Mongol Invasions of India
Background
- Mongol Empire Division: Split into 4 kanates in mid-13th century; Chagatai Khanate located between Golden Horde, Ilkhanate, and Yuan Dynasty.
- Delhi Sultanate: Emerged from the Ghurid Empire's collapse (1206) under Ud-Din Iltutmish in Delhi; ruled by 5 Turko-Afghan dynasties over 3 centuries.
Early Encounters
- Initial Contact: Chingis Khan approached India's borders in the 1220s but chose not to invade; focused on Iran, Central Asia, and China.
- Delhi’s Response: Sought diplomacy and gifts to appease the Mongols; regions like Punjab and Sindh faced Mongol raids.
- Key Incidents: Lahore captured in 1241, Multan in 1245; by the 1250s, large parts of Punjab controlled by Mongols.
Sultan Balban’s Reforms
- Aggressive Policies: Retook Multan and Lahore; built forts on India’s mountainous border; welcomed refugees and incorporated them into the military.
- Continuous Raids: Frequent Mongol incursions led by disaffected generals of the Chagatai and Ilkhanate civil wars.
Shift in Mongol Leadership
- 1260s: Chagatai and Ilkhan civil wars increased migrations to Southern Afghanistan; formed local powerful groups (Neguderis).
- 1290s: Sultanate clashes with powerful Neguderis led by Kutluk Khwaja and other Mongol leaders; increased frequency and intensity of raids.
Delhi Khalji Dynasty
- Jalal al-Din Khalji: Military general who became the Sultan; known for his benevolence; defeated Mongols in battle 1292.
- Alauddin Khalji: Nephew who usurped power; initiated military and economic reforms to counter Mongol threat.
Major Mongol Invasions
- 1298: Large invasion led by Kutluk Khwaja; defeated by Zafar Khan near Delhi; increasing Mongol invasions.
- Battle of Kili (1299): Alauddin's army significantly outnumbered but managed to hold off Mongols due to strategic advantages and knowledge of tactics.
End of Major Invasions
- 1304-1308: Annual invasions, Mongol commanders often defeated.
- 1328-1329: Tamashirin led final major Mongol offensive; faced similar failures.
- Reasons for Mongol Failures: Delhi's familiarity with Mongol tactics, India's climate, seasoned commanders, presence of Mongol defectors.
- Post-1329: Central Asia fell into chaos, further reducing threat levels.
Remember: Subscribe to Kings and Generals channel and check the merchandise link for more support.
Key Takeaways
- Delhi Sultanate effectively used diplomacy and military reforms to fend off Mongol invasions.
- Strategic leadership and adaptability were crucial in resisting Mongol advances.
- The collapse of Mongol unity and favorable geography played a significant role in the Sultanate’s defense strategies.