Explanations:Muhammad bin Tughlaq, who ruled the Delhi Sultanate from 1325 to 1351, faced numerous challenges during his reign, including the threat of Mongol invasions. The Mongols, under the leadership of Genghis Khan and his successors, had already conquered vast territories in Central Asia and parts of the Indian subcontinent. The Delhi Sultanate, under Muhammad bin Tughlaq, was particularly vulnerable to these invasions due to its strategic location and the political instability of the time.
To address this threat, Muhammad bin Tughlaq took several measures, one of which was the transfer of the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad. Daulatabad, located in the Deccan region, was chosen as the new capital because it was considered more defensible and strategically advantageous. The move was intended to create a more secure administrative center that could better withstand Mongol attacks and provide a stronger base for military operations.
The transfer of the capital was a significant undertaking that involved relocating the entire administrative apparatus, including the royal court, officials, and a large number of people. This decision was not without its challenges and faced considerable opposition. The move was ultimately unsuccessful and was reversed after a few years due to logistical difficulties and the resistance of the people.
It is important to note that while the transfer of the capital was a strategic move aimed at protecting the empire from Mongol invasions, Muhammad bin Tughlaq also implemented other policies and reforms. For instance, he introduced token currency, which was an attempt to address economic issues but faced significant problems and was eventually abandoned. Additionally, he undertook various military campaigns and administrative reforms, but these were not specifically aimed at protecting the empire from Mongol invasions.
In summary, the transfer of the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad was a significant action taken by Muhammad bin Tughlaq to protect his empire from the Mongol threat. This decision reflects the strategic thinking and the challenges faced by rulers during the Delhi Sultanate period in dealing with external threats and internal stability.