The Sultanate of Delhi, 711–1526 A.D. c22.s3.t2: The subjugation of Gwalior

c22.s3.t2.1

Ibrahim’s foreign policy aimed at completing the work of conquest begun by his father. He decided to pursue Sikandar’s designs of conquering and annexing Gwalior which had more than once defied the late Sultan’s might. A convenient pretext was furnished by the ruler of that principality who gave shelter to Ibrahim’s brother, Jalal Khan. Moreover, the valiant Man Singh, who had successfully resisted Sikandar, had died and was succeeded by his son, Vikramajit, who was much inferior to his father in ability and poetical wisdom. Ibrahim despatched Azam Humayun Sarwani at the head of an army of thirty thousand horse and three hundred elephants to besiege Gwalior. Another army was sent from Agra to co-operate with him in this difficult task. Azam Humayun threw himself with zeal into the work of besieging the giant fortress. As a result of the operations an important outwork was captured. The siege progressed satisfactorily and, eventually, the fortress surrendered. Vikramajit became a vassal of the Sultan of Delhi. This was Ibrahim’s greatest achievement.