History of the Qaraunah Turks in India c12.251

c12.251

The Sultan took a great interest in the well-being of the army and himself superintended its affairs. The efficiency of the army remained unimpaired during the first half of the reign, for up to the year 1342 A.D., the Sultan's arms had almost invariably triumphed against rebels in Hindustan. But jealousies and dissensions existed and the mutual bickerings of the Hindustani and the foreign amirs often hampered unity of action. From 1342 A.D., onwards we find a perceptible diminution of strength in the royal army, which was in some measure due to the general decline of the administration caused by famine and the failure of the Sultan's cherished schemes. During the Deccan revolt the 'Centurious' succeeded in inflicting a crushing defeat upon 'Imad-al-Mulk, the Imperial general. The army of Muhammad Tughluq was certainly less efficient than that of 'Ala-al-Din, and if it had been matched against foes like those whom 'Ala-al-Din had encountered, it would have had little chance of success. Whatever its numerical strength towards the close of Muhammad's reign, the dearth of capable generals was conspicuous.