Mahmud Shah and the Jaunpur Sultanate

Khwajah-i-Jahan Malik Sarwar, a slave and former wazir of Sultan Nasiruddin Muhammad Shah IV Tughluq, founded the Jaunpur sultanate after the demise of the Tughlaq era. Mahmud Shah was the king of the Jaunpur kingdom when Bahrul took over Delhi. Mahmud considered his kingdom an extension of the Sayyid dynasty that ruled Delhi and, with its demise, considered him to be its legitimate successor. The Sharqis Mahmud was part of had a history of matrimonial relationships with the deposed Sayyids. From this perspective, he considered his claim to Delhi even more legitimate. Above all, Mahmud thought Bahrul to be unworthy of the kingdom due to his simple Afghan heritage without a royal pedigree.

Bahrul's bloodless takeover of Delhi in 1451 was something Mahmud was completely unprepared for, and he deeply resented that. Their conflict would continue for several years, and ultimately, Bahrul emerged victorious due to his superior military tactics.  

After taking over as the Sultan of Delhi, Bahrul noticed that Multan province was in a mess under Mubarak Shah and marched to Multan with his army by the end of 1451. During his absence, the nobles conspired against him and asked Mahmud Sharqi to invade Delhi using this opportunity. Mahmud was naturally belligerent, always ready for a fight, and gladly took this opportunity. Mahmud was also pushed by his wife, who came from the Sayyid dynasty, and she led him to go to war and claim the throne of Delhi. Mahmud arrived at the outskirts of Delhi in 1452.