History of the Khaljis, A.D. 1290–1320 c19.22

c19.22

'Alāuddīn was an imperialist through and through, but notwithstanding his desire for incessant conquest and expansion of his dominions, he was well aware of the dangers of adopting an uncompromising annexationist policy. The annexation of Ranthambhor, Chittor and Sevana had brought innumerable difficulties in their train, and 'Alāuddīn was shrewd enough not to repeat his follies in the Deccan. He defeated the Deccan princes, levied rich tributes upon them, but at the same time left them with their possessions. By this policy he made friends of foes. The cordial way in which he received the rulers of Devagiri and Dwarsamudra and gave them honour and titles and left them in possession of their territories, goes to prove 'Alāuddīn's grasp of the existing political condition of India. The annexation of the south by Muḥammad bin Tughlaq was followed by insurmountable difficulties. 'Alāuddīn's policy shows the superiority of his political acumen. He clearly saw that there was no use in annexing what could not be consolidated. 'Alāuddīn's Deccan policy left a number of faithful allies in the south who not only remained loyal and obedient to him but helped him in some of his military enterprises. In the north, however, places like Malwa, Ujjain, Dharanagri and Gujarat, where Muslim influence had penetrated even before 'Alāuddīn's conquest, the sultan did not hesitate to annex and carry out his imperialistic ambitions to the very end.