Introduction:

During the reign of Aladdin Khalji and Muhammad Tughluq, the Mongol attacks on the Delhi Sultanate increased significantly. These attacks were influenced by several factors, including political instability, territorial ambitions, and internal conflicts within the Delhi Sultanate. This essay will delve into the reasons behind the increased Mongol attacks during this period.

1. Political Instability:
The Delhi Sultanate faced political instability during the reigns of Aladdin Khalji and Muhammad Tughluq. This instability weakened the central authority and created a power vacuum that attracted the attention of the Mongols. The Mongols saw an opportunity to exploit the disarray within the Sultanate and expand their own influence.

2. Territorial Ambitions:
The Mongols had long been known for their territorial ambitions and desire for conquest. They sought to expand their empire and establish dominance over vast regions. The Delhi Sultanate, with its rich resources and strategic location, presented an attractive target for Mongol expansion. The Mongols aimed to capture Delhi and use it as a base for further expansion into the Indian subcontinent.

3. Internal Conflicts within the Delhi Sultanate:
The Delhi Sultanate witnessed internal conflicts during the reigns of Aladdin Khalji and Muhammad Tughluq. These conflicts weakened the Sultanate's ability to defend itself against external threats. The Mongols exploited these internal divisions, taking advantage of the weakened state of the Delhi Sultanate to launch their attacks.

4. Mongol Retaliation:
The Mongols were not only driven by their own ambitions but also sought revenge for previous defeats at the hands of the Delhi Sultanate. The Mongol invasions of India in the 13th century, led by Genghis Khan and his successors, had been repelled by the Delhi Sultanate. The Mongols saw attacking the Delhi Sultanate as an opportunity to avenge their past losses and reassert their dominance.

5. Geographical Factors:
The geographical proximity of the Mongol Empire to the Delhi Sultanate played a significant role in the increased attacks. The Mongols had established a strong presence in Central Asia and had easy access to the northwestern regions of the Indian subcontinent. The close proximity allowed for swift and efficient mobilization of Mongol forces, enabling them to launch frequent attacks on the Delhi Sultanate.

Conclusion:
The increased Mongol attacks on the Delhi Sultanate during the reigns of Aladdin Khalji and Muhammad Tughluq can be attributed to various factors such as political instability, Mongol territorial ambitions, internal conflicts within the Sultanate, Mongol retaliation, and geographical factors. These factors combined to create an opportune moment for the Mongols to target the Delhi Sultanate and attempt to expand their empire.