Muhammad of Ghor invades the Indo-Gangetic Plain during the last quarter of the twelfth century, conquering in succession Ghazni, Multan, Sindh, Lahore, and Delhi.

His successors establish the first dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate, the Mamluk Dynasty (mamluk means "slave") in 1211 (however, the Delhi Sultanate is traditionally held to have been founded in 1206).

The territory under control of the Muslim rulers in Delhi expands rapidly.

By mid-century, Bengal and much of central India are under the Delhi Sultanate.

The Ghurid territory is partitioned after the death of 'Ala'-ud-Din, principally between his two nephews, Ghiyas-ud-Din Muhammad and Mu'izz-ud-Din Muhammad ibn Sam, commonly called Muhammad of Ghur.

Ghiyas-ud-Din rules over Ghur from Firuzkoh and looks toward Khorasan, while …

…Muhammad of Ghur is established in Ghazna and begins to seek his fortune in northern India.

Almost all of North India was already in contact with Ghur through an extensive trade, particularly in horses.

Well known as horse breeders, the Ghurids also have a reputation for supplying Indian and Turkish slaves to the markets of Central Asia.

Muslim merchants had settled much beyond Sindh and the Punjab in a number of towns in what are now Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

The Ghurids are also familiar with the fabulous wealth of western and central India.

Muhammad first invades India in 1175, following the southern route into India through the Gumal Pass, with an eye set eventually on Gujarat.

In this first of several expeditions in northern India, he captures Multan from the Hamid Ludi dynasty, which is also Pashtun but alleged to be un-Islamic on the account of their association with Ismailite Shi'iate sect; …

…Muhammad also takes Uch in 1175.

Muhammad destroys the Ghaznavid garrison in Peshawar in 1179.

Muhammad of Ghur subdues Sindh in 1182.

The Ghaznavid principality of Sialkot (Kashmir) falls in 1185 to Muhammad of Ghur.

Muhammad, advancing into the Punjab, captures Lahore in 1185.

The Ghurids have destroyed the remnants of Ghaznavid power in the northwest by 1186 and are in a favorable military position to move against the North Indian Rajput powers.

After suffering a severe defeat at the hands of the Caulukya army of Gujarat, Muhammad of Ghur turns to the northern route through the Khyber Pass.

Victory in the second battle of Tarain consolidates Muhammad's success, and he leaves his general Qutb-ud-Din Aybak in charge of his Indian possessions.