The Foundation of Muslim Rule in India: A History of the Establishment and Progress of the Turkish Sultanate of Delhi, 1206–1290 A.D. c6.s1.41

c6.s1.41

With a view to striking a final blow, Muizzuddin accordingly advanced to besiege Gurganj, Alauddin's capital. The latter then hastily returned and was compelled to appeal for help to his Qara-khitai suzerains². This turned the table and Muizzuddin, on the news of the letter's approach had to beat a hasty retreat. The Qara-khitais pursued and on the banks of the Oxus signally defeated his forces and on his escaping with the remnant of his beaten army, was surrounded at Andhkhud in 601/1204³. It was only through the intercession of Takash's vassal, Usman, the Khan of Samarqand, that he was able to obtain a safe retreat to his capital. Thus beaten most decisively, Muizzuddin could hardly refuse to conclude a defensive alliance with his former enemy Alauddin⁴. Of their late conquest Alauddin allowed the Ghorides to retain possession only of Herat and Balkh.