Jalaluddin Khiliji’s Revolution
 

[CENTER][B][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=5][U][B]Jalaluddin Khiliji’s Revolution[/B][/U][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
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The Khiliji Dynasty opened its reign in 1290 A.D with a cloud of revolutionary activity in its newly founded state. The founder of Khiliji Dynasty, Malik Firuz, began Khiliji reign as Jalaluddin. Firuz Shah Khiliji ruled from 1290 A.D. up to 1296 A.D. This six years period was surrounded by revolutions throughout his rule.

The Khiliji’s were Central Asian people living in Afghanistan and were different from the Turks in customs and manners. The Muslim’s population of Delhi in 1290 was overwhelmingly populated by the Turks. These Muslims did not appreciated change of dynasty by Khiliji. Firuz Shah in the beginning did not go to Delhi. Later on, he succeeded in seeking popularity among the Delhi Muslims with his mildness and generosity which made him formally settle down in the old place of Delhi in his residence.

Jalaluddin adopted a policy of appeasement and retained some leading officers of the past regime. The only survivor of the old dynasty and the nephew of Balban, Alauddin Khislu Khan commonly known as Malik Chujju, were permitted to retain his governorship of Karah Mankipur. Similarly, Khawaja Khatir the Wazir under Balban and Kaiqbed were confirmed in their officers. Also the kotwal of Delhi was again employed. Jalaluddin kept his realm while his two nephews Ala ud Din and Aslam Beg were given important positions in the royal palace. Jalaluddin entered into the red palace of Balban with a dramatic approach showing his motive to become sultan to rescue the Sultanate from chaos and anarchy which won him the support of the Delhi Muslims.

But things started changing after a short period when Malik Chujju pressed his claim to the throne and assumed royal title of Karah. He was joined by the governor of Awdh. He marched to Delhi with a large army but was defeated. He fled from the scene, but the royal army captured him and his associates to be brought before the Sultan. The king Jalaluddin ordered their release praising them for their loyalty to their former master. But the king appointed to the government of Karah his nephew and son in law Ala ud Din Khiliji.

King Jalaluddin showed kindness to every ordinary criminals and thieves. The thugs of Delhi were not punished but were sent to Bengal to live freely there. Such actions created a revolutionary thinking against him among his nobles who even proposed to kill him. Knowing about this, Jalaluddin called the conspirators and challenged them an open fight. However, ultimately they were pardoned.

Sidi Maula, a saint, tried to create a center of political intrigue with a large number of his disciples. A conspiracy to kill the king was made by Said Maula along with his companions. He along with his fellows were arrested and put to death. Sidi Maula was very popular and his death brought a storm in Jalauddin’s reign.

Sultan Jalaluddin remained half hearted against the Hindu rulers. He went to Ranthambore, captured him and left his son there. He captured fortress of Jahan but was half hearted there too.

Jalaluddin, however, succeeded in his campaign against the Mongols when they invaded the subcontinent under Abdullah (Halako Khan) in 1292 A.D. Jalaluddin completely overpowered them. The Mongols then withdrew. Their people in the army embraced Islam and settled near Delhi.

In the same year, his nephew Alauddin invaded Malwa with the permission of Sultan capturing town and booty. Then, Alauddin went ahead for the conquest of south in Deogiri. He attacked Deogiri and forced peace the ruler Ram Chander. The southern campaign of Alauddin secured territories and enormous booty for the Sultan. He also secured huge indemnity from Ellikpur. Then, he returned to Karah in 1996 A.D.

Sultan Jalaluddin was kept in dark about Alauddin’s activities. When the Sultan went to Gwadar for hunting expedition, he learnt about Alauddin’s success in south and his acquisition of immense wealth. He desired to meet Alauddin with joy and happiness but was warned to such dangerous step. Sultan did not pay heed to this advice. He also received Alauddin’s letters begging his pardon for the expedition being taken without his permission. Alauddin sent another letter to Sultan saying that if Sultan did not come personally to Karah to pardon him, he will commit suicide.

Jalaluddin impressed by Alauddin’s loyalty proceeded to Karah, with a few trusted men, through river. But his army came via land route. Alauddin’s brother Aslam Beg accompanying the Sultan from Delhi persuaded him to meet his son in law with unarmed attendants because armed guards were likely to frighten Alauddin. The whole affair was a well planned conspiracy of which the Sultan became victim. As the Sultan met Alauddin, he fell at the Sultan’s feet and Jalaluddin raised him up assuring him continued attention. But as the Sultan led Alauddin to his boat, the assassins attacked the Sultan and killed him. This ended the story of Jalaluddin Khiliji. His reign ended and Alauddin proclaimed himself as the Sultan.

Whatever measures he took for the betterment of his people and for the betterment of state brought positive results. But a short span of his rule was not enough to bring the desired results. He remained busy throughout his reign of six years in fighting for the survival and glory of his empire.

In fact, Sultan was a man of meticulous nature and trusted every one without care. His unwanted sympathy towards his enemies ultimately brought the end of his life as well as his rule. He remained under a revolutionary environment seeking victories over victories against his rebellions either by love and affection or by expedition. However, it was unfortunate that he lost his life in a conspiracy of his own nephew and loveable son in law.