Lalkot Palace, Seat of the Mamlaka of Delhi

[Lucius Malfoy]

Lalkot Palace of Delhi

Delhi, a city of potential and wonder. A city of ancient roots within India and one that has seen dynasties rise and fall. It had seen the invasions of Allah's Faithful into northern India under Ghiyath and Mohammad. Its long standing history and geographical location serves the purpose for any would be rulers and dynastic families.

With the death of Mohammad of Ghor and his departure from the talks at Lahore, the Mamluk Emir, Akbar Abdul Majiid marched those faithful to his command and loyal to his banner into the city of Delhi. Here, Akbar proclaimed himself Malik of Delhi and created the Mamlaka of Delhi. Delhi would be the foundations of his Mamlaka and the inheritance of his successors. Surrounding provinces swore an oath of loyalty to him, seeing him as a capable ruler.

Here, his Mamluk dynasty would thrive and vie for its bid of hegemony over the land.

Ruler and Dynasty

Turkish Name: Timurtas Ilhan Persian Name: Akbar Abdul Majid, اکبر عبدالمجید Age: 38 (Born 1168 AD) Rank: Mamluk Malik of Delhi Marital Status: Married to two wives (a Persian and Turkish wife) Children: Jahandar (Jahangir) (12), Abbas Abdullah (8), Navvaba (7) Timurtas Ilhan, also known as Akbar Abdul Majid (meaning Greatest Servant of the All-glorious), is a Mamluk of Turkish origin, purchased within the many slave markets of Persia that were once held by the great Ghurid Empire. Many years ago, his people descended from the steppes beyond under the Seljuk banner, conquering through Persia and into Anatolia. Now they were a scattered people throughout the Middle East. Like all Mamluks, Timurtas was trained to be a loyal soldier, a fearsome warrior and proud of who he was as a Mamluk, a Ghulam. Once he was freed from his training, Timurtas, like others, served their patrons and Sultan faithfully and obediently. Some of his brothers remained where they were while others, like himself, rose above the rest, gaining reputation and influence. Ten years after Mohammad of Ghor succeeded to the Ghurid Throne, Timurtas was a simple Mamluk commander in charge of one of many barracks that dotted the Ghurid Empire. As time went on and the Sultan turned his favor upon the rising commander, Timurtas would gain the reputation of a ruthless and skilled commander, earning him a spot as a Commander of the Central Forces within India. These forces served as a guard around the winter capital of Lahore and to protect the southern approach into the Ghurid Empire. As time went on, Timurtas adopted a Persian name, married a Persian and Turkish woman and began to foundations for his own lineage. His Mamluk origins give him a bit of a hindrance, but ambition drives this Turk towards his desires. As a Mamluk, he is prideful of who he is, of his faith and of his abilities. Timurtas, like his fellow Ghulam and Mamluks, are of their own caste, making them stand out among the others. While ambition drives this Turk, it is unclear of what he may be seeking beyond his current position.

Realm Information

Capital: City of Delhi Holdings 35. Tribandapira 36. Trigarta 37. Sthanisvara 38. Hastinapura 39. Delhi 40. Hisar 45. Mathura 46. Kol

Realm Military

Total Military Points: 13,000 points 5,000 Points from King Level Title 8,000 Points from 8 Provinces Current Composition: TBD

[Honors Bastion]

A few weeks after the fruitless meeting at Lahore, Emir Iskandar Fahri and a few guardsmen arrive at the gates of Lalkot Palace in Dehli. The Emir request an audience with the Malik.

[Lucius Malfoy]

The guards on duty at the gate to Lalkot Palace hear the request from a small group that approached. One turns, shouting for the gate to be opened. A series of loud creaking of wood, steel and chains was heard as the doors to palace opened up to the Emir and his party. Once within the courtyards, they were escorted to one of the rear gardens where sounds of blades and shouting was heard.

What some would mistaken as trouble was in fact a training session. Akbar Abdul Majid, the Malik of Delhi, sat under a large umbrella in a comfortable chair. Two servants waving large fans behind him as his gaze rested upon a twelve year old boy, his eldest son, Akbar Jahandar. Jahandar was sparring with his tutor, a fellow Mamluk commander by the name of Bayezid, who was training the boy in the ways of the scimitar. With Akbar was the mother of Jahandar as well as the younger son of the Malik, Abbas Abdullah, a boy of eight. A servant comes out with a tray of drinks to serve to the Malik and his Malika.

As Akbar took a sip, one of the guards escorting the Emir approached Akbar, speaking softly to the Mamluk who immediately set down his drink and looked in the direction of Iskandar. He gestures for the tutor to continue training Jahandar as the Turk stood up, walking over to the Emir.

Sorry I did not see you there, my brother. Come come, have a seat. I suspect you thirst for a good drink after such a long travel from home.

[Honors Bastion]

The guards on duty at the gate to Lalkot Palace hear the request from a small group that approached. One turns, shouting for the gate to be opened. A series of loud creaking of wood, steel and chains was heard as the doors to palace opened up to the Emir and his party. Once within the courtyards, they were escorted to one of the rear gardens where sounds of blades and shouting was heard.

What some would mistaken as trouble was in fact a training session. Akbar Abdul Majid, the Malik of Delhi, sat under a large umbrella in a comfortable chair. Two servants waving large fans behind him as his gaze rested upon a twelve year old boy, his eldest son, Akbar Jahandar. Jahandar was sparring with his tutor, a fellow Mamluk commander by the name of Bayezid, who was training the boy in the ways of the scimitar. With Akbar was the mother of Jahandar as well as the younger son of the Malik, Abbas Abdullah, a boy of eight. A servant comes out with a tray of drinks to serve to the Malik and his Malika.

As Akbar took a sip, one of the guards escorting the Emir approached Akbar, speaking softly to the Mamluk who immediately set down his drink and looked in the direction of Iskandar. He gestures for the tutor to continue training Jahandar as the Turk stood up, walking over to the Emir.

Sorry I did not see you there, my brother. Come come, have a seat. I suspect you thirst for a good drink after such a long travel from home.

"I thank you Malik Akbar. A drink would be most refreshing. I am Emir Iskandar Fahri, the former military governor and now ruler of the Lakhnau and the realm of Awadh." said the Emir before he took a seat and a drink from the servant. After taking a quick drink to quench his thirst he continued and said "Our beloved Sultan has passed into Allah's embrace and he left us with a realm that is splintering apart into the hands of fools and men with more piety then wisdom in their hearts. I have come to speak to you about your intentions for the future of our realm and how we may together work in restoring it's glory."

[Oznerol]

Armored horsemen carrying green, white and gold silk banners approached the city of Delhi, riding slowly, escorting a male elephant of good size, followed by golden litters covered with silks curtains. Aibak Shah slowly approached Akbar's capital while a swift horseman rode ahead to announce his arrival to the new King of Delhi.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Armored horsemen carrying green, white and gold silk banners approached the city of Delhi, riding slowly, escorting a male elephant of good size, followed by golden litters covered with silks curtains. Aibak Shah slowly approached Akbar's capital while a swift horseman rode ahead to announce his arrival to the new King of Delhi.

The guards at Lalkot palace gaze down at the rather decorated party approaching. As with any visitor, the guard turns, shouting for the gates to open. After a few moments, the large and ornate doors opened themselves to Aibak Shah. A few elephant handlers came from the stables to ensure the mount was taken care of and under control during the Shah's visit. A group of guards would escort Aibak from the courtyard into the palace and towards the sound of music and shouting.

A large room was where Aibak was led into, dancers and musicians played the traditional music of Persia and the Turkish people, dating back to the Seljuk Empire. Many officials and Mamluk commanders were present, watching the display of beautiful ladies and music that reminded them of their homes and heritage. At the far end of the room sat Akbar who clapped with the rest of the court as the music finished. Once the dancers had moved to the side, the guards brought forth Aibak Shah to Akbar's attention. The Malik of Delhi stood up and approached Aibak.

Ah brother, welcome. You came at an opportune time. We were just celebrating the life of Mohammad of Ghor with splendid music of our homeland as well as of the Ghurids. Come come, take the seat of honored guest and join us in this occasion.

Akbar gestures to an open spot to the right of him for Aibak as the guest of honor. The Malik then turns, gesturing to the musicians.

Music! Music that reminds of our forefathers, the Seljuks! Of great times and grand conquests!

The many gathered cheered in response as Akbar sits down while the music resumes and the dancers go back to their routines.

[Oznerol]

The guards at Lalkot palace gaze down at the rather decorated party approaching. As with any visitor, the guard turns, shouting for the gates to open. After a few moments, the large and ornate doors opened themselves to Aibak Shah. A few elephant handlers came from the stables to ensure the mount was taken care of and under control during the Shah's visit. A group of guards would escort Aibak from the courtyard into the palace and towards the sound of music and shouting.

A large room was where Aibak was led into, dancers and musicians played the traditional music of Persia and the Turkish people, dating back to the Seljuk Empire. Many officials and Mamluk commanders were present, watching the display of beautiful ladies and music that reminded them of their homes and heritage. At the far end of the room sat Akbar who clapped with the rest of the court as the music finished. Once the dancers had moved to the side, the guards brought forth Aibak Shah to Akbar's attention. The Malik of Delhi stood up and approached Aibak.

Ah brother, welcome. You came at an opportune time. We were just celebrating the life of Mohammad of Ghor with splendid music of our homeland as well as of the Ghurids. Come come, take the seat of honored guest and join us in this occasion.

Akbar gestures to an open spot to the right of him for Aibak as the guest of honor. The Malik then turns, gesturing to the musicians.

Music! Music that reminds of our forefathers, the Seljuks! Of great times and grand conquests!

The many gathered cheered in response as Akbar sits down while the music resumes and the dancers go back to their routines.

Aibak stepped down from the elephant's howdah, while from the litters two veiled woman appeared, escorted by eunuchs and servants.
----------
After Akbar's welcoming he nodded in agreement, Aibak was seemingly pleased. While Delhi wasn't as magnificent as Lahore, Akbar had created a fairly magnificent and wealthy court, but still keeping his Turkish traditions, something that was pleasant indeed. Aibak wore silken robes and turban, but little jewelry, with the exception of his gilded sword. He was a Mamluk at a warrior after all.

"Thanks by this warm welcoming, by dearest brother. We have also celebrated feasts in his honor, and alms were given on his behalf to the poor of the Shahdom. I'll eagerly join you on this joyful occasion"

Aibak sits and points to the veiled figures.

"My women may join yours"

He rejoiced with his host's last words

"Let's enjoy our forefathers' music! That of the plains and full moon nights!"

[Lucius Malfoy]

Aibak stepped down from the elephant's howdah, while from the litters two veiled woman appeared, escorted by eunuchs and servants.
----------
After Akbar's welcoming he nodded in agreement, Aibak was seemingly pleased. While Delhi wasn't as magnificent as Lahore, Akbar had created a fairly magnificent and wealthy court, but still keeping his Turkish traditions, something that was pleasant indeed. Aibak wore silken robes and turban, but little jewelry, with the exception of his gilded sword. He was a Mamluk at a warrior after all.

"Thanks by this warm welcoming, by dearest brother. We have also celebrated feasts in his honor, and alms were given on his behalf to the poor of the Shahdom. I'll eagerly join you on this joyful occasion"

Aibak sits and points to the veiled figures.

"My women may join yours"

He rejoiced with his host's last words

"Let's enjoy our forefathers' music! That of the plains and full moon nights!"

Akbar nods to the veiled ladies and snaps his fingers. Two servants came over, escorting the women to join the two wives of Akbar. The music once more resounded through the halls as the gathered feasted and talked. The Malik has two cups of wine brought over. He takes one while the other is offered to Aibak. Quietly the Malik sips his drink.

We must not only mourn our father, but also rejoice in his life, just as Allah rejoices for his son's entrance into the Heavens above.

After another good sip, Akbar sets down his drink, looking over at Aibak.

So tell me, what brings you here, brother?

"I thank you Malik Akbar. A drink would be most refreshing. I am Emir Iskandar Fahri, the former military governor and now ruler of the Lakhnau and the realm of Awadh." said the Emir before he took a seat and a drink from the servant. After taking a quick drink to quench his thirst he continued and said "Our beloved Sultan has passed into Allah's embrace and he left us with a realm that is splintering apart into the hands of fools and men with more piety then wisdom in their hearts. I have come to speak to you about your intentions for the future of our realm and how we may together work in restoring it's glory."

Akbar listens to the words of Emir Fahri while sipping his own drink. His gaze focused upon Jahangar who worked quick with the scimitar against his tutor. A few moments of silence would remain before the Malik turns to his guest.

My goals are to continue where the Ghurids left off. I wish to see Delhi rise to be as great as Baghdad and as scared as Medina and Mecca. To become a center of the Islamic culture, history and research in this hostile land of India.

The Malik pauses for a moment to allow his guest to take in his words. Quietly, the Turk finishes his drink and sets it down upon a tray which was taken away by a servant. His hand raises making a crescent in the space before him.

I wish to create a new world for Muslims in this land. For Allah to be proud of, to shower fortune upon and give strength to. As the West scatters under the ambitions of many, India will unite in its stead to become a bastion of Islam. A stronghold that Allah can stretch his arms out to bring in new converts to our most holy and strong faith. I will achieve this bid for hegemony through diplomacy...and necessary conquest if it must be done.

[Honors Bastion]

Akbar listens to the words of Emir Fahri while sipping his own drink. His gaze focused upon Jahangar who worked quick with the scimitar against his tutor. A few moments of silence would remain before the Malik turns to his guest.

My goals are to continue where the Ghurids left off. I wish to see Delhi rise to be as great as Baghdad and as scared as Medina and Mecca. To become a center of the Islamic culture, history and research in this hostile land of India.

The Malik pauses for a moment to allow his guest to take in his words. Quietly, the Turk finishes his drink and sets it down upon a tray which was taken away by a servant. His hand raises making a crescent in the space before him.

I wish to create a new world for Muslims in this land. For Allah to be proud of, to shower fortune upon and give strength to. As the West scatters under the ambitions of many, India will unite in its stead to become a bastion of Islam. A stronghold that Allah can stretch his arms out to bring in new converts to our most holy and strong faith. I will achieve this bid for hegemony through diplomacy...and necessary conquest if it must be done.

"You have a bold vision Malik Akbar, a very bold one that will require years and years of dedication and undoubtedly a lot of blood, sweat, and tears to be shed if you are ever to accomplish it. And yet, your vision is probably shared by many men Malik Akbar but unlike most of them, I have a feeling that you stand a better chance at fulfilling such a vision." said Emir Fahri in a friendly tone.

"And that is why I have come to you with an offer. Do you wish to hear it?"

[Oznerol]

Akbar nods to the veiled ladies and snaps his fingers. Two servants came over, escorting the women to join the two wives of Akbar. The music once more resounded through the halls as the gathered feasted and talked. The Malik has two cups of wine brought over. He takes one while the other is offered to Aibak. Quietly the Malik sips his drink.

We must not only mourn our father, but also rejoice in his life, just as Allah rejoices for his son's entrance into the Heavens above.

After another good sip, Akbar sets down his drink, looking over at Aibak.

So tell me, what brings you here, brother?

Aibak rejected the wine kindly.

"I still refrain from those outbursts of joy, brother, I'd rather drink some milk or water instead. And the travel at elephant it is not comfortable, my head is heavy from the road's dust. Shall the All-Mighty bring rain soon"

He looked Akbar while waiting his drink, once he had what he asked for he answered the King of Delhi.

"Why would have lions to fight for a corpse while jackals wait in the shadows? It is not appropriate"

He sipped.

"We know that we are the only ones who can really contest for our father's title, the rest are but mere pretenders, we were close to him. But I do not wish to watch how we tear apart each other in a futile fight while crows pick up the carrion of our newly formed realms. It would be a waste, a pity, when we are able to build dynasties to last centuries, with God's blessings! Our realms share frontiers and our bellies are exposed to each other claws"

He sips again

"Why not submit those weaker than us, rather than waste our forces in a long contest of force, like teenagers quarreling for a maid? Wouldn't Ghurids or maybe those barbarians of Khwarezm take their chance to reconquer our domains? I say not, I won't do it. A mutual friendship maybe is wiser. Two lions can kill a whole pack of jackals. And not only jackals wait out there, but tigers..."

He sips and waits and answer.

[Jokern]

An envoy with a large retinue arrives in Delhi, requesting permission to meet the mamluk malik on behalf of the maharaja of Bengal. They carry two banners: a white tiger on a red field, and eight yellow lotuses on a sea-blue field.

[Jokern]

Aardesh bows to Akbar. It was a sound proposition, no one could say otherwise. The common people had no responsibility for the machinations of state, so why punish them?

"I agree to this. The commoners will carry on with their daily lives without fear of persecution because of their faith. If they break the law, however, they will be punished accordingly. If they serve me well, rewards will be given. That is only fair. Malik, I believe our minds are one in this suggestion."

[Lucius Malfoy]

For now, Maharaja, we shall keep our agreement a secret. I doubt my allies nor yours would look upon us in the same light if they learned of it. Your fellow Hindus might think you are consorting with the invaders of your homes for the sake of your life and power. And the same goes for my own allies. However, when the time is right and those who surround you invade your lands, I will raise my banners and strike from the rear as per our alliance.

[Jokern]

"Good, and I will do the same for you if I the opportunity arises. I think it's time for me to return home, malik. May the gods watch over you."

​Aardesh bowed to Akbar.

[Agamemnon]

A rider, wrapped in flowing black robes which cover all but his eyes, comes to the Palace in the night and requests and audience with the Mamlaka. He says to the guards that he is a chieftain from a small province called "Afghanistan".

[Lucius Malfoy]

A rider, wrapped in flowing black robes which cover all but his eyes, comes to the Palace in the night and requests and audience with the Mamlaka. He says to the guards that he is a chieftain from a small province called "Afghanistan".

The guards on duty glance down at the chieftain before one turns to shoot at the gatekeeper. The ornate doors opened, allowing the rider to enter. A group of guards awaited the visitor while the Malik, Akbar Abdul Majiid, came out of the palace. It is quite late for a meeting, this visitor better be worth it thought the Malik as he approached where the rider and the palace guards were.

[Agamemnon]

The rider removes his head covering and bows to the Malik.
"Your Lordship, I've ridden here to ask you of your opinion regarding Afghanistan and its leadership."

[Lucius Malfoy]

The rider removes his head covering and bows to the Malik.
"Your Lordship, I've ridden here to ask you of your opinion regarding Afghanistan and its leadership."

My opinion of Afghanistan and its leadership? My country is too far away to give it much thought. But I have no ill will against it, only a neutral opinion since I haven't heard much from their leadership since the meeting in Lahore a year ago. No diplomatic ties have been made either, so Delhi's views are neutral upon the Sultanate.

[Agamemnon]

"Alright, thank you Your Lordship. I was worried that some of my Sultan's more... aggressive... behaviors of late may have endangered us in the realm of public opinion. I would like to simply make it clear that the Sultan does not always speak for all of his vassals when it comes to matters of state. I sincerely apologize for wasting your time so late."

[Lucius Malfoy]

The Malik's eyebrow goes up slightly at these words. This was interesting to hear such words from the rider.

You make me curious, rider. Why are you so concerned about such things involving your Sultan?