History of the Khaljis, A.D. 1290–1320 c11.33

c11.33

In the 13th and 14th centuries the Mongols had established their power from the Black Sea to the China Sea and from Siberia to Indus and Seistan. They used to fight either amongst themselves or to invade foreign lands in the hope of plunder and conquest. The number of these hordes, which, like swarms of "ants and locusts" issued forth for conquest were mutiplied by the fears of the invaded and the rhetoric of poets and historians. From the days of Iltutmish to those of Jalāluddīn, the rulers of Hindustan had to concentrate all their energies to encounter them. But in vain. It was only 'Alāuddīn who could successfully repulse some of the most terrific Mughal invasions to this country: