The Foundation of Muslim Rule in India: A History of the Establishment and Progress of the Turkish Sultanate of Delhi, 1206–1290 A.D. c8.57

c8.57

Changiz Khan’s departure from Afghanistan removed a dominating fear from Iltutmish’s mind. With Qubachah struggling against foreign intruders in lower Sind he now felt free to reoccupy Lahore¹. Soon after, in 625/1228, he prepared to deliver his final attack. Directing the governor of Lahore to attack Multan, he himself marched his forces to Uch². Unable to offer frontal resistance Qubachah left a garrison in the town and himself fled to the security of the island fortress of Bhakar in lower Indus³. Uch capitulated after three months’ brave defence⁴. Bhakar could not give Qubachah the expected security when a detachment of Delhi troops, commanded by the wazir, pressed the siege by cutting it off from the mainland. In desperation he sent his son to Iltutmish to negotiate for terms⁵. The latter demanded his unconditional surrender. This he refused and when the citadel was assaulted, drowned himself in the Indus waters⁶.