Pakistan is a paradigm example of a failed state that has undergone an extremely dangerous form of radical Islamisation.
Victory of Prithiviraj Chouhan
In the turbulent times of the 12th century, when Islam was bent on taking
over India, and Mohammad of Ghur (from Afghanistan) marched beyond the Punjab,
Prithviraj III of Ajmer advanced to oppose the Muslim invaders with a large
army. It included one hundred and fifty Rajput princes and their forces,
including Rawal Mathan Singh of Mewar. Islam had been seeking the conversion of
the world at the point of the sword. . Ghori decided to extend the boundary of
his kingdom and also gain wealth, through conquests. To realize his ambition, he
made his first incursion into India in 1175. After subduing the Ismaili Muslim
heretics of Multan, he made an unsuccessful advance into Gujarat in 1178.
Nevertheless he became successful in seizing Peshawar and building a fort at
Sialkot in 1181. With the help of the ruler of Jammu, Jaidev he put an end to
the rule of Ghaznavids in Punjab and captured Lahore in 1186 A.D. With this the
way was opened for him to push his conquests further into India. But he now had
to face the formidable Rajputs led by the enigmatic Prithviraj Chauhan, ruler of
Delhi and Ajmer.
For the defense of the country's north-west frontiers and what may be called
the "Gateway" of India, the Chauhan ruler had strongly fortified the bordering
towns of his kingdom. Muhammad Ghori first attacked Bhatinda and laid siege to
the city in 1189. Historical evidences show that Prithviraj Chauhan was not
prepared for this attack made in a sudden and deceitful manner. Hence the army
defending the city was defeated and it laid down its arms after the defeat.
Muhammad Ghori left a garrison under the command of Ziauddin to defend the
fort, and he himself prepared to back when the Chauhan ruler arrived at the head
of a huge army to recapture the fort. So Ghori had to stay his departure in
order to face Prithviraj. The rival armies met at Tarain, near Thaneshwar. In
face of the persistent Rajput attacks, the battle was won as the Muslim army
broke ranks and fled leaving their general Mahmud Ghori as a prisoner in
Pritiviraj's hands.
Mahmud Ghori was brought in chains to Pithoragarh - Prithviraj's capital and
he begged his victor for mercy and release. Prithviraj's ministers advised
against pardoning the aggressor. But the chivalrous and valiant Prithviraj
thought otherwise and respectfully released the vanquished Ghori.
Scenes of devastation, plunder and massacre commenced, which lasted through
ages during which nearly all that was sacred in religion or celebrated in art
was destroyed by these ruthless and barbarous invaders. The noble Rajput, with a
spirit of constancy and enduring courage, seized every opportunity to turn upon
his oppressor. But all was of no avail; fresh supplies were pouring in, and
dynasty succeeded dynasty.
