Q. Consider the following statements:
- Mahmud of Ghazni was a contemporary of the Chola king Rajendra I.
- Mahmud tried to gain credit as a great hero of Islam by destroying temples (especially in Somnath).
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
Answer:
Both 1 and 2
Notes: Mahmud of Ghazni was a contemporary of the Chola king Rajendra I. During his campaigns in the subcontinent he also attacked the temples of defeated kings and looted their property and idols. Mahmud was not a very important ruler at that time. But by destroying temples - especially at Somnath - he tried to gain credit as a great hero of Islam. In the political culture of the Middle Ages, most rulers demonstrated their political power and military success by attacking and looting the places of worship of defeated rulers.