In context of the challenges faced by the Delhi Sultanate against the...
In the early thirteenth century the control of the Delhi Sultans rarely went beyond heavily fortified towns occupied by garrisons. The Sultans seldom controlled the hinterland of the cities and were therefore dependent upon trade, tribute or plunder for supplies. Rebellion, war, even bad weather could snap fragile communication routes. Delhi’s authority was also challenged by Mongol invasions from Afghanistan and by governors who rebelled at any sign of the Sultan’s weakness. The Delhi Sultanate’s expansionary campaigns were divided into two phases- Along the “internal frontier” for consolidating the hinterlands of the garrison towns and the second expansion occurred along the “external frontier” of the Sultanate. The Mongols under Genghis Khan invaded Transoxiana in north-east Iran in 1219 and the Delhi Sultanate faced their onslaught soon after. Mongol attacks on the Delhi Sultanate increased during the reign of Alauddin Khilji and in the early years of Muhammad Tughluq’s rule. This forced the two rulers to mobilise a large standing army in Delhi which posed a huge administrative challenge.
Statement 1 is incorrect. Alauddin constructed a new garrison town named Siri for his soldiers, whereas rather than constructing a new garrison town, Muhammad Bin Tughlaq emptied the oldest of the four cities of Delhi (Dehli-i Kuhna) and soldiers were garrisoned there.
Statement 2 is correct. Alauddin’s administrative measures were quite successful and chroniclers praised his reign for its cheap prices and efficient supplies of goods in the market. He successfully withstood the threat of Mongol invasions. Muhammad Tughluq’s administrative measures were a failure. His campaign into Kashmir was a disaster. He then gave up his plans to invade Transoxiana and disbanded his large army. Meanwhile, his administrative measures created complications. The shifting of people to Daulatabad was resented. The raising of taxes and famine in the Ganga-Yamuna belt led to widespread rebellion. And finally, the “token” currency had to be recalled. However, one must remember that Allaudin’s measures were defensive in nature whereas Muhammad bin Tughlaq was the only king to go on the offensive against the Mongols.
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In context of the challenges faced by the Delhi Sultanate against the...
Introduction:
The Delhi Sultanate faced significant challenges from the Mongols during its rule. This question seeks to analyze two statements related to the strategies adopted by Allauddin Khilji and Mohammad Bin Tughlaq in dealing with the Mongol threat.
Statement 1: Both Allauddin Khilji and Mohammad Bin Tughlaq raised large standing armies and constructed new garrison towns.
Explanation:
- Allauddin Khilji recognized the threat posed by the Mongols and took several measures to strengthen his military. He raised a large standing army known as the "New Order" (also called the "Khalji Dynasty Army") which consisted of both cavalry and infantry.
- Khilji also established new garrison towns strategically located along the Mongol invasion routes. These garrison towns served as military bases and provided a defensive line against potential Mongol incursions.
- By raising a large standing army and constructing garrison towns, Khilji aimed to deter Mongol invasions and protect his empire from external threats.
Statement 2: Administrative measures of Alauddin Khilji were more successful than Mohammad Bin Tughlaq’s.
Explanation:
- Allauddin Khilji implemented several administrative measures during his reign that proved to be successful in dealing with various challenges, including the Mongol threat.
- He introduced a system of price control known as the "Market Control" or "Market Reforms" to regulate the prices of essential commodities. This measure aimed to stabilize the economy and ensure the availability of supplies to support the army and citizens during times of crisis.
- Khilji also introduced the "Chehra" system, which involved the maintenance of intelligence networks to gather information about potential threats, including the Mongols. This helped in early detection of Mongol movements and facilitated better preparedness.
- On the other hand, Mohammad Bin Tughlaq's administrative measures, although innovative, often proved to be unsuccessful. His decision to shift the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad and then back to Delhi resulted in administrative chaos and economic hardships.
- Tughlaq's frequent changes in policies and experiments, such as the introduction of token currency and forced migration, led to widespread discontent among his subjects and weakened the stability of his empire.
- Therefore, it can be concluded that Allauddin Khilji's administrative measures were more successful in dealing with the challenges faced by the Delhi Sultanate, including the Mongol threat, compared to Mohammad Bin Tughlaq's measures.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the first statement is correct as both Allauddin Khilji and Mohammad Bin Tughlaq raised large standing armies and constructed new garrison towns. However, the second statement is incorrect as the administrative measures implemented by Allauddin Khilji were more successful in comparison to Mohammad Bin Tughlaq's measures.
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