| Dynasty | Temple |
|---|---|
| (a) Eastern Gangas | (iii) Konark Sun temple |
| (b) Chandellas | (iv) Kandāriyā Mahādeva temple (Khajuraho) |
| (c) Paramāras | (v) Bhojeshwar temple |
| (d) Hoysalas | (i) Belur |
| (e) Cholas | (ii) Bṛihadīśhvara temple (Thanjavur) |
The 11th–12th centuries are a major transition period because Turkic invasions began successfully penetrating deep into north India — unlike the Arab invasions which were largely stopped at Sindh. This led to the beginning of a new era of Muslim rule in North India.
Two examples of CHANGE:
- ⚔️ Political change — Prithviraj III's defeat at the 2nd Battle of Tarain (1192) ended Rajput supremacy in Delhi region. Muhammad Ghuri's successor established the Delhi Sultanate — marking the start of a new political era in north India.
- 🏛️ Cultural change — The destruction of centres of learning like Nalanda University by Bakhtiyar Khilji (1203) disrupted the Buddhist educational tradition. Islamic architecture, Persian language, and new artistic styles began to blend with Indian traditions.
Two examples of CONTINUITY:
- 🛕 Temple building continued — Magnificent temples continued to be built during this period: Konark (Eastern Gangas), Khajuraho (Chandellas), Brihadeeswara (Cholas), Hoysala temples at Belur and Halebid — showing unbroken artistic tradition
- ⚓ South India remained largely unchanged — The Cholas, Hoysalas, and other south Indian kingdoms continued to flourish, trade, and expand their cultural influence to Southeast Asia. The Rajendra Chola naval expedition (1025) shows continued south Indian vitality.
Mahmud of Ghazni's motive — PLUNDER:
Mahmud's primary motive was to loot India's enormous wealth — especially temple treasures. He made 17 raids (1000-1027 CE) but never intended to rule India permanently. He would raid, plunder, and return to Ghazni. His raid on Somnath temple (1025) was primarily to seize its legendary wealth.
Muhammad Ghuri's motive — CONQUEST:
Ghuri wanted to establish permanent Muslim rule over north India. He was building an empire, not just collecting loot. After his 2nd Battle of Tarain victory (1192), he stayed, appointed governors, and established administrative control. His generals then expanded further across north India.
How motives shaped outcomes:
- 💰 Mahmud's raids: Weakened north India economically and militarily — depleted the treasury of kingdoms that could have resisted later. However, they left no lasting political structure — kingdoms rebuilt after he left.
- ⚔️ Ghuri's conquest: Led to the permanent establishment of the Delhi Sultanate (1206 CE) — the first long-lasting Muslim political entity in north India. This fundamentally changed the political map of India for the next 600+ years.