Why in News?
India is commemorating 1,000 years since the first recorded attack (1026 CE) on the Somnath Temple by Mahmud of Ghazni through events titled Somnath Swabhiman Parv (2026).
Somnath Temple:
The Somnath Temple, located in Prabhas Patan, Gujarat, is revered as the first of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva. Often called the “Eternal Shrine,” it is famous for its resilience, having been destroyed and rebuilt many times throughout history.
1026 attack:
- Led by Mahmud of Ghazni, ruler of the Ghaznavid Dynasty.
- One of his 17 invasions into India (1000–1025 CE).
- Targeted wealthy temples for plunder and religious motives
About Mahmud of Ghazni:
- Ruler of Ghazni (present-day Afghanistan)
- Conducted 17 raids into the Indian subcontinent
- Focused on rich temple cities like Somnath
- Al-Biruni accompanied Mahmud of Ghazni. Authored “Kitab-ul-Hind”, a detailed account of Indian society and culture
