History of the Qaraunah Turks in India c9.9

c9.9

Such was the condition of Khorasan when Muhammad planned his expedition, and it was by no means an absurd idea in itself. But there can be no doubt that the scheme was impolitic in the highest degree, for the country had not yet recovered from the effects of his two unfortunate experiments—the transfer of the capital and the introduction of the token currency. Judging from the circumstances which existed at the time, it may be said that the projected expedition was a blunder, and had little chance of success. Though the Sultan was not wanting in physical courage and prowess, he miscalculated the situation, and failed to see the insuperable difficulties placed in his way by man and nature and the vast distances. Between him and Khorasan and 'Iraq lay huge mountains and hostile peoples to contend against whom were needed greater resources than he possessed. To mobilise a huge host through the icy passes of the Hindukush or the Himalaya was an enterprise before which sturdier generals might have quailed, especially when the country was in the throes of a severe famine, and which would have drawn him far away from his points d' appui. The difficulties of transport were equally great, and there was every possibility of the convoys of supplies being robbed by the border tribes. It has been urged in support of the scheme that the Sultan of Egypt who had become an ally of Muhammad Tughluq had promised to detain the Persian forces in the wrong quarter by threatening the western frontiers⁵ It is true, the Sultan of Egypt was an ambitious monarch. To extend the sphere of his influence he exchanged embassies with the Mongols of Kepchak, of Persia, kings of Yemen and Abyssinia.