Q. Iltutmish followed the policy of neutrality when Mangabarni asked for
help against the Mongols because
(a) he was not strong enough to help him
(b) he did not like Mangabarni
(c) he did not want to drag his infant kingdom into Central Asian politics
(d) he was scared of the Mongols
Ans: (c) he did not want to drag his infant kingdom into Central Asian politics
Explanation:
The correct answer is (c) he did not want to drag his infant kingdom into Central Asian politics.
Iltutmish, who was the third Sultan of Delhi from the Slave Dynasty, adopted a policy of neutrality when Mangabarni (also known as Mangubarni) sought help against the Mongols. This decision was primarily driven by the fact that Iltutmish did not want to involve his nascent kingdom in the complex and turbulent politics of Central Asia.
During that time, the Mongol Empire, under the leadership of Genghis Khan and later his successors, was expanding rapidly and posing a significant threat to the neighboring regions. Mangabarni, who ruled the neighboring region of Bengal, requested assistance from Iltutmish to counter the Mongol threat.
However, Iltutmish, recognizing the vulnerability and limited resources of his kingdom, chose not to engage in direct military intervention against the Mongols. He understood that involving his forces in a conflict with the Mongols could potentially weaken his own kingdom and divert valuable resources from consolidating his rule in Delhi.
By adopting a policy of neutrality, Iltutmish aimed to safeguard the stability and interests of his own kingdom. He preferred to focus on internal consolidation, strengthening his administration, and expanding his influence in the Indian subcontinent rather than entangling himself in the power struggles and conflicts of Central Asia.