Sack of Somnath

This article is about the 1026 attack on Somnath by the Ghaznavid Empire. For the Pakistani Naval raid in 1965, see Operation Somnath.
Attack on Somnath temple
Part of Ghaznavid campaigns in India
Somnath temple ruins
Ruins of Somnath as viewed in 1869
DateJanuary 1026
Location
Somnath Temple
20°53′16.9″N 70°24′5.0″E / 20.888028°N 70.401389°E / 20.888028; 70.401389
Result Ghaznavid Victory
Belligerents
Ghaznavids Chaulukya dynasty
Commanders and leaders
Mahmud of Ghazni Bhima I
Strength
60,000 Unknown
Casualties and losses
Unknown 50,000
Sack of Somnath is located in Gujarat
Sack of Somnath
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Location within Gujarat
Sack of Somnath is located in India
Sack of Somnath
Sack of Somnath (India)

The Sack of Somnath in 1026 was a military campaign orchestrated by Mahmud of Ghazni, a ruler of the Ghaznavid Empire, directed against the Chaulukya dynasty of Gujarat. This is considered Mahmud's fifteenth invasion of India, which saw strategic captures and decisive battles and culminated in the destruction of the revered Somnath Temple. Facing staunch resistance, Mahmud's forces emerged victorious, resulting in significant casualties.

Entering Somnath in mid-January, Mahmud looted and burned the temple, earning him the title 'The Idol Breaker". This event remains a historical symbol of cultural clash and religious desecration during Mahmud's military campaigns in medieval India.