Previous Year Question
Arrange the following conquests of Alauddin Khalji in correct chronological order and select the correct answer from the code given below:
Ranthambore
Jaisalmer
Warangal
Chittor
Code:
1, 2, 3, 4
2, 1, 4, 3
2, 1, 3, 4
1, 2, 4, 3
Correct Answer: B
Detailed Solution
Among the given campaigns, Jaisalmer comes first. During the reign of Alauddin Khalji, a campaign was undertaken against the Bhati kingdom of Jaisalmer around 1299 CE. At that time, Bhati authority at Jaisalmer was associated with Rawal Jait Singh.
There is some variation among historical sources regarding the precise date of the Jaisalmer campaign because contemporary Persian accounts are not very explicit about it. Nevertheless, in the chronology accepted for this question, Jaisalmer is placed before Ranthambore and is generally dated to around 1299 CE.
Next came the conquest of Ranthambore in 1301 CE. The Chauhan ruler Hammiradeva ruled there. Ulugh Khan and Nusrat Khan were initially sent against it, but after the campaign became difficult, Alauddin personally reached Ranthambore and ultimately captured the fort.
This was followed by the conquest of Chittor in 1303 CE. Chittor was a powerful fort of Mewar. After a prolonged siege, Alauddin captured it and placed his son Khizr Khan in charge of the territory.
The latest among the given campaigns was Warangal. Alauddin sent his commander Malik Kafur on the Deccan campaign, and in 1309–10 CE, Warangal under the Kakatiya ruler Prataparudra was besieged.
Prataparudra ultimately submitted and agreed to surrender a large amount of wealth and pay annual tribute. This campaign formed an important part of Alauddin's expansion into South India.
Thus, the chronology is — Jaisalmer (c. 1299) → Ranthambore (1301) → Chittor (1303) → Warangal (1309–10).