History of the Qaraunah Turks in India c9.91

c9.91

Ibn Batūṭah started on his voyage on Safar, 17, 743 A.H. (July 22, 1342 A.D.), an auspicious day according to Indian custom, and was accompanied by Amir Zahir-al-Din Zinjani, a man noted for his learning and the slave Kafur, Sharabdar (keeper of drinks) to the Sultan. The party was escorted to the sea by Amir Muhammad harvi at the head of one thousand horsemen, and was joined by the Chinese envoy Tursi with a hundred servants who formed his suite. After a long and adventurous journey Ibn Batūṭah reached Khan Balaq, the capital of the Mongol Khans.⁴⁷ From China he came back to Kolam where he reached in the month of Ramzan, 747 A.H. Then he went to Calicut whence he intended to go to Dihli but did not do so for fear of the Sultan. Soon after he started on his homeward voyage and reached his native land towards the close of the year 755 A.H.