Sack of Magadha

[4][5] Muhammad Bakhtiyar Khalji advanced towards Bihar with a mere 200 soldiers, yet he accomplished the relatively easy capture of one of its most heavily fortified forts, Udantapuri.

Despite emerging from his fort to engage in battle with great courage, the ruler was ultimately defeated and killed in the ensuing confrontation with the Khalji Commander.

[8][9] It is highly likely that during this particular conquest, as recorded by the Tibetan chronicler Taranath in the 15th century, Bakhtiyar also seized the monastic cities of Vikramsila and Nalanda, and proceeded to raze them to the ground.

[10] Muhammad Bakhtiyar Khalji demolished ancient centers of learning at Nalanda and Vikramshila before orchestrating a widespread massacre upon entering the fort, historical evidence suggests otherwise.

Instead, a more nuanced understanding reveals that Bakhtiyar Khalji's actions were not marked by cruelty or ruthlessness, challenging the traditional narrative that has painted him in an unfavorable light.