The Foundation of Muslim Rule in India: A History of the Establishment and Progress of the Turkish Sultanate of Delhi, 1206–1290 A.D. c8.16

c8.16

Yalduz was no match for the Khwarizm Shah. The latter had partisans in Ghazni whose citizens were notoriously fickle in their attachments. In 605/1208, hard pressed by the Khwarizm Shahi faction at his court, Yalduz was compelled to leave the city and withdraw towards the Punjab. What Aibak had foreseen, now came to pass; it was now imperative to forestall the Khwarizm Shah and occupy the city. A party of its citizens also suddenly felt an affection for him and sent an invitation. Yalduz in any case could not be allowed to find refuge in the Punjab, and was therefore promptly driven out to his former possessions in “Karman and Sankuran”. Aibak then moved up to Ghazni to occupy it. Judging from the sequel, the step was obviously taken in haste and was militarily ill-supported. Within forty days the citizens concieved a dislike for his rule—he had no direct association with them for many years—and Yalduz once again became a favourite. On the latter advancing unexpectedly, Aibak was obliged to beat a hurried retreat¹. The venture thus did little to improve the situation and now Yalduz’s enmity added to his anxiety.