Mahmud of Ghazni's Brutal Thanesar Invasion: River Ran Red with Blood

• In 1014 AD, Mahmud of Ghazni attacked Thanesar, a prosperous and religious city, turning its peace into chaos.
• Despite promises to King Anandpal, Ghazni plundered the wealthy Chakraswami Temple, driven by greed for gold and jewels.
• Hindu warriors fiercely resisted for three days, but Ghazni's army eventually broke through, leading to a horrific massacre.
• Contemporary historians like Abu Nasr Utbi documented that so much blood flowed, the nearby river turned red, making its water undrinkable.
• The Chakraswami Temple was destroyed, idols broken, and over 5,000 people, including women and children, were enslaved and taken to Ghazni.

Why It Matters: Mahmud of Ghazni's 1014 AD invasion of Thanesar resulted in a brutal massacre, temple destruction, and widespread enslavement.