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The Seven Cities of Delhi His reign was a little longer than that of Bahram Shah, but was a troubled one, marked by two Moghal invasions ; on the approach of the defending armies they retired. The king,considering himself safe, began to indulge in debauchery,injustice,and oppression, until the usual revolt deposed him in 1246, and he ended his days in prison. His tomb is unknown.

The family of Altamsh was not yet exhausted,and a third son, NASR-UD-DIN MAHMUD GHORI,came to the throne. He seems to have been a kindly man, better fitted for a hermitage than for a palace ; but he had an excellent minister,Balban, who was also a very efficient general, and faithfully served his master — an uncommon thing in those days. The sultan esteemed his minister so highly that he actually married his daughter. Thanks to Balban, the kingdom of Delhi was now in a most flourishing condition,frequent expeditions meeting with entire success,and the borders being extended ; the invading Moghals were repulsed, and lesser princes found a refuge from them in Delhi. The grandson of Changiz Khan, after taking Baghdad and overthrowing the khalifate, sent an embassy to Mahmud. On this occasion an army was drawn up for review, consisting of nearly three hundred thousand horse and foot, with many war-elephants. 178