defended their position, repelling repeated assaults. This prolonged resistance significantly unsettled the Ghaznavid. On the fourth day, Baji Ray’s troops appeared to gain the upper hand, pressing their advantage with considerable momentum. However, the Sultan rallied his warriors with a rousing speech and led a decisive counterattack. Personally engaging in the thick of the conflict, captured some elephants which were defending the centre of Baji Ray’s forces. By sunset, the Rajput lines were broken, resulting in their defeat.^[9]

Siege of Bhatiya

Baji Ray, sought refuge in a heavily fortified stronghold surrounded by a wide and deep ditch, renowned for its impregnability, after his defeat in open battle. The Sultan, pursuing him, initiated a siege and commanded his forces to fill the ditch with stones and trees to breach the defenses. As the operation progressed effectively, Baji Ray, realizing the fort could not hold indefinitely, abandoned the garrison to continue resistance and fled to a nearby forest to evade capture.^[9]

Baji Ray, after fleeing to a forest, was eventually discovered and surrounded by the Sultan's forces. Choosing death over the dishonor of capture, the resolute Rajput ruler took his own life with a sword. His death significantly demoralized the fort's garrison, leading to its swift capture with minimal further resistance.^[10]

Aftermath

Following the capture of the fort, the Sultan’s forces showed no mercy to the defeated, sparing only those who converted to Islam. The victors seized vast spoils, with the Sultan’s share alone including 120 elephants, along with substantial quantities of gold, silver, and weapons. The Sultan remained in the region to consolidate control over the surrounding territories of Bhatiya, appointing instructors to teach the newly converted the fundamentals of Islam. After enduring heavy rain and flood during the journey, the Sultan returned to Ghazni around May–June 1005 CE.^[10]

See also

• Battle of Chach
• Ghaznavid conquest of Multan