Jump to content

Alauddin Khalji

Page semi-protected
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Alauddin Khalji
Sultan
Sikander-e-Sani (Alexander the Second)
A 17th century portrait of Alauddin Khalji
13thSultan of Delhi
Reign19 July 1296–4 January 1316
Coronation21 October 1296
PredecessorJalaluddin Firuz Khalji
SuccessorShihabuddin Omar
Governor ofAwadh
Tenurec.1296–19 July 1296
Governor ofKara
Tenurec.1266–1316
PredecessorMalik Chajju
SuccessorʿAlāʾ ul-Mulk
Amir-i-Tuzuk
(equivalent toMaster of ceremonies)
Tenurec.1290–1291
BornAli Gurshasp
c.1266
Died4 January 1316(1316-01-04)(aged 49–50)
Delhi(present-day India)
Burial
Madrasa and tomb of Alauddin Khalji,Delhi[1]
Spouse
Issue
Regnal name
Alauddunya wad Din Muhammad Shah-us Sultan
HouseKhalji dynasty
FatherShihabuddin Mas'ud (brother ofJalaluddin Khalji)
ReligionSunni Islam[2]

Alauddin Khalji(Persian:علاء الدین خلجی;r. 1296–1316), bornAli Gurshasp,was a ruler from theKhalji dynastythat ruled theDelhi Sultanatein theIndian subcontinent.Alauddin instituted a number of significant administrative changes in India, related torevenues,price controls,andsociety.He also successfully fended off severalMongol invasions of India.

Alauddin was a nephew and a son-in-law of his predecessorJalaluddin.When Jalaluddin became the Sultan of Delhiafter deposingtheMamluks,Alauddin was given the position ofAmir-i-Tuzuk(equivalent tomaster of ceremonies). After suppressing a revolt against Jalaluddin, Alauddin obtained the governorship ofKarain 1291, and the governorship ofAwadhin 1296, after a profitableraid on Bhilsa.In 1296, Alauddinraided Devagiri,and used the acquired loot to stage a successful revolt against Jalaluddin. After killing Jalaluddin, he consolidated his power in Delhi, and subjugated Jalaluddin's sons inMultan.

Over the next few years, Alauddin successfully fended off theMongol invasionsfrom theChagatai Khanate,atJaran-Manjur(1297–1298),Sivistan(1298),Kili(1299),Delhi(1303), andAmroha(1305). In 1306, his forces achieved a decisive victory against the Mongols near theRavi riverbank,and later ransacked the Mongol territories in present-dayAfghanistan.The military commanders that successfully led his army against the Mongols includeZafar Khan,Ulugh Khan,and Alauddin's slave-generalMalik Kafur.

Alauddin conquered the kingdoms ofGujarat(raided in 1299 and annexed in 1304),Jaisalmer(1299),Ranthambore(1301),Chittor(1303),Malwa(1305),Siwana(1308), andJalore(1311). These victories ended severalRajputand other Hindu dynasties, including theParamaras,theVaghelas,theChahamanas of RanastambhapuraandJalore,the Rawal branch of theGuhilas,and possibly theYajvapalas.His slave-general Malik Kafur led multiple campaigns to the south of theVindhyas,obtaining a considerable amount of wealth fromDevagiri(1308),Warangal(1310) andDwarasamudra(1311). These victories forced theYadavakingRamachandra,theKakatiyakingPrataparudra,and theHoysalakingBallala IIIto become Alauddin'stributaries.Kafur alsoraided the Pandya kingdom(1311), obtaining much treasure, elephants, and horses.

During the last years of his life, Alauddin had an illness and relied on Malik Kafur to handle the administration. After his death in 1316, Malik Kafur appointedShihabuddin,son of Alauddin and his Hindu wife Jhatyapali, as apuppet monarch.Alauddin's elder sonQutbuddin Mubarak Shahseized power shortly after his death.

Early life

Contemporary chroniclers did not write much about Alauddin's childhood. According to the 16th/17th-century chronicler Haji-ud-Dabir, Alauddin was 34 years old when he started his march to Ranthambore (1300–1301). Assuming this is correct, Alauddin's birth can be dated to 1266–1267.[3]His original name was Ali Gurshasp. He was the eldest son of Shihabuddin Mas'ud, who was the elder brother of theKhalji dynasty's founder SultanJalaluddin.He had three brothers:Almas Beg(later Ulugh Khan), Qutlugh Tigin, and Muhammad.[4]

Alauddin was brought up by Jalaluddin after Shihabuddin's death.[5]Both Alauddin and his younger brother Almas Beg married Jalaluddin's daughters. After Jalaluddin became the Sultan of Delhi, Alauddin was appointed asAmir-i-Tuzuk(equivalent toMaster of ceremonies), while Almas Beg was given the post ofAkhur-beg(equivalent toMaster of the Horse).[6]

Marriage to Jalaluddin's daughter

Gold coinage of 'Ala al-Din Muhammad (AH 695-715 / AD 1296–1316). Dar al-Islam mint. Dated AH 709 (AD 1309–10).

Alauddin married Jalaluddin's daughter,Malika-i-Jahan,long before theKhalji revolutionof 1290. The marriage, however, was not a happy one. Having suddenly become a princess after Jalaluddin's rise as a monarch, she was very arrogant and tried to dominate Alauddin. According to Haji-ud-Dabir, Alauddin married a second woman, named Mahru, who was the sister of Malik Sanjar aliasAlp Khan.[7]Malika-i-Jahan was greatly infuriated by her husband taking a second wife. According to Dabir, this was the main cause of the misunderstanding between Alauddin and his first wife.[7]Once, while Alauddin and Mahru were together in a garden, Jalaluddin's daughter attacked Mahru out of jealousy. In response, Alauddin assaulted her. The incident was reported to Jalaluddin, but the Sultan did not take any action against Alauddin.[6]Alauddin was not on good terms with his mother-in-law either, who wielded great influence over the Sultan. According to the 16th-century historianFirishta,she warned Jalaluddin that Alauddin was planning to set up an independent kingdom in a remote part of the country. She closely monitored Alauddin and encouraged her daughter's arrogant behavior toward him.[8]

Governor of Kara

In 1291, Alauddin played an important role in crushing a revolt by the governor ofKaraMalik Chajju. Jalaluddin rewarded Alauddin by appointing him as the new governor of Kara in 1291.[6]Malik Chajju's formerAmirs(subordinate nobles) at Kara considered Jalaluddin as a weak and ineffective ruler and instigated Alauddin to usurp the throne of Delhi.[7]This, combined with his unhappy domestic life, made Alauddin determined to dethrone Jalaluddin.[5]

Conspiracy against Jalaluddin

While instigating Alauddin to revolt against Jalaluddin, Malik Chajju's supporters emphasized that he needed a lot of money to raise a large army and stage a successful coup: Malik Chajju's revolt had failed for want of resources.[7]To finance his plan to dethrone Jalaluddin, Alauddin decided to raid the neighboring Hindu kingdoms. In 1293, heraided Bhilsa,a wealthy town in theParamarakingdom ofMalwa,which had been weakened by multiple invasions.[5]At Bhilsa, he learned of the immense wealth of the southernYadava kingdomin theDeccanregion, as well as about the routes leading to their capitalDevagiri.Therefore, he shrewdly surrendered the loot from Bhilsa to Jalaluddin to win Sultan's confidence, while withholding the information on the Yadava kingdom.[9]A pleased Jalaluddin gave him the office ofAriz-i Mamalik(Minister of War), and also made him the governor ofAwadh.[10]In addition, the Sultan granted Alauddin's request to use the revenue surplus for hiring additional troops.[11]

After years of planning and preparation, Alauddin successfullyraided Devagiriin 1296. He left Devagiri with a huge amount of wealth, including precious metals, jewels, silk products, elephants, horses, and slaves.[12]When the news of Alauddin's success reached Jalaluddin, the Sultan came toGwalior,hoping that Alauddin would present the loot to him there. However, Alauddin marched directly to Kara with all the wealth. Jalaluddin's advisors such as Ahmad Chap recommended intercepting Alauddin at Chanderi, but Jalaluddin had faith in his nephew. He returned to Delhi, believing that Alauddin would carry the wealth from Kara to Delhi. After reaching Kara, Alauddin sent a letter of apology to the Sultan and expressed concern that his enemies may have poisoned Sultan's mind against him during his absence. He requested a letter of pardon signed by the Sultan, which the Sultan immediately despatched through messengers. At Kara, Jalaluddin's messengers learned of Alauddin's military strength and of his plans to dethrone the Sultan. However, Alauddin detained them and prevented them from communicating with the Sultan.[13]

Meanwhile, Alauddin's younger brother Almas Beg (later Ulugh Khan), who was married to a daughter of Jalaluddin, assured the Sultan of Alauddin's loyalty. He convinced Jalaluddin to visit Kara and meet Alauddin, saying that Alauddin would commit suicide out of guilt if the Sultan did not pardon him personally. A gullible Jalaluddin set out for Kara with his army. After reaching close to Kara, he directed Ahmad Chap to take his main army to Kara by land route, while he himself decided to cross theGanges riverwith a smaller body of around 1,000 soldiers. On 20 July 1296, Alauddin had Jalaluddin killed, after pretending to greet the Sultan, and declaring himself the new king. Jalaluddin's companions were also killed, while Ahmad Chap's army retreated to Delhi.[14]

Ascension and march to Delhi

Extent of the Delhi Sultanate at the time of Jalaluddin Khalji's ascension (1290)

Alauddin, known as Ali Gurshasp until his ascension in July 1296, was formally proclaimed as the new king with the titleAlauddunya wad Din Muhammad Shah-us SultanatKara.Meanwhile, the head of Jalaluddin was paraded on a spear in his camp before being sent toAwadh.[4]Over the next two days, Alauddin formed a provisional government at Kara. He promoted the existingAmirsto the rank ofMaliks,and appointed his close friends as the newAmirs.[15]

At that time, there were heavy rains, and theGangaand theYamunarivers were flooded. But Alauddin made preparations for a march to Delhi, and ordered his officers to recruit as many soldiers as possible, without fitness tests orbackground checks.[15]His objective was to cause a change in the general political opinion, by portraying himself as someone with huge public support.[16]To portray himself as a generous king, he ordered 5mannsof gold pieces to be shot from amanjaniq(catapult) at a crowd in Kara.[15]

One section of his army, led by himself andNusrat Khan,marched to Delhi viaBadaunand Baran (modernBulandshahr). The other section, led byZafar Khan,marched to Delhi viaKoil(modernAligarh).[15]As Alauddin marched to Delhi, the news spread in towns and villages that he was recruiting soldiers while distributing gold. Many people, from both military and non-military backgrounds, joined him. By the time he reached Badaun, he had a 56,000-strong cavalry and a 60,000-strong infantry.[15]At Baran, Alauddin was joined by seven powerful Jalaluddin nobles who had earlier opposed him. These nobles were Tajul Mulk Kuchi, Malik Abaji Akhur-bek, Malik Amir Ali Diwana, Malik Usman Amir-akhur, Malik Amir Khan, Malik Umar Surkha, and Malik Hiranmar. Alauddin gave each of them 30 to 50manns of gold, and each of their soldiers 300 silvertankas (hammered coins).[16]

Alauddin's march to Delhi was interrupted by the flooding of the Yamuna river. Meanwhile, in Delhi, Jalaluddin's widowMalka-i-Jahanappointed her youngest son Qadr Khan as the new king with the title Ruknuddin Ibrahim, without consulting the nobles. This irked Arkali Khan, her elder son and the governor ofMultan.WhenMalika-i-Jahanheard that Jalaluddin's nobles had joined Alauddin, she apologized to Arkali and offered him the throne, requesting him to march from Multan to Delhi. However, Arkali refused to come to her aid.[16]

Alauddin resumed his march to Delhi in the second week of October 1296, when the Yamuna river subsided. When he reachedSiri,Ruknuddin led an army against him. However, a section of Ruknuddin's army defected to Alauddin at midnight.[16]A dejected Ruknuddin then retreated and escaped to Multan with his mother and the loyal nobles. Alauddin then entered the city, where a number of nobles and officials accepted his authority. On 21 October 1296, Alauddin was formally proclaimed as the Sultan in Delhi.[17]

Consolidation of power

Initially, Alauddin consolidated power by making generous grants and endowments and appointing many people to government positions.[18]He balanced the power between the officers appointed by theMamluks,the ones appointed by Jalaluddin and his own appointees.[17]He also increased the strength of the Sultanate's army, and gifted every soldier the salary of a year and a half in cash. Of Alauddin's first year as the Sultan, chroniclerZiauddin Baraniwrote that it was the happiest year that the people of Delhi had ever seen.[18]

At this time, Alauddin could not exercise his authority over all of Jalaluddin's former territories. In thePunjab region,his authority was limited to the areas east of theRavi river.The region beyondLahoresuffered fromMongol raidsandKhokharrebellions.Multanwas controlled by Jalaluddin's son Arkali, who harbored the fugitives from Delhi.[18]In November 1296, Alauddin sent an army led byUlugh KhanandZafar Khantoconquer Multan.On his orders, Nusrat Khan arrested, blinded, and/or killed the surviving members of Jalaluddin's family.[19][20]

Shortly after the conquest of Multan, Alauddin appointed Nusrat Khan as hiswazir(prime minister).[21]Having strengthened his control over Delhi, the Sultan started eliminating the officers that were not his own appointees.[22]In 1297,[23]the aristocrats (maliks), who had deserted Jalaluddin's family to join Alauddin, were arrested, blinded or killed. All their property, including the money earlier given to them by Alauddin, was confiscated. As a result of these confiscations, Nusrat Khan obtained a huge amount of cash for the royal treasury. Only threemaliks from Jalaluddin's time were spared: Malik Qutbuddin Alavi, Malik Nasiruddin Rana, and Malik Amir Jamal Khalji.[24]The rest of the older aristocrats were replaced with the new nobles, who were extremely loyal to Alauddin.[25]

Meanwhile, Ala-ul Mulk, who was Alauddin's governor at Kara, came to Delhi with all the officers, elephants, and wealth that Alauddin had left at Kara. Alauddin appointed Ala-ul Mulk as thekotwalof Delhi and placed all the non-Turkic municipal employees under his charge.[22]Since Ala-ul Mulk had become veryobese,the governorship of Kara was entrusted to Nusrat Khan, who had become unpopular in Delhi because of the confiscations.[25]

Military campaigns

Mongol invasions and northern conquests, 1297–1306

In the winter of 1297, theMongolsled by anoyanof theChagatai Khanateraided Punjab, advancing as far asKasur.Alauddin's forces, led by Ulugh Khan,defeated the Mongolson 6 February 1298. According toAmir Khusrow,20,000 Mongols were killed in the battle, and many more were killed in Delhi after being brought there as prisoners.[26]In 1298–99, another Mongol army (possiblyNeguderifugitives)invaded Sindh,and occupied the fort ofSivistan.This time, Alauddin's generalZafar Khandefeated the invaders and recaptured the fort.[27][28]

In early 1299, Alauddin sent Ulugh Khan and Nusrat Khan toinvade Gujarat,where theVaghelakingKarnaoffered a weak resistance. Alauddin's army plundered several towns includingSomnath,where it desecrated the famous Hindu temple. The Delhi army also captured several people, including the Vaghela queen Kamala Devi and slaveMalik Kafur,who later led Alauddin's southern campaigns.[29][30]During the army's return journey to Delhi, some of its Mongol soldiers staged an unsuccessful mutiny nearJalore,after the generals forcibly tried to extract a share of loot (khums) from them. Alauddin's administration meted out brutal punishments to the mutineers' families in Delhi, including killings of children in front of their mothers.[31]According toZiauddin Barani,the practice of punishing wives and children for the crimes of men started with this incident in Delhi.[32]

In 1299, the Chagatai rulerDuwasent a Mongol force led byQutlugh Khwajato conquer Delhi.[33]In the ensuingBattle of Kili,Alauddin personally led the Delhi forces, but his general Zafar Khan attacked the Mongols without waiting for his orders. Although Zafar Khan managed to inflict heavy casualties on the invaders, he and other soldiers in his unit were killed in the battle.[34]Qutlugh Khwaja was also seriously wounded, forcing the Mongols to retreat.[35]

Conquest of northern India

Jaisalmer Fortwas captured by Alauddin Khalji in 1299 CE.

Around the same time, Alauddin turned his attention towards the present-day state of Rajasthan to subdue the Rajput kingdoms for a secure base toGujaratandMalwaand for further expeditions in the South. In 1299 CE, Alauddin besieged thefortress of Jaisalmerruled byBhatisat the time under Jait Singh I. Following a long siege and due to the dearth of food and resources, eventually, the besieged Rajputs under the command of Mularaja performed Saka where the women committedJauharand the men fought until death. Thus, Alauddin successfully penetrated into territories of the Bhattis. After the conquest of Jaisalmer, it remained under the Khalji's for few more years.[36]

In 1301, Alauddin ordered Ulugh Khan and Nusrat Khan toinvade Ranthambore,whose kingHammiradevahad granted asylum to the leaders of the mutiny near Jalore. After Nusrat Khan was killed during the siege, Alauddin personally took charge of the siege operations, and conquered the fort in July 1301.[37]During the Ranthambore campaign, Alauddin facedthree unsuccessful rebellions.[38]To suppress any future rebellions, he set up an intelligence and surveillance system, instituted a totalprohibitionin Delhi, established laws to prevent his nobles from networking with each other, and confiscated wealth from the general public.[39]

Alauddin Khalji conquered theChittor FortinRajasthan,in theSiege of Chittorgarh (1303).

In the winter of 1302–1303, Alauddin dispatched an army to ransack theKakatiyacapitalWarangal.Meanwhile, he himself led another army to conquerChittor,the capital of theGuhilakingdom ruled byRatnasimha.[40]Alauddin captured Chittor after aneight-month long siege.[41]According to his courtier Amir Khusrau, he ordered a massacre of 30,000 local Hindus after this conquest.[42]Some later legends state that Alauddin invaded Chittor to capture Ratnasimha's beautiful queenPadmini,but most modern historians have rejected the authenticity of these legends.[43]

While the imperial armies were busy in Chittor and Warangal campaigns, the Mongols launched anotherinvasion of Delhiaround August 1303.[44]Alauddin managed to reach Delhi before the invaders, but did not have enough time to prepare for a strong defence.[45][46]Meanwhile, the Warangal campaign was unsuccessful (because of heavy rains according toZiauddin Barani), and the army had lost several men and its baggage. Neither this army, nor the reinforcements sent by Alauddin's provincial governors could enter the city because of the blockades set up by the Mongols.[47][48]Under these difficult circumstances, Alauddin took shelter in a heavily guarded camp at the under-constructionSiri Fort.The Mongols engaged his forces in some minor conflicts, but neither army achieved a decisive victory. The invaders ransacked Delhi and its neighbourhoods, but ultimately decided to retreat after being unable to breach Siri.[49]The Mongol invasion of 1303 was one of the most serious invasions of India, and prompted Alauddin to take several steps to prevent its repeat. He strengthened the forts and the military presence along the Mongol routes to India.[50]He also implemented a series ofeconomic reformsto ensure sufficient revenue inflows for maintaining a strong army.[51]

Sultan Alau'd Din put to Flight; Women of Ranthambhor commitJauhar,aRajput paintingfrom 1825

In 1304, Alauddin appears to have ordered asecond invasion of Gujarat,which resulted in the annexation of the Vaghela kingdom to the Delhi Sultanate.[52]In 1305, he launched aninvasion of Malwain central India, which resulted in the defeat and death of theParamarakingMahalakadeva.[53][54]TheYajvapala dynasty,which ruled the region to the north-east of Malwa, also appears to have fallen to Alauddin's invasion.[55]

In December 1305, the Mongols invaded India again. Instead of attacking the heavily guarded city of Delhi, the invaders proceeded south-east to theGangetic plainsalong theHimalayan foothills.Alauddin's 30,000-strong cavalry, led by Malik Nayak, defeated the Mongols at theBattle of Amroha.[56][57]Many Mongols were taken captive and killed; the 16th-century historianFirishtaclaims that the heads (sir) of 8,000 Mongols were used to build the Siri Fort commissioned by Alauddin.[58]

In 1306, another Mongol army sent by Duwa advanced up to theRavi River,ransacking the territories along the way. Alauddin's forces, led byMalik Kafur,decisivelydefeated the Mongols.[59]Duwa died next year, and after that the Mongols did not launch any further expeditions to India during Alauddin's reign. On the contrary, Alauddin'sDipalpurgovernorMalik Tughluqregularly raided the Mongol territories located in present-day Afghanistan.[60][61]

Marwar and southern campaigns, 1307–1313

Khalji territory at its maximum extent including vassals

Around 1308, Alauddin sent Malik Kafur toinvade Devagiri,whose kingRamachandrahad discontinued the tribute payments promised in 1296, and had granted asylum to the Vaghela king Karna atBaglana.[62]Kafur was supported by Alauddin's Gujarat governor Alp Khan, whose forces invaded Baglana, and captured Karna's daughterDevaladevi(later married to Alauddin's son Khizr Khan).[63]At Devagiri, Kafur achieved an easy victory, and Ramachandra agreed to become a lifelong vassal of Alauddin.[64]

Meanwhile, a section of Alauddin's army had been besieging the fort ofSiwanainMarwarregion unsuccessfully for several years.[65]In August–September 1308, Alauddin personally took charge of the siege operations in Siwana.[54]The Delhi army conquered the fort in theSiege of Siwana,and the defending ruler Sitaladeva was killed in November 1308.[66]

The plunder obtained from Devagiri prompted Alauddin to plan an invasion of the other southern kingdoms, which had accumulated a huge amount of wealth, having been shielded from the foreign armies that had ransacked northern India.[67]In late 1309, he sent Malik Kafur to ransack theKakatiyacapitalWarangal.Helped by Ramachandra of Devagiri, Kafur entered the Kakatiya territory in January 1310, ransacking towns and villages on his way to Warangal.[68]After a month-longsiege of Warangal,the Kakatiya kingPrataparudraagreed to become a tributary of Alauddin, and surrendered a large amount of wealth (possibly including theKoh-i-Noordiamond) to the invaders.[69]

Meanwhile, after conquering Siwana, Alauddin had ordered his generals to subjugate other parts of Marwar, before returning to Delhi. The raids of his generals in Marwar led to their confrontations withKanhadadeva,theChahamanaruler ofJalore.[70]In 1311, Alauddin's generalMalik Kamaluddin Gurgcaptured the Jalore fortafter defeating and killing Kanhadadeva.[71]

During the siege of Warangal, Malik Kafur had learned about the wealth of theHoysalaandPandyakingdoms located further south. After returning to Delhi, he took Alauddin's permission to lead an expedition there.[72]Kafur started his march from Delhi in November 1310,[73]and crossedDeccanin early 1311, supported by Alauddin's tributaries Ramachandra and Prataparudra.[74]

Western coast of India, with the traditional Yadava capital ofDiogil( "Deogiri", orDevagiri) at the center, in theCatalan Atlas(1375). On top of the city ofDiogilfloats a peculiar flag (), while coastal cities are under the black flag of theDelhi Sultanate().[75][76]Devagiri was ultimately captured by Alauddin Khalji in 1307.[77]The trading ship raises the flag of theIlkhanate().

At this time, the Pandya kingdom was reeling under a war of succession between the two brothers Vira and Sundara, and taking advantage of this, the Hoysala kingBallalahad invaded the Pandyan territory. When Ballala learned about Kafur's march, he hurried back to his capitalDwarasamudra.[78]However, he could not put up a strong resistance, and negotiated a truce after ashort siege,agreeing to surrender his wealth and become a tributary of Alauddin.[79][80]

From Dwarasamudra, Malik Kafur marched to the Pandya kingdom, where heraided several townsreaching as far asMadurai.Both Vira and Sundara fled their headquarters, and thus, Kafur was unable to make them Alauddin's tributaries. Nevertheless, the Delhi army looted many treasures, elephants and horses.[81]The Delhi chroniclerZiauddin Baranidescribed this seizure of wealth from Dwarasamudra and the Pandya kingdom as the greatest one since the Muslim capture of Delhi.[82]

During this campaign, the Mongol general Abachi had conspired to ally with the Pandyas, and as a result, Alauddin ordered him to be executed in Delhi. This, combined with their general grievances against Alauddin, led to resentment among Mongols who had settled in India after converting to Islam. A section of Mongol leaders plotted to kill Alauddin, but the conspiracy was discovered by Alauddin's agents. Alauddin then ordered amass massacre of Mongolsin his empire, which according to Barani, resulted in the death of 20,000 or 30,000 Mongols.[83]

Meanwhile, inDevagiri,after Ramachandra's death, his son tried to overthrow Alauddin's suzerainty. Malik Kafur invaded Devagiri again in 1313, defeated him, and became the governor of Devagiri.

Administrative changes

Alauddin was the most powerful ruler of his dynasty.[84]Unlike the previous rulers of the Delhi Sultanate, who had largely relied on the pre-existing administrative set-up, Alauddin undertook large-scale reforms.[85]After facing the Mongol invasions andseveral rebellions,he implemented several reforms to be able to maintain a large army and to weaken those capable of organizing a revolt against him.[86]Barani also attributes Alauddin's revenue reforms to the Sultan's desire to subjugate the Hindus by "depriving them of that wealth and property which fosters rebellion".[87]According to historianSatish Chandra,Alauddin's reforms were based on his conception of fear and control as the basis of good government as well as his military ambitions: the bulk of the measures were designed to centralise power in his hands and to support a large military.[88]

Some of Alauddin's land reforms were continued by his successors, and formed a basis of the agrarian reforms introduced by the later rulers such asSher Shah SuriandAkbar.[89]However, his other regulations, including price control, were revoked by his sonQutbuddin Mubarak Shaha few months after his death.[90]

Revenue reforms

Main article:Revenue reforms of Alauddin Khalji
Front and back of copper coin with raised inscription, against a red background
Copper coin of Alauddin Khalji

The countryside and agricultural production during Alauddin's time was controlled by the village headmen, the traditional Hindu authorities. He viewed their haughtiness and their direct and indirect resistance as the main difficulty affecting his reign. He also had to face talk of conspiracies at his court.[91]

After some initial conspiracies and Hindu revolts in rural areas during the early period of his reign, he struck the root of the problem by introducing reforms that also aimed at ensuring support of his army and food supply to his capital. He took away all landed properties of his courtiers and nobles and cancelled revenue assignments which were henceforth controlled by the central authorities. Henceforth, "everybody was busy with earning a living so that nobody could even think of rebellion". He also ordered "to supply some rules and regulations for grinding down the Hindus, and for depriving them of that wealth and property which fosters rebellion. The Hindu was to be so reduced as to be unable to keep a horse to ride on, wear fine clothes, or to enjoy any luxuries of life."[91]

Alauddin brought a large tract of fertile land under the directly governed crown territory, by eliminatingiqta's,land grantsand vassals in theGanga-Yamuna Doabregion.[92]He imposed a 50%kharajtax on the agricultural produce in a substantial part of northern India: this was the maximum amount allowed by theHanafischool of Islam, which was dominant in Delhi at that time.[93]

Alauddin Khalji's taxation system was probably the one institution from his reign that lasted the longest, surviving indeed into the nineteenth or even the twentieth century. From now on, the land tax (kharajormal) became the principal form in which the peasant's surplus was expropriated by the ruling class.

— The Cambridge Economic History of India: c.1200-c.1750,[94]

Alauddin also eliminated the intermediary Hindu rural chiefs, and started collecting thekharajdirectly from the cultivators.[95]He did not levy any additional taxes on agriculture, and abolished the cut that the intermediaries received for collecting revenue.[96]Alauddin's demand for tax proportional to land area meant that the rich and powerful villages with more land had to pay more taxes.[97]He forced the rural chiefs to pay same taxes as the others, and banned them from imposing illegal taxes on the peasants.[97]To prevent any rebellions, his administration deprived the rural chiefs of their wealth, horses and arms.[98]By suppressing these chiefs, Alauddin projected himself as the protector of the weaker section of the rural society.[99]However, while the cultivators were free from the demands of the landowners, the high taxes imposed by the state meant a cultivator had "barely enough for carrying on his cultivation and his food requirements."[96]

To enforce these land and agrarian reforms, Alauddin set up a strong and efficient revenue administration system. His government recruited many accountants, collectors and agents. These officials were well-paid but were subject to severe punishment if found to be taking bribes. Account books were audited and even small discrepancies were punished. The effect was both large landowners and small-scale cultivators were fearful of missing out on paying their assessed taxes.[100]

Alauddin's government imposed thejizyatax on its non-Muslim subjects, and his Muslim subjects were obligated to contributezakat.[101]He also levied taxes on residences (ghari) andgrazing(chara'i), which were not sanctioned by the Islamic law.[102]In addition, Alauddin demanded four-fifths share of the spoils of war from his soldiers, instead of the traditional one-fifth share (khums).[101]

Market reforms

Main article:Market reforms of Alauddin Khalji

Alauddin implementedprice controlmeasures for a wide variety of market goods.[89]Alauddin's courtierAmir Khusrauand the 14th century writer Hamid Qalandar suggest that Alauddin introduced these changes for public welfare.[103]However, Barani states that Alauddin wanted to reduce the prices so that low salaries were acceptable to his soldiers, and thus, to maintain a large army.[104][105]In addition, Barani suggests that the Hindu traders indulged inprofiteering,and Alauddin's market reforms resulted from the Sultan'sdesire to punishthe Hindus.[97]

To ensure that the goods were sold at regulated prices, Alauddin appointed market supervisors and spies, and received independent reports from them. To prevent ablack market,his administration prohibited peasants and traders from storing the grains, and established government-run granaries, where government's share of the grain was stored. The government also forced the transport workers to re-settle in villages at specific distances along the Yamuna river to enable rapid transport of grain to Delhi.[106]

Chroniclers such as Khusrau and Barani state that the prices were not allowed to increase during Alauddin's lifetime, even when the rainfall was scarce.[107]The shopkeepers who violated the price control regulations or tried to circumvent them (such as, by using false weights) were given severe punishments.[108]

Military reforms

Alauddin maintained a largestanding army,which included 475,000 horsemen according to the 16th-century chroniclerFirishta.[109]He managed to raise such a large army by paying relatively low salaries to his soldiers, and introducedmarket price controlsto ensure that the low salaries were acceptable to his soldiers.[105]Although he was opposed to granting lands to his generals and soldiers, he generously rewarded them after successful campaigns, especially those inDeccan.[110]

Alauddin's government maintained a descriptive roll of every soldier, and occasionally conducted strict reviews of the army to examine the horses and arms of the soldiers. To ensure that no horse could be presented twice or replaced by a poor-quality horse during the review, Alauddin established a system ofbrandingthe horses.[111]

Social reforms

Main article:Rebellions against Alauddin Khalji § Measures for preventing rebellions

Although Islam bansalcoholic drinks,drinking was common among the Muslim royals and nobles of the Delhi Sultanate in the 13th century, and Alauddin himself was a heavy drinker. As part of his measures to prevent rebellions, Alauddin imposedprohibition,because he believed that the rampant use of alcoholic drinks enabled people to assemble, lose their senses and think of rebellion. According toIsami,Alauddin banned alcohol, after a noble condemned him for merrymaking when his subjects were suffering from a famine. However, this account appears to be hearsay.[112]

Subsequently, Alauddin also banned other intoxicants, includingcannabis.[112]He also bannedgambling,and excommunicated drunkards and gamblers from Delhi, along with vendors of intoxicants.[113]Alauddin's administration strictly punished the violators, and ensured non-availability of alcohol not only in Delhi, but also in its surrounding areas. Nevertheless, alcohol continued to be illegally produced in and smuggled into Delhi.[114]Sometime later, Alauddin relented, and allowed brewing and drinking in private. However, public distribution and drinking of wine remained prohibited.[115]

Alauddin also increased his level of control over the nobility. To prevent rebellions by the nobles, he confiscated their wealth and removed them from their bases of power. Even charitable lands administered by nobles were confiscated. Severe punishments were given for disloyalty. Even wives and children of soldiers rebelling for greater war spoils were imprisoned. An efficient spy network was set up that reached into the private households of nobles. Marriage alliances made between noble families had to be approved by the king.[116]

Alauddin bannedprostitution,and ordered all existing prostitutes of Delhi to be married.[113]Firishta states that he classified prostitutes into three grades, and fixed their fees accordingly. However, historian Kishori Saran Lal dismisses this account as inaccurate. Alauddin also took steps to curbadulteryby ordering the male adulterer to be castrated and the female adulterer to bestoned to death.[117]

Alauddin bannedcharlatans,and orderedsorcerers(called "blood-sucking magicians" by his courtier Amir Khusrau) to be stoned to death.[118]

Last days

Tomb of Alauddin Khalji,Qutb complex,Delhi

During the last years of his life, Alauddin had an illness, and became very distrustful of his officers. He started concentrating all the power in the hands of his family and his slaves.[119]He became charmed with his slave-generalMalik Kafur,who became the de facto ruler of the Sultanate after being promoted to the rank of viceroy (Na'ib).[120][121]

Alauddin removed several experienced administrators, abolished the office ofwazir(prime minister), and even executed the minister Sharaf Qa'ini. It appears that Malik Kafur, who considered these officers as his rivals and a threat, convinced Alauddin to carry out this purge.[119]Kafur had Alauddin's eldest sons Khizr Khan and Shadi Khan blinded. He also convinced Alauddin to order the killing of his brother-in-law Alp Khan, an influential noble who could rival Malik Kafur's power. The victims allegedly hatched a conspiracy to overthrow Alauddin, but this might be Kafur's propaganda.[119]

Alauddin died on the night of 4 January 1316.[122]Barani claims that according to "some people",Kafurmurdered him.[123]Towards the end of the night, Kafur brought the body of Alauddin from the Siri Place and had it buried in Alauddin's mausoleum (which had already been built before Alauddin's death). The mausoleum is said to have been located outside a Jama Mosque, but neither of these structures can be identified with certainty. According to historianBanarsi Prasad Saksena,the ruined foundations of these two structures probably lie under one of the mounds at Siri.[122]

The next day, Kafur appointed Alauddin's young sonShihabuddinas apuppet monarch.[122]However, Kafur was killed shortly after, and Alauddin's elder sonMubarak Khanseized the power.[124]

Alauddin's tomb and themadrasadedicated to him exist at the back ofQutb complex,Mehrauli,inDelhi.[125]

Personal life

Alauddin's wives included Jalaluddin's daughter, who held the titleMalika-i-Jahan,andAlp Khan's sister Mahru.[7]He also married Jhatyapali, the daughter of Hindu kingRamachandra of Devagiri,probably after the 1296 Devagiri raid,[126]or after his 1308 conquest of Devagiri.[127]Alauddin had a son with Jhatyapali,Shihabuddin Omar,who succeeded him as the next Khalji ruler.[126]

Alauddin also married Kamala Devi, a Hindu woman, who was originally the chief queen ofKarna,theVaghelaking of Gujarat.[128]She was captured by Khalji forces during an invasion, escorted to Delhi as part of the war booty, and taken into Alauddin'sharem.[129][130]She eventually reconciled to her new life.[131]According to the chroniclerFirishta,sometime between 1306 and 1307, Kamala Devi requested Alauddin to secure her daughterDeval Devifrom the custody of her father, Raja Karan.[131][132]Alauddin sent an order to Raja Karan telling him to send Deval Devi immediately.[132]Deval Devi was eventually brought to Delhi and lived in the royal palace with her mother.[133]

Malik Kafur,a slave captured during theGujarat campaign,[134]caught the fancy of Alauddin.[135]He rose rapidly in Alauddin's service, mainly because of his proven ability as military commander and wise counsellor,[120]and eventually became the viceroy (Na'ib) of the Sultanate.[136]A deep emotional bond developed between Alauddin and Kafur.[135]According to Barani, during the last four or five years of his life, Alauddin deeply favoured Kafur, and handed over the administration to him.[123]Based on Barani's description, scholarsRuth VanitaandSaleem Kidwaibelieve that Alauddin and Kafur were in a homosexual relationship.[137]Historian Judith E. Walsh, scholar Nilanjan Sarkar and scholar Thomas Gugler also believe Alauddin and Kafur were lovers in a sexually intimate relationship.[138][139][140]Given his relationship with Kafur, historians believe Alauddin may have beenbisexualor even homosexual.[141]HistorianBanarsi Prasad Saksenabelieves that the closeness between the two was not sexual.[121]

Architecture

In 1296, Alauddin constructed the Hauz-i-Alai (laterHauz-i-Khas) water reservoir, which covered an area of 70 acres, and had a stone-masonry wall.Gradually, it became filled with mud, and wasdesiltedbyFiruz Shah Tughlaqaround 1354. The autobiographical memoirs ofTimur,who invaded Delhi in 1398, mention that the reservoir was a source of water for the city throughout the year.[142]

In the early years of the 14th century, Alauddin built theSiri Fort.The fort walls were mainly constructed usingrubble(in mud), although there are some traces ofashlarmasonry(inlimeandlime plaster).[142]Alauddin camped in Siri during the1303 Mongol invasion,and after the Mongols left, he built the Qasr-i-Hazar Situn palace at the site of his camp. The fortified city of Siri existed in the time of Timur, whose memoirs state that it had seven gates. The destruction of the Fort is attributed to the local rulers who removed the fort's stones, bricks and other artifacts for their own buildings. In particular, Sher Shah Suri (1540–1545), from Eastern India (Bihar), took away material from Siri to build his own city.[143]

Alauddin commissioned theAlai Darwaza,which was completed in 1311, and serves as the southern gateway leading to theQuwwat-ul-Islam mosquebuilt byQutb al-Din Aibak.[144]He also started the construction of theAlai Minar,which was intended to be double to size of theQutb Minar,but the project was abandoned, probably when he died.[145]

The construction of the Lal Mahal (Red Palace) sandstone building nearChausath Khambahas also been attributed to Alauddin, because its architecture and design is similar to that of theAlai Darwaza.[146]

In 1311, Alauddin repaired the 100-acre Hauz-i-Shamasi reservoir that had been constructed byShamsuddin Iltutmishin 1229, and also built a dome at its centre.[142]

Religious policy

Views on religion

Like his predecessors, Alauddin was aSunni Muslim.His administration persecuted theIsmaili(Shia) minorities, after the orthodox Sunnis falsely accused them of permitting incest in their "secret assemblies". Alauddin ordered an inquiry against them sometime before 1311. The inquiry was conducted by the orthodoxulama,who found several Ismailis guilty. Alauddin ordered the convicts to besawninto two.[147]

Ziauddin Barani,writing half a century after his death, mentions that Alauddin did not patronize the Muslimulama,and that "his faith inIslamwas firm like the faith of the illiterate and the ignorant ". He further states that Alauddin once thought of establishing a new religion. Just like the Islamic prophetMuhammad's fourRashiduncaliphshelped spread Islam, Alauddin believed that he too had fourKhans(Ulugh,Nusrat,ZafarandAlp), with whose help he could establish a new religion.[148]Barani's uncle Alaul Mulk convinced him to drop this idea, stating that a new religion could only be found based on a revelation fromGod,not based on human wisdom.[149]Alaul Mulk also argued that even great conquerors likeGenghis Khanhad not been able to subvert Islam, and people would revolt against Alauddin for founding a new religion.[150]Barani's claim that Alauddin thought of founding a religion has been repeated by several later chroniclers as well as later historians. HistorianBanarsi Prasad Saksenadoubts the authenticity of this claim, arguing that it is not supported by Alauddin's contemporary writers.[148]

According to Barani, Alauddin was the first sultan to separate religion from the state. Barani wrote that he:[151]

came to the conclusion that polity and government are one thing, and the rules and decrees of law are another. Royal commands belong to the king, legal decrees rest upon the judgment of theqazisandmuftis.In accordance with this opinion, whatever affair of state came before him, he only looked to the public good, without considering whether his mode of dealing with it was lawful or unlawful. He never asked for legal opinions about political matters, and very few learned men visited him.

— Tarikh i Firoze Shahi byZiauddin Barani[151]

HistorianK. S. Laldisagrees with Barani, mentioning that Alauddin had great faith in his religion and never permitted anything irreligious to be said,[152]the 14th-century Indian historian and court poet,Abdul Malik Isamiconfirms this:

Allaudin realized his duties as a king. To him, this kingly office was divine, which carried a lot of responsibilities with itself. For he was very thankful to God Almighty. Moreover, as a Muslim, he believed in the day of judgment & considered himself answerable for all his deeds on that day. Therefore he always tried his best to do the deeds which were acceptable to God. He introduced many reforms only to remove the sufferings of the masses, irrespective of their color and creed so that he could win the pleasure of his creator[153]

Relationship with Hindus

At times, he exploited Muslim fanaticism against Hindu chiefs and the treatment of thezimmis.[151]Persian historianWassafstates that he sent an expedition against Gujarat as aholy warand it was not motivated by "lust of conquest".[154]ThemasnaviDeval Devi—Khizr KhanbyAmir Khusraustates that Gujarat was only annexed in the second invasion which took place seven years after the first one, implying the first was merely a plundering raid.[155]AtKhambhat,it is said that the citizens were caught by surprise.[156]Wassaf states that "The Muhammadan forces began to kill and slaughter on the right and on the left unmercifully, throughout the impure land, for the sake of Islam, and blood flowed in torrents."[157]

Alauddin and his generals destroyed severalHindutemples during their military campaigns. These temples included the ones atBhilsa(1292),Devagiri(1295),Vijapur(1298–1310),Somnath(1299),Jhain(1301),Chidambaram(1311) andMadurai(1311).[158]

He compromised with the Hindu chiefs who were willing to accept his suzerainty. In a 1305 document, Khusrau mentions that Alauddin treated the obedient Hinduzamindars(feudal landlords) kindly, and granted more favours to them than they had expected. In his poetic style, Khusrau states that by this time, all the insolent Hindus in the realm ofHindhad died on the battlefield, and the other Hindus had bowed their heads before Alauddin. Describing a court held on 19 October 1312, Khusrau writes the ground had becomesaffron-coloured from thetilaksof the Hindu chiefs bowing before Alauddin.[159]This policy of compromise with Hindus was greatly criticized by a small but vocal set of Muslim extremists, as apparent from Barani's writings.[160]

Alauddin rarely listened to the advice of the orthodox ulama. When he had asked about the position of Hindus under an Islamic state, theqaziMughis replied that the Hindu "should pay the taxes with meekness and humility coupled with the utmost respect and free from all reluctance. Should the collector choose to spit in his mouth, he should open the same without hesitation, so that the official may spit into it... The purport of this extreme meekness and humility on his part... is to show the extreme submissiveness incumbent upon this race. God Almighty Himself (in the Quran) commands their complete degradation in as much as these Hindus are the deadliest foes of the true prophet.Mustafahas given orders regarding the slaying, plundering and imprisoning of them, ordaining that they must either follow the true faith, or else be slain or imprisoned, and have all their wealth and property confiscated. "[161]

Alauddin believed "that the Hindu will never be submissive and obedient to the Musalman unless he is reduced to abject poverty." He undertook measures to impoverish them and felt it was justified because he knew that the chiefs andmuqaddamsled a luxurious life but never paid a jital in taxes. His vigorous and extensive conquests led to him being viewed as persecutor both at home and abroad, including by Maulana Shamsuddin Turk,Abdul Malik Isamiand Wassaf.[162]Barani, while summing up his achievements, mentions that the submission and obedience of the Hindus during the last decade of his reign had become an established fact. He states that such a submission on the part of the Hindus "has neither been seen before nor will be witnessed hereafter".[163]

Under theMamluk dynasty,obtaining a membership in the higher bureaucracy was difficult for the Indian Muslims and impossible for Hindus. This however seems to have changed under the Khaljis. Khusrau states inKhazainul Futuhthat Alauddin had dispatched a 30,000 strong army under a Hindu officer Malik Naik, theAkhur-bek Maisarah,to repel the Mongols.[164]During Ikat Khan's rebellion, the Sultan's life was saved by Hindu soldiers (paiks). Because of the large presence of non-Muslims in the imperial army, Alaul Mulk advised him not to leave Delhi to repel the MongolQutlugh Khwajawho had surrounded it.[165]

Relationships with Jains

PerJainsources, Alauddin held discussions with Jain sages and once specially summonedAcharyaMahasena to Delhi.[166]There was no learned Digambracarya in North India during this period and Mahasena was persuaded by Jains to defend the faith. Alauddin was impressed by his profound learning and asceticism. ADigambaraJain Purancandra was very close to him and the Sultan also maintained contacts with theShwetambarasages. The Jain poetAcharyaRamachandra Suri was also honored by him.[167]

KharataragacchaPattavali,completed in 1336–1337, details atrocities on Jains under his reign including destruction of a religious fair in 1313 while capturing Jabalipura (Jalor). The conditions seem to have changed a year later.BanarasidasinArdhakathanakamentions thatJain Shrimalamerchants spread over North India and in 1314, the sons of a Shrimala and others along with their cousins and a huge congregation of pilgrims were able to visit a temple at Phaludi despite Ajmer and its neighbourhood being under siege by Muslim forces.[167]

Coins

  • Copper half Gani
    Copper half Gani
  • Copper half Gani
    Copper half Gani
  • Billion Gani
    Billion Gani
  • Silver Tanka
    Silver Tanka
  • Bilingual coin
    Bilingual coin
  • Silver Tanka Dar al-Islam Mint
    Silver Tanka Dar al-Islam Mint
  • Silver Tanka Qila Deogir Mint
    Silver Tanka Qila Deogir Mint

Khalji minted coins using the title ofSikander Sani.Sikander isOld Persianfor 'Alexander', a title popularized byAlexander the Great,while sani isArabicfor 'Second'. The coin legend (Sikander-e -Sani) translates to 'The Second Alexander' in recognition of his military success.[168]

He had amassed wealth in his treasury through campaigns in Deccan and South India and issued many coins. His coins omitted the mention of theKhalifa,replacing it with the self-laudatory titleSikander-us-sani Yamin-ul-Khilafat.[169]He ceased addingAl-Musta'sim's name, instead addingYamin-ul-Khilafat NāsirAmīri 'l-Mu'minīn(The right hand of the Caliphate, the helper of the Commander of the Faithful).[170]

In popular culture

References

  1. ^Lafont, Jean-Marie & Rehana (2010).The French & Delhi: Agra, Aligarh, and Sardhana(1st ed.). New Delhi: India Research Press. p. 8.ISBN9788183860918.
  2. ^Mehta, Jaswant Lal (1979).Advanced Study in the History of Medieval India.Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd. p. 141.ISBN978-81-207-0617-0.
  3. ^Kishori Saran Lal 1950,pp. 40–41.
  4. ^abBanarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,p. 326.
  5. ^abcBanarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,p. 321.
  6. ^abcKishori Saran Lal 1950,p. 41.
  7. ^abcdeKishori Saran Lal 1950,p. 42.
  8. ^Kishori Saran Lal 1950,p. 43.
  9. ^A. B. M. Habibullah 1992,p. 322.
  10. ^Kishori Saran Lal 1950,p. 45.
  11. ^Banarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,p. 322.
  12. ^Banarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,pp. 322–323.
  13. ^Banarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,p. 323.
  14. ^Banarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,p. 324.
  15. ^abcdeBanarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,p. 327.
  16. ^abcdBanarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,p. 328.
  17. ^abBanarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,p. 329.
  18. ^abcBanarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,p. 330.
  19. ^Banarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,p. 331.
  20. ^Kishori Saran Lal 1950,p. 79.
  21. ^Kishori Saran Lal 1950,p. 80.
  22. ^abBanarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,p. 332.
  23. ^Peter Jackson 2003,p. 85.
  24. ^Banarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,p. 333.
  25. ^abKishori Saran Lal 1950,p. 81.
  26. ^Peter Jackson 2003,p. 221.
  27. ^Peter Jackson 2003,pp. 219–220.
  28. ^Mohammad Habib 1981,p. 266.
  29. ^Kishori Saran Lal 1950,pp. 84–86.
  30. ^Banarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,pp. 334–335.
  31. ^Kishori Saran Lal 1950,p. 88.
  32. ^Banarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,p. 335.
  33. ^Banarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,p. 338.
  34. ^Kishori Saran Lal 1950,pp. 159–161.
  35. ^Peter Jackson 2003,pp. 221–222.
  36. ^Rima Hooja (2006).A HISTORY OF RAJASTHAN (PB).Rupa & Company. p. 368.ISBN978-81-291-1501-0.The attack on Jaisalmer during Sultan Alauddin Khilji's reign seems to have begun in AD 1299, when its Bhati king Jait Singh I was ruling. The besieged fort withstood the assault and encirclement until, at long last, scarcity of food and provisions played their inevitable part in deciding the issue. By this time, Jait Singh may have already lost his life, as tradition holds, and the crown taken up by his son, Mularaj. It was at this stage that the women of Jaisalmer fort performed jauhar, while the men, led by Rawal Mularaj, and his younger brother Ratan Singh, flung open the gates of the fort and rushed forth to die fighting to the last. Some sources suggest that Mularaj died in an earlier sortie, and that Ratan Singh (or Ratan-Si), succeeded him as Rawal and carried out the defence of Jaisalmer, until the final shaka. In any event, once Jaisalmer was invested, it is known to have remained in Khilji hands for the next few years
  37. ^Banarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,pp. 342–347.
  38. ^Banarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,pp. 343–346.
  39. ^Banarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,pp. 350–352.
  40. ^Banarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,p. 366.
  41. ^Banarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,p. 367.
  42. ^Kishori Saran Lal 1950,pp. 119–120.
  43. ^Satish Chandra 2004,p. 89.
  44. ^Banarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,p. 368.
  45. ^Banarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,p. 369.
  46. ^Mohammad Habib 1981,p. 267.
  47. ^Kishori Saran Lal 1950,p. 164-165.
  48. ^Banarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,p. 366-369.
  49. ^Banarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,pp. 369–370.
  50. ^Banarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,p. 372.
  51. ^Banarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,p. 373.
  52. ^Asoke Kumar Majumdar 1956,p. 191.
  53. ^Kishori Saran Lal 1950,pp. 133–134.
  54. ^abPeter Jackson 2003,p. 198.
  55. ^Peter Jackson 2003,p. 145.
  56. ^Banarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,pp. 392–393.
  57. ^Peter Jackson 2003,pp. 227–228.
  58. ^Banarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,p. 393.
  59. ^Kishori Saran Lal 1950,pp. 171–172.
  60. ^Kishori Saran Lal 1950,p. 175.
  61. ^Peter Jackson 2003,p. 229.
  62. ^Kishori Saran Lal 1950,p. 189.
  63. ^Banarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,pp. 400–402.
  64. ^Kishori Saran Lal 1950,pp. 192–193.
  65. ^Banarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,p. 396.
  66. ^Kishori Saran Lal 1950,p. 135.
  67. ^Kishori Saran Lal 1950,p. 186.
  68. ^Kishori Saran Lal 1950,pp. 195–197.
  69. ^Banarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,p. 409-410.
  70. ^Ashok Kumar Srivastava 1979,pp. 48–50.
  71. ^Ashok Kumar Srivastava 1979,p. 52-53.
  72. ^Kishori Saran Lal 1950,p. 201.
  73. ^Banarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,p. 411.
  74. ^Banarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,pp. 411–412.
  75. ^Antiquities from San Thomé and Mylapore.1936. pp. 264–265.
  76. ^Kadoi, Yuka (2010)."On the Timurid flag".Beiträge zur islamischen Kunst und Archäologie.2:148.doi:10.29091/9783954909537/009....helps identify another curious flag found in northern India – a brown or originally silver flag with a vertical black line – as the flag of the Delhi Sultanate (602-962/1206-1555).
  77. ^Beaujard, Philippe (2019).The worlds of the Indian Ocean: a global history: a revised and updated translation.Cambridge University Press. p. Chapter 8.ISBN978-1-108-42456-1.The sultan captured the Rajput fort of Chitor, in Rājasthān, and in 1310 he subjected most of the Deccan to his power. He took Devagiri – the capital of the Yādava – in 1307
  78. ^Banarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,p. 412.
  79. ^Banarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,p. 413.
  80. ^Kishori Saran Lal 1950,p. 203.
  81. ^Banarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,p. 415-417.
  82. ^Kishori Saran Lal 1950,p. 213.
  83. ^Peter Jackson 2003,p. 174.
  84. ^Habib, Irfan (2002).Essays in Indian history: towards a Marxist perception.London: Anthem Press. p. 81.ISBN9781843310617.
  85. ^Kishori Saran Lal 1950,p. 241.
  86. ^Hermann Kulke & Dietmar Rothermund 2004,p. 172.
  87. ^Hermann Kulke & Dietmar Rothermund 2004,pp. 172–173.
  88. ^Satish Chandra 2004,p. 76-79.
  89. ^abSatish Chandra 2007,p. 105.
  90. ^Banarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,p. 429.
  91. ^abHermann Kulke & Dietmar Rothermund 2004,p. 171-173.
  92. ^Satish Chandra 2007,p. 102.
  93. ^Peter Jackson 2003,p. 242.
  94. ^Irfan Habib 1982,p. 62.
  95. ^Banarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,pp. 357–358.
  96. ^abSatish Chandra 2004,p. 78-80.
  97. ^abcSatish Chandra 2007,p. 104.
  98. ^Banarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,pp. 358–359.
  99. ^Banarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,p. 361.
  100. ^Satish Chandra 2004,p. 80.
  101. ^abKishori Saran Lal 1950,p. 250.
  102. ^Peter Jackson 2003,p. 243.
  103. ^Banarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,pp. 374–376.
  104. ^Satish Chandra 2007,p. 103.
  105. ^abAbraham Eraly 2015,p. 166.
  106. ^Hermann Kulke & Dietmar Rothermund 2004,p. 173.
  107. ^Banarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,p. 379.
  108. ^Banarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,p. 387.
  109. ^Kishori Saran Lal 1950,p. 257.
  110. ^Kishori Saran Lal 1950,p. 260.
  111. ^Kishori Saran Lal 1950,pp. 256–257.
  112. ^abKishori Saran Lal 1950,p. 261.
  113. ^abKishori Saran Lal 1950,p. 262.
  114. ^Kishori Saran Lal 1950,pp. 262–263.
  115. ^Kishori Saran Lal 1950,p. 263.
  116. ^Satish Chandra 2004,p. 76-77.
  117. ^Kishori Saran Lal 1950,p. 264.
  118. ^Kishori Saran Lal 1950,p. 265.
  119. ^abcPeter Jackson 2003,p. 176.
  120. ^abAbraham Eraly 2015,p. 177-8.
  121. ^abBanarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,p. 421.
  122. ^abcBanarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,p. 425.
  123. ^abR. Vanita & S. Kidwai 2000,p. 132.
  124. ^Abraham Eraly 2015,pp. 178–179.
  125. ^Qutb Complex: Ala al Din Khalji Madrasa,ArchNet
  126. ^abKishori Saran Lal 1950,pp. 56–57.
  127. ^Satish Chandra 2004,p. 92.
  128. ^Kishori Saran Lal 1950,p. 84.
  129. ^Banarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,p. 334.
  130. ^Kishori Saran Lal 1950,p. 86.
  131. ^abKishori Saran Lal 1950,p. 190.
  132. ^abBanarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,p. 402.
  133. ^Kishori Saran Lal 1950,p. 297.
  134. ^S. Digby 1978,p. 419.
  135. ^abShanti Sadiq Ali 1996,p. 35.
  136. ^Abraham Eraly 2015,p. 177-178.
  137. ^R. Vanita & S. Kidwai 2000,p. 113, 132.
  138. ^Judith E. Walsh (2006).A Brief History of India.Infobase Publishing. p.71.ISBN1438108257.
  139. ^Nilanjan Sarkar (2013). "Forbidden Privileges and History-Writing in Medieval India".The Medieval History Journal.16(1): 33–4, 48, 55.
  140. ^Gugler TK (2011). "Politics of Pleasure: Setting South Asia Straight".South Asia Chronicle.1:355–392.
  141. ^Craig Lockard (2006).Societies, Networks, and Transitions: A Global History.Vol. 1: To 1500. Cengage Learning. p. 366.ISBN0618386114.
  142. ^abcKishori Saran Lal 1950,p. 375.
  143. ^Kishori Saran Lal 1950,p. 376.
  144. ^Kishori Saran Lal 1950,pp. 377–378.
  145. ^Kishori Saran Lal 1950,p. 380.
  146. ^Kishori Saran Lal 1950,pp. 376–377.
  147. ^Banarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,p. 399.
  148. ^abBanarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,pp. 336–337.
  149. ^Kishori Saran Lal 1950,p. 90.
  150. ^Kishori Saran Lal 1950,p. 91.
  151. ^abcJ. L. Mehta.Advanced Study in the History of Medieval India – Vol. III: Medieval Indian Society And Culture.Sterling Publishers. p. 102.ISBN9788120704329.
  152. ^K. S. Lal , History of the Khaljis: A.D. 1290-1320, p. 308
  153. ^Abdul Malik Isami, Fatuh Us Salatin, p. 306
  154. ^M.B. Deopujari (1973). "The Deccan Policy of the Sultanate (1296–1351)".Nagpur University Journal: Humanities.24.Nagpur University:39.
  155. ^M. Yaseen Mazhar Siddiqi. "Chronology of the Delhi Sultanate".Islam and the Modern Age.27.Islam and the Modern Age Society; Dr. Zakir Husain Institute of Islamic Societies,Jamia Millia Islamia:184.
  156. ^Mary Boyce(2001).Zoroastrians: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices.Psychology Press. p. 168.ISBN9780415239028.
  157. ^R. C. Majumdar 1967,p. 625.
  158. ^Richard M. Eaton 2001,pp. 72–73.
  159. ^Banarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,p. 354.
  160. ^Banarsi Prasad Saksena 1992,pp. 355–356.
  161. ^Kishori Saran Lal."Political conditions of the Hindus under the Khaljis".Proceedings of the Indian History Congress.9.Indian History Congress:234.
  162. ^Kishori Saran Lal."Political conditions of the Hindus under the Khaljis".Proceedings of the Indian History Congress.9.Indian History Congress:234–235.
  163. ^Kishori Saran Lal.Theory and Practice of Muslim State in India.Aditya Prakashan. p. 128.
  164. ^Mohammad Habib,Afsar Umar Salim Khan.The Political Theory of the Delhi Sultanate: Including a Translation of Ziauddin Barani's Fatawa-i Jahandari, Circa, 1358-9 A.D.Kitab Mahal. p. 150.
  165. ^Kanhaiya Lall Srivastava (1980).The position of Hindus under the Delhi Sultanate, 1206–1526.Munshiram Manoharlal.p. 142.
  166. ^Burjor Avari(April 2015).The Age of Wrath: A History of The Delhi Sultanate.Penguin UK.ISBN9789351186588.
  167. ^abPushpa Prasad. "The Jain Community in the Delhi Sultanate".Proceedings of the Indian History Congress.54.Indian History Congress:224, 225.
  168. ^Salma Ahmed Farooqui (2011).A Comprehensive History of Medieval India: Twelfth to the Mid-eighteenth Century.Pearson India Education Services. p. 13.ISBN9788131732021.
  169. ^Vipul Singh (2009).Interpreting Medieval India: Early medieval, Delhi Sultanate, and regions (circa 750–1550).Macmillan. p. 17.ISBN9780230637610.
  170. ^Thomas Walker Arnold (2010).The Caliphate.Adam Publishers. p. 88.ISBN9788174350336.
  171. ^Sharma, Manimugdha S. (29 January 2017)."Padmavati isn't history, so what's all the fuss about?".The Times of India.Retrieved13 November2017.
  172. ^Guy, Randor (13 June 2015)."Chitoor Rani Padmini (1963)".The Hindu.Retrieved23 November2017.
  173. ^Ghosh, Avijit (27 February 2017)."Actor's actor Om Puri redefined idea of male lead".The Times of India.Retrieved13 November2017.
  174. ^Shah, Shravan (21 September 2017)."Did You Know? Deepika Padukone is not the first actress to play Padmavati on-screen?".www.zoomtv.com.Retrieved13 November2017.
  175. ^Palat, Lakshana N (21 November 2017)."Padmavati row: Who was Rani Padmavati's husband Maharawal Ratan Singh?".India Today.Retrieved24 January2018.
  176. ^Chauhan, Chetansingh (17 February 2024)."Review of Gujarati Movie" Kasoombo "".Newz Daddy.Retrieved18 February2024.

Bibliography

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related toAlauddin Khalji.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Alauddin_Khalji&oldid=1231553905"