Alauddin Khilji

The second ruler of the Khilji dynasty in India was Alauddin Khilji. He was the nephew as well as the son-in-law of Jalal-ud-Din Khilji. During the reign of Jalal-ud-Din Khilji, Alauddin Khilji was appointed the Governor of Awadh and Kara. However, he wanted to consolidate his position by becoming the ruler of the Khilji dynasty. Due to his ambitious nature, he killed Jalal-ud-Din Khilji, marched to Delhi and proclaimed himself as the king. His life history is presented in the form of this biography of Alauddin Khalji.

Alauddin Khilji is known for his war tactics when the Mongols attacked Delhi. The constant attack by the Mongols in India caused much panic and anxiety to the government under Alauddin Khilji. The Mongols attacked almost a dozen times during the reign of Alauddin Khilji. Every time, some division of Alauddin's army defeated them. However, in 1299, the Mongols came to Delhi not rob, but to establish themselves. This time, Alauddin went with a huge army and defeated the Mongols badly. When they attacked again in 1307, Alauddin taught them a tough lesson. The Mongols were so terrified after this experience that they never dared to step in India.

Alauddin then led an expedition towards the south of India. He was said to be the first Muslim king who went to the south to expand his territory. He made a slave named Malik Kafur the army chief. Kafur proved to be a brave army chief and plundered many kingdoms in the south of India. He brought back many riches like gold, silver, gems, etc. and impressed Alauddin. The constant successes in the battles made Malik Kafur very powerful. At one point of time, Alauddin was reduced to a puppet dancing to his tunes. Finally, Malik Kafur is said to have poisoned Alauddin Khilji and murdered him.