[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [General history and culture](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general) › [History of the Khaljis, A.D. 1290–1320](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.lal-1950) › c19.18 # History of the Khaljis, A.D. 1290–1320 c19.18 History of the Khaljis, A.D. 1290–1320 c19.18 - **Language:** English ### [c19.18](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.lal-1950.c19.18) 'Alāuddīn's hardships of military life were relieved by his constant pursuit of field sports. The king was very fond of big game shooting. His absorbing interest in field sports as well as pigeon-flying and hawking was so well known that some of the plots against his life aimed at killing him while he was busy in sports. The emperor was very fond of flying hawks and a large number of these birds and some slave boys, who used to fly them, were maintained by the state. The sultan also spent his leisure hours in the company of boon companions. In his early days he used to drink hard, but the stern realities of the political situation as well as the sincere admonitions of Malik 'Alāulmulk put a check upon his excesses. The royal cellars were emptied and drinking vessels were broken to pieces. Nevertheless, the king could not give up drinking completely. But as time passed he bent towards sobriety; he drank little and never gave himself up to the devil. In spite of his harsh disposition 'Alāuddīn had a soft corner for his companions like Tājuddīn 'Irāqī, Khudāvand Zāda Chashnigīr, Ruknuddīn Dabīr, A'izzuddīn Yaghan and Nūr Khān. He never used to get tired of their repartees and witticism.⁹ In matters of women, wine and song ‘Alāuddīn was neither an uncompromising moralist nor a slave of the senses. - [Previous: c19.17](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.lal-1950.c19.17) - [Next: c19.19](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.lal-1950.c19.19) - [Up: c19](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.lal-1950.c19) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.lal-1950.c19.18](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.lal-1950.c19.18) · Pramāṇa