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Every Indian today is aware of Mahmud of Ghazni and his unstoppable 17 raids. His plunders are believed to form the basis of the later Islamic invasions. However, many people today are unaware of the aftermath of Ghaznavid empire.
Mahmud was followed by his nephew Masood Ghazni. Continuing Mahmud’s legacy, he invaded India with an army of more than 100,000 men in May 1031 AD. Unlike Mahmud's army which was basically a raiding party, Masood's army was backed by the imperial army and had attacked India with the intention of permanent conquest and Islamization of India.
King Anandpal Shahi tried to check this invasion along with the king of Sialkot. But, this alliance was overwhelmed by the superiority in numbers of the invading army. Masood continued his advance towards Indian mainland. King Mahipal Tomara also tried to check their advance but he was also defeated. After victories across Northern Indian plains, Masood camped at Bahraich which is near Lucknow.
Meanwhile, a historic alliance was being created under Raja Suhaldev Pasi and the famous Raja Bhoja of Malwa. 17 Indian Kings together forged an alliance. This was the biggest confederation that has ever existed in India.
On 13th June, an army of about 1,20,000 descended on the Ghazni camp of Bahraich. Masood's army was completely besieged and encircled. Each and every man in Masood's camp was killed. The battle ended on 14th June with the victory of the Indian federation.
The invasion was completely crushed and such resounding was this victory that none of foreign kingdoms dared to invade India for the next 160 years.
Nowadays I have seen many people mocking Rajput Kings by saying that they were unable to win even a single battle. This answer seeks to create awareness among such people. There have been many instances where Rajputs were successful in defeating their enemies. Battle of Rajasthan is another such example where Arabs were defeated by a federation of Rajput States. Indians are indebted to the Rajput Kings. They were extremely instrumental in keeping Arab invaders at bay for 3 centuries. This was the time when Khalifat empire was at its peak and extended from Sindh to Spain. However, they were unable to defeat Rajputs and enter Indian heartlands.
But it is a pity that these battles where native Indians crushed the invaders, which should have been the pride of Indians, are hardly mentioned in our history books.
This is an exemplary example of how united Indian kings had the ability to create the most formidable force of the world !!
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