Alauddin Khalji's Conquests in North India

 

Reasons of Alauddin Khalji's Conquests

1. Personal Ambition
   Alauddin Khalji possessed a strong ambition to expand his empire. He called himself 'Sikandar Sani' (Alexander II) and dreamed of world conquest. However, upon the advice of his counselor Ala-ul-Mulk, he limited his campaigns to the Indian subcontinent. His desire for personal glory and the aspiration to leave a lasting legacy of power drove him to engage in constant wars and conquests.
2. Political Reasons
   Alauddin's reign faced frequent Mongol invasions and external threats. To strengthen and secure his Sultanate, he strategically aimed to subjugate important regions.
• Strategic Conquests: Forts like Ranthambore and Chittor were not only of strategic importance but also symbols of Rajput resistance.
• Suppression of Rebellions: He defeated rebellious kings and rulers to establish his political dominance, such as Gujarat's King Karan and Ranthambore's Hammir Dev.
• Regional Stability: By ensuring the subjugation of states and levying annual taxes (khiraj), he maintained administrative control and revenue flow.
3. Economic Reasons
   One of the key objectives of Alauddin Khalji’s campaigns was economic gain.
• Wealth Acquisition: Conquests of prosperous states like Gujarat, Devagiri, and South India were economically rewarding. Looting the Somnath temple and plundering Devagiri's riches enriched the Sultanate's treasury.
• Economic Control: His victories over Gujarat and Rajasthan provided him with control over vital trade routes, bolstering the Sultanate's economic strength.
• Tax Collection: He compelled South Indian states to pay annual tribute, which became a crucial aspect of his economic policy.
4. Religious Reasons
   Alauddin Khalji's conquests were also driven by religious motives.
• Spread of Islam: He destroyed many Hindu temples and replaced them with Islamic symbols in various regions.
• Religious Zealotry: The destruction of the idol of Somnath temple and bringing its fragments to Delhi symbolized his religious fanaticism.

                                       Campaigns of Conquest in North India

1. Victory over Jaisalmer and Gujarat

Economic and Political Significance of Gujarat

Gujarat was a prosperous state at the time, with its capital at Anhilwad (Patan). Its commercial and cultural significance distinguished it from other North Indian states. Under the rule of Vaghela king Karn (Rai Karan), Gujarat had established itself as an independent power. Although Muslim forces had attacked Gujarat multiple times before, no decisive victory was achieved.

Reason for the Attack

The primary reason for this attack was the asylum sought by Madhav, a minister of King Karn, at the Delhi court. Madhav accused the king of taking possession of his wife in his absence. This situation provided Alauddin Khalji with a political pretext for the invasion.

Attack and Victory

In late 1298 CE, Ulugh Khan and Nusrat Khan led an attack on Gujarat, capturing Jaisalmer along the way. Near Ahmedabad, King Karn resisted but was defeated and fled to take refuge with the ruler of Devagiri, Ramchandra Dev.

• Gujarat was plundered, including the ports of Surat, Somnath, and Cambay.
• The Somnath temple was destroyed, and its idol was taken to Delhi and desecrated.
• King Karn’s wife, Kamaladevi, and the royal treasury were taken to Delhi. Kamaladevi later married Alauddin.
• During this campaign, Nusrat Khan purchased Malik Kafur Hazar Dinari, who later became one of Alauddin’s key generals.

2. Victory over Ranthambore

Strategic Importance of Ranthambore

Ranthambore was the center of power for the Chauhan Rajputs. Its capture was crucial for the conquest of Rajasthan. Rana Hammirdev fortified the fort with great skill and political acumen.

Cause: The Issue of Mongol Refugees

Alauddin justified the attack on Ranthambore on the grounds that Rana Hammirdev had given shelter to Mongol refugees.

First Failed Attempt

The initial attack, led by Ulugh Khan and Nusrat Khan, failed due to fierce Rajput resistance, and Nusrat Khan was killed.

Direct Leadership by Alauddin

In 1301 CE, Alauddin personally led the attack on Ranthambore.

• The siege lasted for almost a year.
• Diplomacy was used to win over Rana Hammirdev’s minister, Ranmal.
• Ultimately, in July 1301 CE, Ranthambore was captured.

Rajput Jauhar and Sacrifice

• Rajput women performed jauhar before the battle.
• Rana Hammirdev and all Rajput warriors were killed in the battle.
• Ranmal and his associates, who betrayed Rana, were executed by Alauddin.

3. Failed Attempt to Conquer Bengal

State of Bengal

In 1303 CE, Shamsuddin declared himself an independent Sultan in Bengal and minted coins in his name.

Reference to the Warangal Campaign

According to Dr. K.S. Lal, Alauddin’s campaign against Warangal had the hidden objective of subduing Bengal.

Outcome

• The Muslim army was defeated in Warangal.
• The attempt to control Bengal failed.
• Bengal remained independent until 1324 CE.
• This failure marked an exception in Alauddin Khalji’s otherwise successful campaigns, highlighting the limits of Khalji expansion in the east.

 

4. Victory over Chittor

Strategic Importance of Chittor Fort

Located on a high hill, the fort of Chittor was considered impregnable. Its geographical position and architecture posed a significant challenge to any ruler. More than a military stronghold, it symbolized Rajput pride and dignity.

In January 1303 CE, Alauddin attacked Chittor. King Ratan Singh and the Rajput soldiers resisted valiantly for seven months, but in August 1303, the fort fell. Rajput women, led by Rani Padmini, performed jauhar, making this event a symbol of courage and sacrifice in Indian history.

Historical Perspectives on the Event

• Ancient Accounts: According to contemporary historians like Isami and Amir Khusrau, King Ratan Singh surrendered and sought Alauddin’s protection. However, Rajput traditions describe the event as a heroic martyrdom.
• Massacre Order: Following the victory, Alauddin ordered the massacre of 30,000 Rajputs, reflecting their fierce resistance.
• Administration: The fort was renamed ‘Khizrabad’ and handed over to Alauddin’s son Khizr Khan.

Story of Rani Padmini: Historical and Literary Dimensions

• Literary Sources:
  The main source of Padmini’s story is Malik Muhammad Jayasi’s Padmavat (1540 CE). Amir Khusrau may have inspired this tale in his writings.
• Plot:
  As per Padmavat, Alauddin, captivated by Padmini’s beauty, attacked Chittor. After seeing her reflection in a mirror, he captured King Ratan Singh. The Rajputs, led by Gora and Badal, freed the king through valor and strategy.

Historians’ Opinions

• Skeptics: Dr. Gaurishankar Ojha, Dr. B.P. Saxena, and Dr. K.S. Lal consider it poetic imagination.
• Supporters: Abul Fazl, Haji-ud-Dabir, and Colonel Tod accept it as historical fact.
• Moderates: Dr. A.L. Srivastava and Dr. S. Roy believe it to be partially true.

Impact of Chittor’s Victory

• Rajput resistance continued under Ratan Singh’s descendants.
• In 1321 CE, Hammirdev reclaimed Chittor’s independence.

 

5. Victory over Malwa
   Alauddin’s campaign against Malwa in 1305 CE exemplified his strategic and military prowess. The region’s ruler, Mahlakdev, and his general Haranand (Koka Pradhan), posed significant challenges.

Key Points

• Strategy: The campaign was led by Ayn-ul-Mulk, who decisively defeated Mahlakdev’s forces near Ujjain and Bhilsa.
• Outcome: Haranand was killed, and Mahlakdev fled to Mandu, which was captured through betrayal.
• Impact: Regions like Ujjain, Dharanagari, and Chanderi were integrated into the Delhi Sultanate, strengthening its administrative control.

 

6. Campaign against Siwana
   The 1308 CE attack on Siwana was part of Alauddin’s plan to subdue powerful Rajput rulers in Rajasthan.

Key Points

• Fort’s Strategic Position: The fort of Siwana held immense military importance in Rajasthan.
• War: The Rajputs resisted valiantly, but the fort’s water supply was cut off with the help of a traitor.
• Outcome:
• Ruler Sheetaldeva was killed.
• The fort was handed over to Kamaluddin Gurg.
• Siwana’s conquest bolstered Alauddin’s dominance in Rajasthan, ensuring better communication between Gujarat and Rajasthan.

 

7. Victory over Jalore
   The conquest of Jalore completed Alauddin’s campaigns in Rajasthan. Its ruler, Kanhandeva, fiercely resisted for years.

Key Points

• Initial Resistance: Kanhandeva refused to submit and defeated Nusrat Khan’s army.
• Prolonged Conflict: In 1311 CE, Kamaluddin Gurg launched a large-scale attack.
• Outcome: After years of struggle, Jalore fell. Kanhandeva’s bravery is still remembered in folk songs.

Significance of Rajasthan’s Conquest

• Strengthened the Delhi Sultanate’s military and administrative control in North India.
• Secured trade and communication routes to Gujarat and South India.
• Economic and strategic importance debated by historians:
• Dr. B.P. Saxena downplays its economic significance.
• Dr. Dasharatha Sharma highlights its strategic and political importance.

Rajasthan’s conquest established Alauddin Khalji’s military supremacy and expanded his empire.