Question

Which of the following invaders is wrongly paired with the year of invasion?
A. Timur-1398 AD
B. Mahmud of Ghazni-1000AD
C. Ahmad Shah Abdali-1716 AD
D. Nadir Shah-1738 AD

Answer 1

Hint: Muslim invasion into the Indian territory started as early as the 8th c. AD. These invasions initially were limited to materialistic gains through loot and plunder, but eventually, there grew the idea of making people aware of Islam.

Complete answer: The option A, Timur or Tamerlane invaded Indian territories in 1398 AD. He was essentially a Turco-Mongol ruler who spent most of his reign in carrying out conquest and expeditions. He could raid the seat of power in Delhi for the poor management of the army on the side of Nasiruddin Mahmud Shah Tughlaq.
The option B, Mahmud of Ghazni invaded India for the first time in 1000 AD and did so for 16 more times, including the infamous raid of Somnath temple. Well, the first invasion was not really a success with control of few forts, but gradually, he took control over Punjab.
The option C, Ahmad Shah Abdali invaded India for about 8 times around 1748 to 1767. He ruled over modern-day Afghanistan after the death of Nadir Shah. The raids were for financial gains as well as political statements to Mughals.
The option D, Nadir Shah invaded Delhi in 1738 AD and took with him the famous Mughal peacock throne and Kohinoor jewel along with other precious loot. This invasion also led to the death of thousands of citizens by Nadir Shah’s Persian army. It was a very fatal blow to the already declining Mughal state.
Hence, option C is the correct answer.

Note: The most important Muslim invasion in Indian Subcontinent was by Muhammad Ghori around 1175 AD. This did the groundwork for building a Muslim state and political institution in form of Delhi Sultanate.