History of the Khaljis, A.D. 1290–1320 c20.s2.32

c20.s2.32

After the death of Malik Naib Devagiri was lost to the sultanate of Delhi, and Harpal Deva, son-in-law of Ram Deva, had assumed perfect independence. According to Yahya, Qutbuddin had made up his mind to proceed against Devagiri in 1316 but his nobles disuaded him from going into so far off a country immediately after his accession.³⁹ In 1318, however, the sultan marched towards the Deccan with a large number of officers and men. He had determined firstly to conquer the lost kingdom of Devagiri and secondly to secure treasures from the Rai of Telingana⁴⁰ and other Deccan princes. In utter disregard of the fact that the emergency needed an experienced and strong man at the capital, the sultan gave the title of Vafā Malik to Shāhīn, an obscure mediocrity and a father in-law of the king, and appointed him viceroy at Delhi during his absence.