Twilight of the Sultanate c7.12

c7.12

After the subjugation of the whole Central Asian region up to Moscow (which, however, escaped his visitation), it was natural for Tīmūr to dream of world conquest. Accordingly, in 1397 he gave to his grandson Pīr Muhammad, son of Jahāngīr,⁸ then a mere lad of fifteen, the provinces of Qundūz, Baghlān, Kabul, Ghaznī and Qandhār "with all the dependencies as far as the confines of Hind",⁹ and he was encouraged to march farther eastward into India. Crossing the Indus, Pīr Muhammad assaulted and took by storm the city of Uchch. He garrisoned the fort of Uchch and proceeded to Multan where, however, he received a check, for he wrote to his grandfather: "As Sārang had carefully fortified and strengthened this fortress, I am at this moment engaged in the siege, giving one assault twice every day. . . . I am now waiting for further instructions."¹⁰ The crisis decided the issue. Tīmūr realised that he needs must march to Hindustan and afford relief to his grandson.