Alauddin Khilji – Significance of his Reign and Military Expeditions

Alauddin Khilji – the significance of his reign and military expedition as discussed by Harsh

Alauddin Khilji was most successful Sultan, not only of this dynasty but of entire Delhi Sultanate. He succeeded the throne of Delhi sultanate in c. 1296 AD after killing his uncle Jalal-ud-din Khilji. After ascending the throne of Delhi sultanate, he undertook number of reforms in various different fields of politico-administration, military and economic. The Military Expeditions of Sultan changes the character of Delhi sultanate from a North Indian principality to a Pan-Indian empire.

Also Read : Market Reforms of Alauddin Khilji

Alauddin Khilji – Revenue and Military Reforms

Administrative Reforms of Alauddin Khilji

Significance of Military Expeditions

The military campaigns undertaken by him brought the political Unification of India. The north Indian region was ruled by him directly while the region including the Peninsular India was ruled indirectly. The military campaigns organised against the Kingdoms of Peninsular India brought huge amount of wealth. After that the Peninsular king sent regular tribute to Alauddin.

The success of these campaigns also contributed to cultural integration of North and South India. Malik Kafur built a mosque at Rameswaram in the name of Alauddin. These campaigns also protected the sultanate from Mongol threat. Mongols were defeated so decisively that they could not dare to attack India for more than 50 years.

The success of military expeditions also raised the prestige and power of Sultan. The Khilji imperialism was carried out to new heights as a result Sultan Alauddin could rule successfully for two decades. The trade and commerce also flourished because of the political unification brought by the campaigns of Sultan.

Significance of His Reign

His rule was very significant because it set various successful examples in politico-administration system, military and economic system also. The administrative reforms introduced by him eliminated the possibilities of revolts and rebellions. The revenue reforms were established a new tradition which was carried further in future by Sher Shah and Akbar.

The price control measures were unique in the sense that in entire ancient and medieval Indian history for the first such type of steps undertook by a ruler. The military reforms transformed Sultanate as a major power because a large standing army was raised successfully. Alauddin’s theory of Kingship was also very significant and helpful in strengthening the powers of him. It was very different from theory to Kingship of Balban.

The progress in art and culture during his reign also made the reign of Alauddin Khilji more significant. Alai Darwaza, Hauz-i-Alai and Jamat-i-Khana mosque were built by him. Amir Khusrau and Amir Hasan were prominent literary personalities in the court of Alauddin. Amir Hasan was first Urdu poet. Amir Khusrau was not only a prominent writer but at the same time his contribution in the field of music was also remarkable.

Amir Khusrau invented Tabla and Sitar. A number of styles of vocal music such as Khayal, Tarana and Qawali were also invented by him.

Thus, the steps taken by Alauddin not strengthened his empire and raised his prestige but they set trademarks for future kings. Various reforms of Sher Shah and Akbar were inspired by the reforms of Alauddin Khilji.