Bakhtiyar Khalji was a Turko-Afghan military general who conquered parts of Bengal and Bihar and established Muslim rule there. He also established the Khalji dynasty of Bengal. It is said that Muslim rule in Bengal started with his invasions. Khalji's rule is also known for destroying the higher institutions of Buddhist learning in northern India.
In 1203, Khalji invaded Bengal. At that time, the Sen dynasty had become weak and could not resist much. Khalji conquered Gaud, the capital of Bengal and occupied most of the territories of Bengal. After conquering Bengal, Khalji destroyed the city of Nudia and made Lakhnauti his administrative center. He implemented Islamic traditions and established mosques, madrasas and monasteries.
In 1206, Khalji launched an unsuccessful campaign against Tibet. His army faced defeat at the hands of Tibetan guerilla forces. On his return to Bengal, he was killed by Ali Mardan and Mirza Hyder Goni Fahd.
Bakhtiyar Khalji, also known as Bakhtiyar Khilji, was a 13th-century military general of the Ghurid Empire and the founder of the Khalji dynasty in Bengal. He is best known for his conquests in eastern India, particularly Bengal and Bihar. Here is a brief overview of his history:
### Early Life and Career
- **Origins**:
Bakhtiyar Khalji was originally from the Khalji tribe, a Turkic group from Central Asia. He initially served in the army of the Ghurid Empire.
- **Service**: He began his military career under the Ghurid commanders and quickly rose through the ranks due to his skill and ambition.
### Conquests and Rule
- **Conquest of Bengal**:
Around 1203-1204, Bakhtiyar Khalji launched an invasion of Bengal. He captured Nadia (Nabadwip), the capital of the Sena dynasty, reportedly by surprising the defenders with a swift and unexpected attack. This victory led to the rapid collapse of the Sena rule in Bengal.
- **Establishment of the Khalji Dynasty**: Following his conquest, Bakhtiyar established the Khalji dynasty in Bengal, ruling as an independent or semi-independent ruler.
### Campaigns in Bihar
- **Bihar and the Destruction of Nalanda**: Bakhtiyar is infamous for his campaign in Bihar, where he destroyed the ancient university of Nalanda, a center of learning and Buddhism. He is also credited with destroying Vikramashila University during this campaign. These acts are seen as significant blows to the intellectual and cultural life of India at the time.
### Death and Legacy
- **Final Years and Death**:
Bakhtiyar's later years were marked by less successful campaigns. He attempted to invade Tibet but faced severe setbacks, leading to his eventual return to Bengal. He died around 1206 under unclear circumstances, with some accounts suggesting he was assassinated by his own troops.
- **Legacy**:
Despite his short rule, Bakhtiyar Khalji's conquests had a lasting impact on Bengal. He paved the way for subsequent Muslim rule in the region and the establishment of a significant Muslim presence in eastern India.
Bakhtiyar Khalji's rule is a subject of historical debate, especially regarding his methods and the cultural impact of his conquests, particularly his destruction of major Buddhist centers of learning.
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