KRIGYAN

Turning Tides: 11th and 12th Centuries

Class 7 · Social Science

1 idea in Class 7 Social Science, explained in plain words, with games and quizzes to practise.

Mahmud of Ghazni and Invasions of India

Part of: Tapestry of the Past

The Ghaznavids' capital was Ghazna (modern Ghazni, Afghanistan). Mahmud of Ghazni conducted 17 campaigns in India. In 1008, he defeated Anandapala (son of Jayapala) in northern Punjab. In 1018, he reached Mathura and described it as a city of enormous wealth with a magnificent temple. In 1026, he destroyed the Somnath temple in Saurashtra. Mahmud died in 1030 in Ghazni at the age of 58. The title 'sultan' is of Arabic origin and means 'authority' or 'power'.

Why it matters. The 11th-century invasions mark a turning point in India's history — they penetrated deeper than Arab raids and reshaped political geography.

Try it in two minutes

  1. Ask: how many campaigns did Mahmud of Ghazni conduct in India?
  2. Ask: what happened at Somnath in 1026?
  3. Ask: what does the title 'sultan' mean?

Try at home. Ask your child to place Mahmud of Ghazni's campaigns on a timeline from 1000 to 1030 CE.

What your child will practise

  • Mahmud of Ghazni and Invasions of India: Candy Puzzle (Clue Puzzle)
  • Mahmud of Ghazni and Invasions of India: Explorer'S Map Quest (Match It Up)
  • Mahmud of Ghazni and Invasions of India: Space Quick Fire (Quick Fire)
  • Mahmud of Ghazni and Invasions of India: Time Travel Quest (Collect the Answer)
  • Quiz: Mahmud of Ghazni and Invasions of India (8 questions)