The Khalji Raids into Magadha, were military campaigns of the Ghurid Empire led by the Ghurid commander Bakhtiyar Khalji in the early 13th century.The dates of the expedition are disputed. 1199—1200: "The fortified monastery which Bakhtyār captured probably in 1199 A.D. was known as Audand-Bihar or Odandapura-vihāra. According to all Muslim historians, Muhammad Bakhtyär led his army a second time in the direction of Bihar in the year following the sack of the fortified monastery of that name. This year, i.e. 1200 A.D., he was busy consolidating his hold over that province, …" () 1202–1203: "It is probable that they were destroyed. Ikhtiyar-ud-din followed up his success by capturing Vikramasila and Nalanda, two other university towns, and by building a fortress at Uddandapur. This took place in 1202-3 A.D." () 1203–1205 "Hoping to extend his dominion further, sometime between 1203 and 1205 he marched towards the east and annexed the province of Bihar (which was then known as Magadha) and added this territory to his expanding state." () Bakhtiyar successfully captured Bihar, incorporating it into the Ghurid Empire, before proceeding with his invasion of Bengal.
The conquest Muhammad Bakhtiyar Khalji advanced towards Bihar with a mere 200 soldiers, yet he accomplished the relatively easy capture of one of its most heavily fortified forts, Udantapuri. While local inhabitants did resist the Ghurid general and his forces, resulting in significant casualties on both sides. Despite emerging from his fort to engage in battle with great courage, the ruler was ultimately defeated and killed in the ensuing confrontation with the Khalji commander. Destruction of Nalanda and Vikramshila It is highly likely that during this particular conquest, as recorded by the Tibetan chronicler Taranath in the 15th century, Bakhtiyar also seized the monastic cities of Vikramsila and Nalanda, and proceeded to raze them to the ground. He mercilessly slaughtered all the residents and plundered a great amount of riches, which he then delivered to Sultan of Delhi, Qutubuddin Aibak.
Muhammad Bakhtiyar Khalji demolished ancient centers of learning at Nalanda and Vikramshila before orchestrating a widespread massacre upon entering the fort, historical evidence suggests otherwise. The prevailing consensus among historians refutes the portrayal of Bakhtiyar Khalji as a merciless and bloodthirsty military leader. Instead, a more nuanced understanding reveals that Bakhtiyar Khalji's actions were not marked by cruelty or ruthlessness, challenging the traditional narrative that has painted him in an unfavorable light.
The three kings of the Guptas of Jayapura dynasty who likely lived in the first half of the 12th century. They were vassals of the Palas, as Monghyr was part of the Pala kingdom until the mid-12th century. After the decline of the Palas, Rajadityagupta declared independence. His son, Krishnagupta, passed away before him. Rajadityagupta was succeeded by his grandson, Sangramagupta. It is believed that Sarhgramagupta, another ruler of the Guptas, was a contemporary of Lakshmanasena. The Guptas' power was likely ended by Muhammad Bakhtyär Khalji in the early 13th century during the reign of Sangramagupta.
Aftermath
After consolidating control over Bihar and nearby areas by establishing military garrisons (thanas), he prepared to invade Bengal, then ruled by Lakshmana Sena of the Sena dynasty. Bakhtiyar Khalji advanced rapidly and reached the gates of the Sena ruler’s palace in Nadia with almost no resistance. According to Minhaj al-Siraj, he rode so fast that only 18 horsemen could keep up with him. The Sena king fled through a back door of the palace, escaping with his family and close aides toward a refuge near modern Dhaka. Bakhtiyar Khalji did not chase him. His swift capture of Nadia prior to 1204 marked the end of the Sena dynasty.
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