Explanations:Muhammad Tughluq, who ruled the Delhi Sultanate from 1325 to 1351, faced significant challenges during his reign, including Mongol invasions. The Mongols, under the leadership of Genghis Khan and his successors, had already conquered vast territories in Central Asia and posed a significant threat to the Delhi Sultanate. To address this threat, Muhammad Tughluq implemented several strategic measures.
One of the most notable strategies was the transfer of the capital from Delhi-i Kuhna (Old Delhi) to Daulatabad, a city located in the Deccan region. This decision was made in 1327 and was intended to centralize the administration and better manage the empire's resources. By moving the capital, Tughluq aimed to strengthen his control over the southern regions and to create a more defensible position against the Mongol threat.
However, the capital transfer was not just about relocating the administrative center. Tughluq also turned Delhi-i Kuhna into a garrison town. This meant that the city was transformed into a military stronghold, with a significant number of soldiers stationed there to defend against potential Mongol attacks. The idea was to create a robust defensive position that could serve as a buffer against the Mongols and other external threats.
The decision to turn Delhi-i Kuhna into a garrison town was part of a broader military strategy. By maintaining a strong military presence in the region, Tughluq aimed to deter Mongol invasions and to provide a rapid response capability in case of an attack. This strategy was based on the understanding that a well-defended and strategically located garrison town could serve as a critical defensive line against the Mongols.
It is important to note that while the capital transfer and the creation of a garrison town were significant measures, they were not the only strategies employed by Tughluq. He also implemented other administrative and military reforms to strengthen his empire. However, the capital transfer and the garrison town strategy were among the most notable and directly related to the threat posed by the Mongols.
Understanding the historical context and the strategic decisions made by Muhammad Tughluq is crucial for comprehending the complexities of medieval Indian history. The measures he took, including the capital transfer and the creation of a garrison town, reflect the challenges faced by rulers during that period and the innovative strategies they employed to protect their territories.