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History of the Khaljis, A.D. 1290–1320 c3.s1: Early Life

History of the Khaljis, A.D. 1290–1320 c3.s1

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English

Early Life

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‘Alāuddīn, also known as ‘Alī or Garshāsp, was a son of Shihābuddīn Mas'aūd Khaljī, a brother of Jalāluddīn.¹ Shihābuddīn had four sons—'Alī, Almās Bēg, Qutlugh Taghīn and Muḥammad.² We have some knowledge of the later life of ‘Alī (‘Alāuddīn) and Almās Bēg, but hardly any of the other two others. Qutlugh Taghrīn has only once been mentioned as having fought against Malik Chhajjū.³ Muḥammad was the father of Sulaimān, otherwise known as Ikat Khān.⁴ It appears that Shihābuddīn had died quite a long time before Jalāluddīn's accession because he is not even once mentioned in the history of the latter's reign, and also because his eldest son 'Alī was brought up under the affectionate care of his uncle Jalāluddīn.⁵

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¹ Not much known about him except that he was a brave warrior (*Deval Ranī* p. 54) and that like his brother Jalāl he also had been in the service of Balban.

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² *Futūḥ*, p. 220.

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³ *Miftāḥul Futūḥ*, Elliot, III, p. 538.

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⁴ 'Iṣāmī and Ferishtah mention both the name and the title. Baranī mentions only the title of Ikat Khān.

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⁵ Baranī p. 234, Ferishtah p. 89.

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The details of ‘Alāuddīn’s childhood and youth are buried in obscurity. It is strange indeed that the chroniclers never cared to write about the early life of a prince whose brilliant career marks him out as one of the greatest personalities of Medieval India. No contemporary historian gives the date of ‘Alāuddīn’s birth. Only Hājīuddabīr (an early seventeenth century historian) says that 'Alāūddīn was thirty four years of age when he marched out to the conquest of Ranthambhor⁶ (1300-1301). If this date be taken to be correct, 'Alāūddīn was born about the year 1266-67. As a child he does not appear to have received regular lessons in reading and writing. But in his youth he had been given sufficient training in the use of arms, riding and other sports. His early victories clearly indicate his having received excellent training in swordsmanship and other manly exercises.

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⁶ *Zafarul Vāli* p. 785.

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'Alāūddīn gave a good account of himself during the Khaljī *coup d' etat*.⁷ On Jalāluddīn's accession 'Alāūddīn, who was nephew as well as son-in-law of the sultan, was appointed Master of Ceremonies (Amīr-i-Tuzuk)⁸ while his younger brother Almas Beg, to whom another daughter of the sultan was married, was made Master of the Horse (Akhūrbēg).⁹ Within a short time of his elevation 'Alāūddīn made a singular exhibition of his military talents in the campaign against Malik Chhajjū. The trouble soon put down, but the incident brightened the future prospects of 'Alāūddīn. He was appointed governor of Kara (1291).

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⁷ Vide Chapter I.

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⁸ So has Barani. The author of *T.M.S.* says that he was appointed Akhūrbeg-i-Maimna. Ferishtah simply says that 'Alāūddīn was admitted into the corps of high class nobles.

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⁹ Barani does not say when the princesses were married to 'Alāūddīn and Almas Beg. Ferishtah (p. 89) says that they were married after Jalāluddīn had settled down in Kīlughari. 'Iṣāmī (*Futūh*, p. 231) calls 'Alāūddīn the elder son-in-law.

Cites (3)