Why did Ibn Battuta want to travel to Delhi?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Engraving of Ibn Battuta in Egypt, standing on a decorated stone block with another man, overlooking ancient Egyptian columns and palm trees in the background. — Ibn Battuta Ibn Baṭṭūṭah (right) with an Egyptian man in Egypt.

Ibn Battuta decided to travel to Delhi because he had heard of the sultan of Delhi, Muhammad ibn Tughluq, and his reputation for "fabulous generosity" toward Muslim scholars.1

Seeking to improve his fortunes, Ibn Battuta aimed to visit the sultan's court to benefit from this patronage. His expectations were ultimately met, as he was received with honors and gifts upon his arrival and was subsequently appointed as the grand qadi of Delhi.12