THE AGE OF INVASIONS AND INFLUENCES (1000 AD–1200 AD)
By the end of the 9th century, the Abbasid Caliphate, once a formidable empire, was experiencing a decline in power. This power vacuum led to the emergence of several states controlled by Islamized Turks. Initially brought into the Abbasid realm as palace guards and mercenaries in the 9th century, these Turks gradually became influential, often playing crucial roles as kingmakers.
As the central authority of the Abbasids waned, provincial governors began to assert more independence. However, a semblance of unity was maintained as the caliph continued to confer titles like amir-ul-umra (Commander of Commanders) to generals who managed to establish autonomous regions. Over time, these leaders adopted the titles amir and later sultan.
The Turks were known for their aggressive military tactics, characterized by swift advances and retreats, and their ability to conduct lightning raids. Their success was partly due to the superior quality of their horses and their ability to endure long distances on horseback, which facilitated rapid movements and effective surprise attacks. This period was marked by frequent shifts in loyalty among Turkish soldiers, contributing to a turbulent political landscape where alliances were fleeting and states frequently rose and fell.
Simultaneously, North India was going through a period of political fragmentation following the decline of the Gurjara-Pratihara empire. This disarray was exacerbated by the lack of attention to the growing threat posed by the expansionist Turkish states on the north-western frontier of India and in West Asia.