Rajputana experienced two invasions of Jaisalmer by Khalijis. The first invasion in 1286 was led by Jalaluddin, and the second in 1295 by Sultan Alauddin. However, local bards mistakenly attributed the invasions' dates to the wrong rulers. Despite a lack of mention in contemporary Muslim chronicles, bardic sources confirm the invasions. The first invasion resulted in significant loss, with 3,800 Rajputs killed and 24,000 women perishing in the fires. Jaisalmer was briefly occupied by a Muslim garrison.[1][2]
| Khilji invasion of Jaisalmer | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of Sieges involving Delhi Sultanate | |||||||||
| |||||||||
| Belligerents | |||||||||
 Delhi Sultanate |
 Kingdom of Jaisalmer | ||||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||||
|
Alauddin KhaljiUlugh KhanMalik Kafur (possibly present) |
Dauda † Tilak Singh † | ||||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||||
| During the first invasion 3800 Rajputs were killed and 24000 Women performed Jauhar whereas in second invasion Dauda and Tilak Singh along with their 700 men were killed and 16000 women performed Jauhar | |||||||||
The second invasion, during the reign of Bhatti chief Dula, led to further devastation, with 16,000 women performing Jauhar and Dula and his 700 men dying in battle. While the exact date of Alâüddin’s invasion is debated, it is noted in the Persian history Tarikh-i-M'asümi that it occurred during Alauddin Khalji's conquest of Gujarat.[1][2]
Background
editThe swift success that Alauddin Khilji experienced in Gujarat significantly fueled his ambitions for further territorial expansion. Having secured Gujarat, his attention shifted towards the Rajput states, which were notable for their fierce independence and valor. These states were not under the control of the Delhi Sultanate, making them a prominent challenge for Alauddin.[1]
The Rajputs, known for their martial prowess and chivalric codes, represented a formidable obstacle. Subduing these states would not only bolster the prestige of the Sultanate's military might but also open up new avenues for territorial expansion. Achieving victory over the Rajputs would enhance the Sultanate's standing and demonstrate its dominance, thereby setting the stage for future conquests and consolidation of power in the region.[1]
Invasion
editNaiņsi's account, full of fantasy and exaggeration, contains incorrect dates for the Jaisalmer attack and is not corroborated by contemporary Persian chronicles. Nevertheless, evidence supports a Khilji invasion of Jaisalmer during Sultan Alauddin Khilji's rule.[1][3][4]
Recent inscriptions confirm the Turkish invasion of Jaisalmer. These inscriptions indirectly mention the surrender of the Jaisalmer fortress during Sultan Alauddin's reign. Additionally, the later Persian chronicle, Tarikh-i-Māsūmi, references the event. It describes how the Khilji commander Ulugh Khan, under the sultan's orders, advanced towards Gujarat with half his forces, passing through Jaisalmer. According to Tarikh-i-Māsūmi, Ulugh Khan captured Jaisalmer, killing many defenders, and then proceeded to join the main force heading to Gujarat. This suggests that Jaisalmer was annexed by Ulugh Khan just before the Gujarat campaign of 1299.[1][3][4]
Epigraphic evidence also supports the Khilji conquest of Jaisalmer. An inscription dated v.s. 1370 (around A.D. 1313), discovered near Bhesoragarh, lists Jaisalmer as one of Sultan Alauddin’s conquered territories. Another inscription from v.s. 1497 (A.D. 1440) in the Sambhavanātha Jaina temple in Jaisalmer also refers to a Bhati-Khilji conflict. Additionally, a praśasti dated v.s. 1473 (A.D. 1416) found in Jaisalmer credits Rawal Ghata Simha with recapturing the fort from the Mlechhas (Turks). This suggests that Jaisalmer was previously under the control of the Delhi sultans.[1][3][4]
Genealogical records of the Bhati chiefs indicate that Jaisalmer was lost to the Turks before Rawal Ghata Simha's death in A.D. 1361, likely during Sultan Alauddin's reign.[1][3][4]
Four Sanskrit inscriptions from the Bhati era, dating to v.s. 685 (A.D. 1308), found in Jaisalmer, mention the siege of the fortress. One inscription details the deaths of many chieftains defending against the Kharaparas (Muslims) and the loss of horses and weapons. This supports the notion that the siege occurred around 1299, during Sultan Alauddin Khilji’s rule.[1][3][4]
In summary, both epigraphic evidence and historical accounts, including the names Kamaluddin Gurg and Malik Kafur, validate the Khilji invasion and eventual recapture of Jaisalmer by the Bhati chiefs.[1][3][4]
Casualties
editThe first invasion occurred in 1286 when 3,800 Rajputs died in battle and 24,000 women perished in the flames. Jaisalmer, which had been occupied by a Muslim garrison, was recaptured after a few years.[1]
The second invasion took place during the time of the Bhatti chief Dūdā, who had likely been chosen as ruler either because the previous royal prince had died fighting the Muslims or had gone into hiding. Dūdā ruled for ten years and extended his raids to Ajmer, even capturing the horses of the Sultans from the Anāsāgar lake. This led to another attack on Jaisalmer, resulting in 16,000 women committing Jauhar, while Dūdā, Tilak Singh, and 700 members of his clan fell in battle.[1]
Reference
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Lal, K. s (1950). History Of The Khaljis (1290-1320). pp. 98–99.
- ^ a b Dhar, Ratna; Ray, Arup (2011). The Folk Music of Manganiyars: An Anthropological Appraisal. Anthropological Survey of India, Government of India. p. 11.
- ^ a b c d e f Śrivastava, Vijai Shankar (1981). Cultural Contours of India: Dr. Satya Prakash Felicitation Volume. Abhinav Publications. p. 136. ISBN 978-0-391-02358-1.
- ^ a b c d e f Encyclopaedia Indica: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh. Anmol Publications. 1996. ISBN 978-81-7041-859-7.