Alauddin Khalji (born Ali Gurshasp) ruled the Delhi Sultanate from 1296 to 1316. He ascended the throne after brutally assassinating his uncle and father-in-law, Sultan Jalaluddin Khalji. His reign is marked by three major achievements: successfully defending India against massive Mongol Invasions, implementing revolutionary Market Reforms to control prices, and becoming the first Sultan to expand his empire into the Deccan (South India). Assisted by his trusted general Malik Kafur, he subjugated kingdoms like Devagiri, Warangal, and Madurai. Known for his ruthless administrative measures, including a vast spy network and prohibition of alcohol, Alauddin transformed the Sultanate into a centralized military machine.| Feature | Details |
| Reign Dates | 1296 – 1316 AD |
| Dynasty | Khalji Dynasty |
| Predecessor | Jalaluddin Khalji (Uncle) |
| Title | Sikandar-i-Sani (The Second Alexander) |
| Key General | Malik Kafur (Hazardinari) |
| Major Conquests | Gujarat, Ranthambore, Chittor, Deccan |
| Key Policy | Market Reforms (Price Control) |
| Famous Monument | Alai Darwaza (Qutub Complex) |
The Usurper: A Throne Bathed in Blood
Alauddin was the nephew and son-in-law of the founder of the Khalji dynasty, Jalaluddin Khalji. Ambitious and ruthless, Alauddin led a secret raid to Devagiri in 1296, returning with immense wealth. When his uncle came to welcome him at Kara (near Allahabad), Alauddin had him assassinated while embracing him. He marched to Delhi, scattering gold coins to the public from catapults to buy their loyalty.
Foundation of the Vijayanagara Empire: The Rise of Hampi
The Mongol Wall
The greatest threat to India during this time was the Mongols. They attacked India six times during Alauddin’s reign. Unlike his predecessors who bought peace, Alauddin fought back.
- Battle of Jalandhar (1298): Defeated 20,000 Mongols.
- Battle of Kili (1299): His general Zafar Khan died fighting but terrified the Mongols.
- Battle of Amroha (1305) & Ravi (1306): Decisive victories.To secure the borders, he built a chain of forts and raised a massive standing army, which necessitated his economic reforms.
Conquest of the North: Chittor and Padmavati
Alauddin conquered Gujarat in 1299 (where he acquired the slave general Malik Kafur). He then turned to Rajasthan.
- Ranthambore (1301): Conquered despite fierce resistance.
- Chittorgarh (1303): The siege of Chittor is the stuff of legend. While historical texts mention the strategic importance of the fort, the poem Padmavat (written in 1540) claims Alauddin attacked to capture the beautiful Rani Padmini. The siege ended with the Rajput women committing Jauhar (mass self-immolation) and the men dying in a final charge (Saka).
First Battle of Panipat 1526: The Dawn of the Mughal Empire
The Southern Campaigns: Malik Kafur’s Blitzkrieg
Alauddin was the first Sultan to cross the Vindhyas. His general, Malik Kafur, led lightning campaigns into the South, not to annex land, but to loot wealth and enforce tribute.
- Devagiri (1307): Defeated the Yadava king Ramachandra.
- Warangal (1309): The Kakatiya king Prataparudra surrendered and surrendered the famous Koh-i-Noor diamond.
- Dwarasamudra (1311): Defeated the Hoysalas.
- Madurai (1311): Raided the Pandya kingdom, returning with elephants and gold.
The Economic Marvel: Market Reforms
To maintain a huge army on a limited budget, Alauddin needed to keep the cost of living low. He introduced the Market Control Policy:
- Fixed Prices: He fixed the price of every commodity, from wheat and rice to horses and slaves.
- Shahana-i-Mandi: He appointed market superintendents to check prices and weights.
- Severe Punishment: If a shopkeeper used false weights, an equal amount of flesh was cut from his body.
- Granaries: State granaries were set up to ensure food supply during famines.Historian Barani noted that “prices did not rise by a single dam” during his reign.
Reign of Muhammad bin Tughluq: The Visionary Failure of Medieval India
Quick Comparison Table: Alauddin Khalji vs. Muhammad bin Tughluq
| Feature | Alauddin Khalji (1296–1316) | Muhammad bin Tughluq (1325–1351) |
| Approach | Pragmatic and Ruthless | Intellectual and Idealistic |
| Economics | Strict Market Control (Successful) | Token Currency (Failed) |
| Military | Defensive (Mongols) & Raiding (South) | Offensive (Khorasan Plan – Failed) |
| Capital | Stayed in Delhi (Siri Fort) | Shifted to Daulatabad & back |
| Religion | Separated State from Religion | Confused mix of policies |
| Legacy | Saved India from Mongols | Fractured the Empire |
Curious Indian: Fast Facts
- Sikandar-i-Sani: Alauddin minted coins with the title “The Second Alexander,” signifying his ambition to conquer the world. He eventually dropped the idea on the advice of his friend, Qazi Ala-ul-Mulk.
- Prohibition: He was one of the first rulers to impose total prohibition on alcohol and gambling in Delhi to prevent nobles from socializing and plotting against him.
- Spy System: His espionage system (Barid) was so efficient that nobles were afraid to speak even in their own homes, communicating through signs.
- Alai Minar: He started building a tower next to the Qutub Minar intended to be double its height. It was left unfinished after his death and still stands as a rubble core today.
Conclusion
The Reign of Alauddin Khalji was a paradox. He was a tyrant who centralized power to an extreme degree, yet his administration was fiercely efficient. He saved India from the Mongol scourge that had devastated the rest of Asia. His market reforms remain a unique experiment in medieval economic history. However, his system was too dependent on his personal strength; upon his death in 1316, the system—and his dynasty—collapsed within four years.
Timur’s Invasion of Delhi 1398: The Massacre That Shook India
If you think you have remembered everything about this topic take this QUIZ
Results
#1. What title did Alauddin Khalji adopt on his coins, signifying his ambition to conquer the world?
#2. Who was the trusted general, also known as “Hazardinari,” who led Alauddin’s campaigns into South India?
#3. How did Alauddin Khalji ascend the throne in 1296?
#4. What was the primary objective of Alauddin’s revolutionary Market Control Policy?
#5. According to the text, what was the severe punishment for a shopkeeper who used false weights?
#6. Which unfinished structure did Alauddin intend to build to be double the height of the Qutub Minar?
Why is Alauddin Khalji famous?
He is famous for his market reforms (price control), successfully repelling Mongol invasions, and being the first Muslim ruler to conquer South India.
Who was Malik Kafur?
Malik Kafur was Alauddin’s trusted general (originally a slave captured in Gujarat) who led the successful military campaigns into the Deccan.
Did Alauddin Khalji attack Chittor for Rani Padmini?
This is a subject of debate. Historical records cite strategic reasons for the attack, while the 16th-century poem Padmavat claims it was for Rani Padmini. The Jauhar of 1303 is a historical fact.
What were Alauddin’s market reforms?
He fixed the prices of all goods, established state granaries, and strictly monitored markets to ensure soldiers could live on low salaries.
What title did Alauddin Khalji adopt?
He adopted the title Sikandar-i-Sani, meaning “The Second Alexander.”
