Conquest of Dwarka

The Conquest of Dwarka was a military campaign carried out in 1473 by Sultan Mahmud Begada of the Gujarat Sultanate against Raja Bhima of the Rathore principality centred on Dwarka in the Okhamandal region of present-day Gujarat.

Raja Bhim's domains extended from the coast of Arabian Sea to Khambhalia. The expedition was motivated by a combination of political, economic, and religious factors. Raja Bhim had expanded their territory and engaged in widespread piracy, repeatedly attacking Muslim pilgrim vessels bound for Mecca. Gujarat heavily dependent the coastal route for trade. Dwarka is also a holy pilgrim site for the Hindus. Mahmud Begada was eager to establish his authority in whole of Kathiawar, therefore was looking for opportunity to do it so. At one instance the pirates captured the ship of Maulana Mahmud Samarqandi, who reached the Sultan's court provided the immediate pretext for war.

On 14 May 1473, Mahmud advanced with a large army to punish Bhim. He captured Dwarka by surprise. Raja Bhim abandoned the city without serious resistance and took refuge on the nearby island of Bet Dwarka. The Sultan occupied Dwarka and assembled a large fleet. He then crossed to the island, defeated the Rajput forces in a naval and land engagement, and captured the fort. Raja Bhim escaped but was later captured. He was brought to Mustafabad and ultimately executed in Ahmedabad at the instance of Maulana Mahmud Samarqandi. The conquest brought Okhamandal under direct Gujarat control further extended the Sultanate's authority to the Arabian Sea coast. This marked the full subjugation of the Kathiawar by Mahmud Begada.