The Foundation of Muslim Rule in India: A History of the Establishment and Progress of the Turkish Sultanate of Delhi, 1206–1290 A.D. c13.54

c13.54

The Mongol *Quriltai*, convened for the coronation of Uktai Khan in 1229, decided on a reconquest and partial annexation of Khurasan and Afghanistan³. This resulted in a series of fresh assaults on territories contiguous to the Delhi frontier. In 633/1235, the principality of Siestan in western Afghanistan was made to acknowledge Mongol sway⁴; across the Helmand, through Beluchistan, Mongol horsemen became active in the Derajat valley leading to Upper Sind. Simultaneously, a Mongol force pushed through northern Afghanistan⁵ and commenced operations in the upper Indus. Details of their proceedings in this region are not found on record, but Iltutmish’s last expedition, projected towards Baniyan, must be remembered in this connection. It seems to have been intended, in accordance with the agreement implied in his co-operation against Uzbek Pai, to assist the Qarlugh chief.