History of the Khaljis, A.D. 1290–1320 c12.2

c12.2

By the end of the first decade of the 14th century Sultan 'Alāuddīn had accomplished the conquest of almost the whole of north India, had checked the tide of Mughal aggression, and had effected reforms in civil and military spheres. Under his stern administration peace, if not plenty, prevailed. The barons, the traders as well as the peasants were kept under strict control so that all opposition to his despotism was paralysed. A large army consisting of 4,75,000¹ well-eqipped soldiers was regularly paid and well looked after by the state; and relying on its strength the emperor embarked upon the conquest of the Deccan peninsula.