The Foundation of Muslim Rule in India: A History of the Establishment and Progress of the Turkish Sultanate of Delhi, 1206–1290 A.D. c13.133

c13.133

Even towards the end of Balban's reign his western boundary could not have extended much further than the Beas. In the same year in which prince Muhammud was appointed over Sind, Bughra Khan took over the province of Samana and Sunam, evidently in succession to Tamur Khan. He received special instructions to increase the number and efficiency of his troops so as to be constantly ready for the Mongols. This province remained the frontier for the rest of our period; the following passage from Barani’s history will make it abundantly clear: “Often in those days the Mongol horsemen used to cross the Beas and enter the territory (of Delhi). Balban used to despatch Bughra from Samana, Khan-i-Shahid (prince Muhammud) from Multan and Malik Bektars from Delhi (to fight them). They would then march upto the waters of the river Beas and expel the Mongols. (In this manner) they obtained several victories and as a result, the Mongols never dared approach the river any more”¹. Defence measures on this region were further improved when Balban decided to transfer Bughra to Lakhnauti. For greater facility of resistance, the province was converted into a military command under Malik Sunj, with smaller military districts placed under officers of proved ability. This Sunam-Samana command, detailed to hold the Beas line, was to work under the orders of the viceroy of Sind who, as the officer commanding the frontier force, was made responsible for the defence of the entire northwestern frontier².