Malik Kafur was a trusted general of Alauddin Khalji and played a crucial role in the expansion of the Delhi Sultanate. He led successful military campaigns in South India (Deccan), defeated powerful Hindu kingdoms, and looted immense wealth. After Alauddin Khalji’s death in 1316 CE, he briefly took control of Delhi’s administration but was later assassinated.
Basic Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Malik Kafur (also known as Taj-ud-Din Kafur) |
| Born As | A Hindu slave from Gujarat (converted to Islam) |
| Dynasty Served | Khalji Dynasty |
| Position | General and Commander of Alauddin Khalji’s Army |
| Famous For | South India (Deccan) Campaigns, Political Role in Delhi |
| Death | 1316 CE (Assassinated by Khalji nobles) |
Early Life & Rise to Power
- Malik Kafur was originally a Hindu slave captured during Alauddin Khalji’s Gujarat conquest (1299 CE).
- He was purchased by Alauddin’s general, Nusrat Khan, and later became Alauddin Khalji’s trusted commander.
- Due to his intelligence and loyalty, he quickly rose through the ranks and was given control of military campaigns.
Military Campaigns & Conquests
1. Mongol Invasions Defense
- Assisted Alauddin Khalji in repelling Mongol invasions in 1299 and 1306 CE.
- Strengthened Delhi’s military defenses.
2. South India (Deccan) Campaigns (1308–1311 CE)
Malik Kafur led four major military expeditions in South India, expanding the Delhi Sultanate’s influence.
| Year | Kingdom Conquered | Ruler Defeated |
|---|---|---|
| 1308 CE | Devagiri (Yadavas) | Raja Ramchandra Yadava |
| 1310 CE | Warangal (Kakatiyas) | Prataparudra II |
| 1311 CE | Dwarasamudra (Hoysalas) | Veera Ballala III |
| 1311 CE | Madurai (Pandyas) | Sundara Pandya |
💡 Significance of Deccan Campaigns:
- Brought huge wealth to Delhi, making Alauddin Khalji’s treasury the richest.
- Weakened South Indian kingdoms, though they remained semi-independent.
- Expanded Delhi Sultanate’s influence beyond the Vindhyas.
Political Role After Alauddin Khalji’s Death
- After Alauddin Khalji died in 1316 CE, Malik Kafur took control of Delhi’s administration.
- As regent, Kafur held power for a short time—35 days, according to Barani; 1 month, according to Isami; and 25 days, according to the 16th-century historian Firishta.
- He imprisoned Alauddin’s sons and placed Shihabuddin Omar (Alauddin’s young son) on the throne.
- However, nobles and soldiers opposed him due to his dictatorial rule.
Death & Assassination (1316 CE)
- Malik Kafur was assassinated in 1316 CE by Delhi’s nobles, who opposed his control.
- After his death, Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah (another son of Alauddin Khalji) became Sultan.
Significance of Malik Kafur
- Expanded the Delhi Sultanate into South India, bringing immense wealth.
- Played a key role in Alauddin Khalji’s administration and military policies.
- His assassination led to political instability, causing the decline of the Khalji Dynasty.
Key Facts for Quick Revision
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Original Religion | Hindu (converted to Islam) |
| Dynasty Served | Khalji Dynasty |
| Major Role | General of Alauddin Khalji |
| Famous Campaigns | Deccan Conquests (1308–1311 CE) |
| Captured from | Gujarat (1299 CE) |
| Death | 1316 CE (Assassinated by Khalji nobles) |
MCQs on Malik Kafur
1. Malik Kafur was originally from which region?
A) Bengal
B) Gujarat
C) Rajasthan
D) Tamil Nadu
Answer: B) Gujarat
2. Which ruler did Malik Kafur defeat in Devagiri (1308 CE)?
A) Prataparudra II
B) Raja Ramchandra Yadava
C) Veera Ballala III
D) Sundara Pandya
Answer: B) Raja Ramchandra Yadava
3. Who sent Malik Kafur on South India campaigns?
A) Jalaluddin Khalji
B) Alauddin Khalji
C) Ghiyasuddin Balban
D) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Answer: B) Alauddin Khalji
4. What happened to Malik Kafur after Alauddin Khalji’s death?
A) He became Sultan
B) He was assassinated
C) He was exiled
D) He continued ruling as a noble
Answer: B) He was assassinated
5. Which South Indian kingdom did Malik Kafur defeat in 1311 CE?
A) Chola
B) Vijayanagara
C) Hoysala
D) Kakatiya
Answer: C) Hoysala
Subjective Questions on Malik Kafur
Short Answer Questions (2-5 Marks)
- Who was Malik Kafur, and how did he rise to power?
- What were the major military campaigns of Malik Kafur?
- How did Malik Kafur contribute to the expansion of the Delhi Sultanate?
- What happened to Malik Kafur after Alauddin Khalji’s death?
- Why was Malik Kafur assassinated?
Long Answer Questions (8-15 Marks)
- Discuss the Deccan campaigns of Malik Kafur and their impact on South India.
- Explain the role of Malik Kafur in Alauddin Khalji’s administration.
- What were the major reasons for Malik Kafur’s assassination?
- How did Malik Kafur influence the political scenario of the Delhi Sultanate?
- Compare the military strategies of Alauddin Khalji and Malik Kafur.
These notes are important for UPSC, SSC, State PSCs, NDA, CDS, and other competitive exams covering Medieval Indian History.