History of the Qaraunah Turks in India c6.77

c6.77

The vast empire of 'Ala-al-Din had been reduced to small dimensions owing to the weakness of the central power. The provincial satraps and the half-subdued Hindu Rajas and chieftains had begun to assert their independence. The Doab was under the authority of the Dihli Sultanate, but during the period of confusion which lasted from the death of Qutb-al-Din Mubarak Shah to the assumption of royal power by Ghazi Malik, a tendency to shake off the yoke of Dihli was clearly discernible. Khusrau's usurpation of royal authority was a revival of Hindu ascendancy, but his regime was too short to allow full scope to Hindu ambitions. Besides, the 'Alai nobles kept watch and ward over the territories that lay near the capital of the empire in the Gangetic valley and held in check the forces of disruption. But in the outlying provinces of the empire the reactionary forces had strengthened the hands of local despots and seriously diminished the authority of the Central Government.