The Mongol problem was one of the most serious challenges faced by the Delhi Sultanate during the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. The Mongols, who emerged under Genghis Khan in the early thirteenth century, created a vast empire across Central Asia, Persia and Afghanistan. Their expansion brought them into direct contact with the north-western frontiers of India. From the reign of Iltutmish onwards, the rulers of Delhi had to formulate policies to protect the Sultanate from Mongol invasions. The Mongol threat first became significant during the reign of Sultan Iltutmish. In 1221, Jalal al-Din Mangburni, the ruler of Khwarazm, was defeated by Genghis Khan and sought refuge in India. Iltutmish wisely avoided giving him permanent shelter because doing so could provoke a direct Mongol attack on the Delhi Sultanate. This cautious policy helped Iltutmish avoid confrontation with the powerful Mongol Empire. During the reign of Nasiruddin Mahmud, Mongol pressure increased, particularly in the Punjab and north-western regions. However, the Mongols did not immediately attempt to conquer Delhi. The situation became much more dangerous under Ghiyasuddin Balban. Balban considered the defence of the north-western frontier a major responsibility of the state. He strengthened forts, reorganised military arrangements and appointed capable commanders in frontier