History of the Khaljis, A.D. 1290–1320 c12.24

c12.24

Mārāvarmana Kulasekhara had two sons Sundara Pandya III, legitimate, and Vira Pandya, illegitimate. According to Muslim historians the king thought Vira Pandya more fitted to succeed him and actually nominated him as his successor. Thus, while Vira was associated with the administration of the government from 1296, his brother had to wait till 1302-3, when he was also permitted to participate in the affairs of the state. As Vira Pandya was openly favoured by Kulasekhara, Sundara naturally grew jealous of him. The climax was reached when by the end of 709 A.H. (May 1310 A.D.)¹⁴ Sundara killed his father and the two brothers began to wage a war for the possession of the throne. In a battle Sundara was worsted and begged the Sultan of Delhi to help him to secure the crown. This, it is alleged, brought about Kāfūr's invasion of the Madura country.