Mongols were a constant threat to the Delhi Sultanate. Comment.

The Mongols posed a persistent and significant threat to the Delhi Sultanate throughout its existence, particularly during the 13th and 14th centuries. The geographical proximity of the Mongol Empire, led by the descendants of Genghis Khan, meant that the Delhi Sultanate had to contend with the continuous menace of Mongol invasions and incursions.

The first major encounter occurred during the reign of Iltutmish in the 13th century when the Mongols, under the leadership of Genghis Khan's grandson, Hulagu Khan, invaded the northwestern regions of the Indian subcontinent. Iltutmish managed to repel this initial threat, but it marked the beginning of a series of Mongol incursions that would plague subsequent rulers.

One of the most renowned Mongol leaders, Timur (Tamerlane), invaded Delhi in 1398, causing widespread destruction. His ruthless campaigns resulted in the sack of Delhi, leading to the massacre of its inhabitants and the plundering of its wealth. The invasion left a lasting impact on the Delhi Sultanate, severely weakening its political and economic structure.

The threat posed by the Mongols influenced the military strategies and policies of the Delhi Sultans. Firoz Shah Tughlaq, for instance, fortified the northern frontiers and established garrison towns as a defense mechanism against potential Mongol invasions. The Mongol threat necessitated a constant state of military preparedness, diverting resources that could have been used for internal development.

Despite the strategic measures taken by the Delhi Sultanate, the Mongol threat remained a persistent challenge. The nomadic and formidable nature of the Mongol armies, coupled with their ability to launch surprise attacks, made them a constant source of concern for the rulers of the Delhi Sultanate. This ongoing threat from the Mongols played a crucial role in shaping the military and defensive policies of the Delhi Sultanate, leaving a lasting impact on its historical trajectory.