Succession of Alauddin Khalji

The succession of Alauddin Khalji refers to the political events and power struggles that followed the death of Sultan Alauddin Khalji, the most powerful ruler of the Khalji dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate. His death in 1316 CE triggered a period of intrigue, factionalism, and instability, as rival claimants and court nobles competed for the throne. This turbulent succession marked the beginning of the decline of Khalji authority and the eventual rise of the Tughlaq dynasty.

Background: Alauddin Khalji’s Rule and Legacy

Alauddin Khalji (reigned 1296–1316) was a formidable and ambitious ruler who expanded the Delhi Sultanate to its greatest territorial extent. He subdued the Rajput kingdoms, annexed Gujarat and Malwa, and launched successful campaigns into the Deccan under generals like Malik Kafur.
His reign is remembered for:

• Strong centralised administration.
• Market and revenue reforms.
• Control over the nobility and the army.
• Suppression of rebellions and conspiracies.

However, in his later years, Alauddin’s health deteriorated, and he became increasingly suspicious and tyrannical. He trusted very few courtiers, among them his slave-general Malik Kafur, who gained immense influence during the final years of his rule.

Alauddin’s Family and Designation of Successor

Alauddin Khalji had several sons, the most notable among them being:

1. Khusrau Khan (Amir Khusrau’s namesake not to be confused with the poet) – his younger son,
2. Shihabuddin Omar,
3. Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah, and
4. Shadi Khan.

Towards the end of his reign, Alauddin, under the influence of Malik Kafur, became secluded from court affairs. Kafur began to act as the de facto ruler and sought to secure his position by controlling the succession.
Before Alauddin’s death, Malik Kafur placed the young prince Shihabuddin Omar on the throne as a nominal ruler, proclaiming himself as regent. This move alienated powerful nobles and members of the royal family, who resented Kafur’s dominance.

Death of Alauddin Khalji (1316 CE)

Alauddin Khalji died in January 1316 CE after a prolonged illness. His death created a vacuum in leadership, and Malik Kafur quickly assumed control over the palace and treasury. He imprisoned and blinded Alauddin’s elder sons to eliminate potential rivals, declaring the minor prince Shihabuddin as Sultan.
However, this attempt at consolidation was short-lived.

The Role of Malik Kafur and His Downfall

Malik Kafur, originally a slave of Gujarat origin, had risen through military distinction to become Alauddin’s most trusted general. He led successful expeditions in the south, subduing Devagiri, Warangal, Dvarasamudra, and Madurai. His political ambition, however, earned him many enemies at court.
After Alauddin’s death, Kafur’s attempt to control the throne through regency was perceived as a usurpation of power. Within a few months, opposition from powerful nobles, including Malik Tughlaq and Malik Naib, culminated in his assassination. Malik Kafur was killed in 1316, ending his brief control over the Sultanate.

Accession of Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah (1316 CE)

Following Kafur’s death, Alauddin’s elder surviving son, Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah, was released from confinement and ascended the throne. He reigned from 1316 to 1320 CE and initially attempted to reverse his father’s strict policies, relaxing controls on prices, taxes, and the nobility.
Mubarak Shah tried to reconcile with the discontented nobles and present himself as a benevolent ruler. He restored privileges curtailed by Alauddin and allowed greater autonomy to regional officials. However, his reign soon degenerated into decadence and political instability.

Administration and Policies under Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah

Mubarak Shah’s rule began with promise but ended in chaos. His policies included:

• Abolition of Alauddin’s harsh economic and market regulations.
• Restoration of the Jagirdari system, allowing nobles to hold land revenue rights.
• Tolerance towards different communities, reversing Alauddin’s rigid measures against certain groups.

However, his dependence on favourites and indulgence in luxury weakened the Sultanate. The most infamous of these favourites was Khusrau Khan, a Hindu convert who rose to prominence in his court.

Khusrau Khan’s Usurpation (1320 CE)

Khusrau Khan, who had been captured during Alauddin’s Gujarat campaign and later converted to Islam, became a trusted courtier under Mubarak Shah. Over time, he amassed great power and influence.
In 1320 CE, Khusrau Khan and his associates assassinated Sultan Mubarak Shah and seized the throne. He proclaimed himself Sultan under the title Nasiruddin Khusrau Shah. His reign, however, was brief and deeply unpopular, as he attempted to rely on non-Turkish and non-Muslim elements in administration, alienating the established military nobility.