Sultanate Military Expansion

Who was Hazar-Dinari? | Malik Kafur History

Malik Kafur, the slave-general of Alauddin Khalji, was known as 'Hazar-Dinari' because he was originally purchased for 1,000 dinars.

Primary Reference: NCERT Class VII - Our Pasts II

Archived:

Updated:

Who was known as 'Hazar-Dinari'?

[Uttarakhand PCS Prelims 2021]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept


Malik Kafur was a captured slave who rose to become the most powerful military commander of the Khalji dynasty, leading the first Sultanate armies into South India.

Authentic Source Evidence

He was called Hazar-Dinari because Alauddin’s general, Nusrat Khan, purchased him for the high price of 1,000 dinars during the conquest of Gujarat in 1299.

Analytical Breakdown


  • Logic 1: Option B is correct. His nickname refers to his purchase price as a 'gifted' slave.

  • Logic 2: Kafur is credited with conquering the Yadavas, Kakatiyas, Hoysalas, and Pandyas, bringing unparalleled wealth back to Delhi.
  • Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

    "What was Malik Kafur's fate after Alauddin's death?"

    He briefly acted as regent but was soon assassinated by the Sultan's bodyguards due to his attempts to control the succession.

    Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

    "Malik Kafur represents the highest level of the 'Mamluk' system, where a slave could potentially become the de facto ruler of an empire."

    Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

    Yadava Dynasty 3

    Analysing authentic Uttarakhand PCS Prelimsprevious year questions is non-negotiable for serious aspirants. Thoroughly decoding past exam trends related to Sultanate Military Expansion helps you understand the examiner's mindset. Mastering specific entities like Malik Kafur and Hazar-Dinari builds the analytical intuition needed to clear the exam. Practice Previous Year Questions here →

    UPSC Question Bank | Verified
    Live Archive Status