Given below are two statements, one is labeled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R). **Assertion (A):** Turkish invasions on India were successful. **Reason (R):** There was no political unity in North India. Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2018
A. Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is correct explanation of (A).
B. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
C. (A) is true, but (R) is false.
D. (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Answer: Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is correct explanation of (A).
Option a is the correct answer.
Assertion (A) is true: Turkish invasions on India were indeed successful as various Turkish rulers, notably Muhammad Ghori and his successors, established their dominance over parts of North India. Their strategic military tactics, superior organization, and the fragmented political landscape of India facilitated their conquests. Reason (R) is true: In the 11th and 12th centuries, North India experienced a lack of political cohesion, characterized by a multitude of fragmented kingdoms and dynasties. Notable among these were the Chahamanas (Chauhans) of Delhi and Ajmer, the Gahadavalas of Kannauj, the Tomaras of Delhi, the Rathors of Kanauj, and the Chalukyas of Gujarat, each governed by distinct rulers and pursuing their individual agendas. (R) is correct explanation of (A): The lack of political unity in North India made it easier for the Turkish invaders to conquer different regions since there was no strong, centralized authority that could effectively resist their advances. The fragmented nature of political power in North India weakened the resistance against external invasions, thus facilitating the success of the Turkish campaigns.