[Solved] Malik Kafur's Southern Campaigns | UPSC History

Consider the map given below: The route indicated on the map was followed, during the course of his military exploits, by:

[UPSC CSE Prelims 1995]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

Alauddin Khalji was the first Sultan to expand his empire significantly into South India. He entrusted his general, Malik Kafur, with these unprecedented long-distance campaigns.

Authentic Source Evidence

Malik Kafur's route typically started from Delhi, passing through Devagiri (Yadavas), Warangal (Kakatiyas), Dwarasamudra (Hoysalas), and reaching as far south as Madurai (Pandyas).

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: The map shows a deep southward thrust starting from North India, which matches the campaigns of 1307–1311 CE.

Logic 2: Unlike Ancient rulers who focused on annexation, Kafur’s objective was plundering the immense temple wealth of the South to fund the Khalji military machine.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"Why was Malik Kafur called 'Hazar Dinari'?"

He was a slave purchased by Alauddin’s general for 1,000 dinars during the conquest of Gujarat.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"Kafur's campaigns bridged the geographical gap between North and South India, paving the way for the later Tughlaq empire's full annexation."

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