CHAPTER 18 - Thousand Dinar Kafur

Summary

In the State of Maharashtra, sixteen kilometres north of Aurangabad lies the ruined fortress of Devagiri, the capital of the thirteenth century Seuna kingdom. The kingdom extended from the Narmada to the Tungabhadra and was a flourishing centre of Maratha culture. Devagiri Fort stands on a conical hill about 200 metres high. The Seuna kings cut the lower slopes of the hill to create vertical sides 50 metres high. The hill was enclosed by three lines of walls each of which was protected by moats and turrets. The only means of access to the summit was by a narrow bridge and an equally narrow long gallery. Prior to the thirteenth century, the Muslim armies had not attacked the Deccan. During the Khalji dynasty, Devagiri was captured and used as the base for plundering South India.

The Khaljis, an Afghan clan, ruled the Delhi Sultanate for thirty years (1290-1320). When the Turkish slave Aibek died, his Turkish slave, Iltutmish, killed Aibek's son and succeeded to the throne. In turn, when Iltutmish died, his Turkish slave, Balban disposed of Iltutmish's heirs to become the Sultan. Balban had weakened the Turkish faction and created a more diversified political elite which included Afghans and Tajiks. After the Great Khan Mongke's death, Mongol unity disintegrated and some Mongols sought refuge in India. Balban allowed them to settle in India and their leaders became part of the elite. The Muslim historian, Barani, referred to them as “Neo-Muslims”.

When Balban's son was killed in 1290, Jalal-ud-din Khalji, an Afghan, was invited by the nobles to become their ruler; a compromise between the various power factions in Delhi. The new ruler, seventy years old, had to tread carefully as the Turkish elements were still powerful. To reassure the nobles that he was not another ruthless Balban who may eliminate them, Jalal-ud-din adopted a benevolent attitude. When Balban's nephew revolted against him, the nobles who supported the revolt were forgiven by Jalal-ud-din. At the same time, he promoted capable family members into positions of importance. One of those promoted was his ambitious nephew, Ala-ud-din Khalji, who was appointed the governor of Kara.