The Mongols, having attacked in force during…

The Mongols, having attacked in force during the past decade, had attacked again at the worst time possible for Alauddin Khilji, when he is busy laying siege to Chittor.

This time the Mongols travel light.

An army of twelve thousand under Targhi’s leadership has trickled into India like a shadow and moved to Delhi at a pace that is astonishing even by Mongol standards.

Such is the swiftness of the attack that many governors cannot send their troops to Delhi in time.

Alauddin Khilji is forced to duck into Siri and stay put for about two months as the Mongols pillage not only the surrounding areas, but Delhi itself.

However they cannot get into Siri.

Although minor skirmishes are fought, a decisive win eludes both parties.

Alauddin Khilji stubbornly remains in his seemingly impregnable fortress for months until Targhi loses interest and orders his restless army to withdraw to Central Asia where the Mongol power is concentrated and from which they cannot afford to be away for too long.

Alauddin Khilji has the forts along the border strengthened and equipped with larger garrisons, building new, more effective fortifications along this area.

A new army, with its own special governor, is created with the charge of managing and guarding the border areas.