Alauddin Khilji, a prominent figure in the Delhi Sultanate, remains a captivating historical figure. His life was marked by ambition, strategic reforms, and controversial actions that continue to spark debate centuries later. This detailed exploration delves into his biography, family, rise to power, and ultimately, his demise.

Biography/Wiki

Alauddin Khilji, born Ali Gurshasp or Juna Khan Khalji between 1266 and 1267 (according to 16th-17th-century chronicler Haji-ud-Dabir), hailed from the Khalji dynasty in Qalat, Zabul Province, Afghanistan. He harbored a burning ambition to conquer the world, famously aspiring to emulate Alexander the Great. His contemporaries and followers even bestowed upon him the title “Sikander-i-Sani” (Second Alexander).

Family, Religion, Wife & Sexuality

Born to Shihabuddin Mas’ud, Alauddin Khilji was of Turkic Khalji descent. Raised by his uncle and founder of the Khalji dynasty, Sultan Jalaluddin, alongside his three brothers – Almas Beg (Ulugh Khan), Qutlugh Tigin, and Muhammad – he adhered to Sunni Islam. His marital history is complex.

• He initially married his uncle Jalaluddin’s daughter, Malika-i-Jahan, a marriage marked by unhappiness.
• Subsequently, he married Mahru and then Jhatyapali, the princess of Devagiri (after looting the kingdom), with whom he had a son, Shihabuddin Omar.
• His fourth wife was Kamaladevi, the former wife of Karna, the last Vaghela king of Gujarat.
• His close relationship with Malik Kafur, his slave-turned-military commander, has led to speculation about his bisexuality.

Ascension as a Ruler

Alauddin Khilji initially served as Amir-i-Tuzuk (Master of Ceremonies) under Jalaluddin. His shrewdness and military prowess were evident when he effectively suppressed a revolt, earning him the governorship of Kara in 1291, and later Awadh. His ambition, however, ultimately led to regicide.

After his attack on Devagiri in 1296 – where he kept the looted treasure for himself, rather than sending it to Delhi as ordered – he murdered his uncle, Jalaluddin, seizing the throne. With Malik Kafur as a key military advisor and commander, he expanded his empire through conquests of various Hindu kingdoms, including Gujarat, Chittor, Malwa, Siwana, and Jalore.

Death Cause

In his later years, Alauddin Khilji became increasingly paranoid and reliant on Malik Kafur, granting him significant administrative power. His severe illness and dependence on Kafur’s counsel led to extreme measures, including the abolishment of the Wazir’s office and the execution of his brother-in-law, Alp Khan. He died on January 4, 1316, under suspicious circumstances, with suspicions of conspiracy surrounding his death involving Malik Kafur.

Facts

Here are some notable facts about Alauddin Khilji:

• He served as both Amir-i-Tuzuk and Akhur-beg (Master of the Horse) under his uncle.
• His market reforms aimed at controlling prices to support his army’s needs.
• He repeatedly defeated Mongol invasions.
• He was the first Muslim king to conquer Southern India.
• His administrative and taxation reforms significantly impacted the Delhi Sultanate.

Table: Key Figures in Alauddin Khilji’s Life