History of the Khaljis, A.D. 1290–1320 c3.s1.7

c3.s1.7

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.