Introduction
The conquest of South India (Deccan) by the Delhi Sultanate started in 1296 when Alauddin Khilji, the son-in-law and commander of the Sultan Jalaluddin raided and plundered Devagiri (Maharashtra). Khilji subsequently murdered the Sultan and took over the reins of the Sultanate. The glory and wealth of the Kakatiya kingdom attracted the attention of Khilji. The first foray into the Telugu kingdom was made in 1303 by the Sultan’s armies led by Malik Fakruddin. It was a disaster because of the valiant resistance of the Kakatiya army in the battle at Upparapalli (Karimnagar District). The second attempt was made in 1309 by Malik Kafur who managed to capture the Siripur and Hanumakonda forts. Warangal Fort was taken after a prolonged seize. Malik Kafur indulged in murder and mayhem around the fort which prompted King Pratapa Rudra to make a pact and offer an enormous amount of tribute. Pratapa Rudra asserted his independence in 1320 when there was a change of power in Delhi. The Khilji dynasty ended and Ghiyazuddin Tughlaq ascended the Delhi throne. Tughlaq sent his son Ulugh Khan in 1323 to defeat the defiant Kakatiya king. Ulugh Khan’s raid was repulsed but he returned in a month with a larger and determined army. The unprepared and battle-weary army of Warangal was finally defeated. The loot, plunder and destruction of Warangal continued for months. Loads of gold, diamonds, pearls and ivory were carried away to Delhi on 20,000 horses, 100 elephants and camels. The Kohinoor diamond was part of the booty. The vandalism and atrocities of the invading army demoralized the common people who were unfamiliar with the methods adopted by the invaders. King Pratapa Rudra was taken prisoner. He committed suicide by drowning himself in the river Narmada while being taken to Delhi.
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