The Khalji Dynasty, which succeeded the Slave Dynasty, is known for its notable rulers and administrative reforms. This dynasty, founded by Jalaluddin Khalji, played a crucial role in the expansion and consolidation of the Delhi Sultanate.

1. Jalaluddin Khalji (1290-1296)

Jalaluddin Khalji, originally a Turk who settled in Afghanistan, established the Khalji Dynasty. Despite his advanced age, Jalaluddin successfully halted a Mongol invasion into India in 1292. He formed a strategic alliance by marrying his second daughter to the Mongol leader Ulugh Khan. Jalaluddin’s nephew and son-in-law, Alauddin Khalji, governed the region of Kara. Alauddin launched a successful invasion of the Devagiri kingdom, marking the first Islamic incursion into a South Indian state. Eventually, Alauddin murdered Jalaluddin and seized the throne.

2. Alauddin Khalji (1296-1316)

Alauddin Khalji, known for his imperialistic ambitions, expanded the Delhi Sultanate significantly. His military campaigns included:

  • Devagiri: 1296, 1307, 1314
  • Gujarat: 1299–1300
  • Ranthambhor: 1301
  • Chittor: 1303
  • Malwa: 1305

Alauddin defeated the ruler of Gujarat, Waghela Karnadeva, and married his wife, Kamaladevi. His attack on Chittor was driven by his desire to capture the legendary Rani Padmini. Although Chittor fell, Padmini committed Jauhar (self-immolation). The story of this campaign is famously recounted in the epic poem Padmavat by Malik Muhammad Jayasi.

To maintain control, Alauddin implemented strict regulations on the nobles and appointed Malik Kafur, an eunuch, as chief commander. Malik Kafur led successful campaigns in South India, defeating:

  • Ramachandradeva of Devagiri
  • Prathaprudradeva of the Kakatiya dynasty
  • Veera Bhallala III of the Hoysala dynasty
  • Veera and Sundara of the Pandya dynasty

Kafur even erected a victory pillar in Rameswaram. Alauddin also minted coins with the title Sikandar-e-Sani (meaning “Alexander the Second”). Despite nominating his eldest son, Khizr Khan, as his successor, Alauddin’s confidant Malik Kafur briefly assumed power before being assassinated by hostile nobles.

Following Kafur’s death, Alauddin’s son Qutbuddin Mubarak took the throne. During his reign, the Devagiri Yadava kingdom was annexed into the Delhi Sultanate. Qutbuddin was later murdered by his prime minister, Nasiruddin Khushru Shah, who became the last Sultan of the Khalji Dynasty. Khushru Shah was eventually deposed by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq in 1320.

Administrative Reforms

Alauddin Khalji is remembered for his effective administrative reforms. He established a strong central government and separated religion from politics. To prevent rebellions, he restricted noble marriages, prohibited secret gatherings, appointed spies, and curtailed ulema interference in administration.

Market Reforms

Alauddin was the first Sultan to pay soldiers in cash, which necessitated price controls and monitoring. To manage inflation and prevent black-marketing, he set up an extensive intelligence network and appointed the Shahana-i-Mandi to oversee market prices.

Military Reforms

He maintained a large standing army and introduced horse branding (dagh) and detailed soldier registers to prevent corruption. Salaries were paid in cash, and the Ariz-i-Mumalik was responsible for soldier appointments.

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Revenue Reforms

Alauddin created the Diwan-i-Mustakharaj, a separate revenue department, and introduced scientific land measurement methods for accurate revenue assessment. He imposed Jaziya (a tax on non-Muslims) and heavy taxes on sardars, jagirdars, and ulemas.

Monuments

Alauddin Khalji also left a legacy of architectural achievements, including the construction of Siri City and the Alai Darwaja.