PERSONAL INFORMATION
Real Name: Malik Kafur
Other Name(s): Tāj al-Dīn ‘Izz al-Dawla Malik Nā’ib Hazār-Dīnārī al-Alfī
Profession: A slave-general of the Delhi Sultanate ruler Alauddin Khalji
Date of Birth: Late 13th Century
Age: Not Known
Hometown: Delhi Sultanate
Religion: Hindu (Born), Islam (Converted)
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FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS
Family: Not Known
Marital Status: Not Confirmed
Affairs/Girlfriends/Boyfriends: Alauddin Khilji (as per some chroniclers; however, there is no concrete evidence of it)
Wife/Spouse: According to the 16th-century historian Firishta, Malik Kafur married Jhatyapalli (Allauddin’s widow)
OTHER INFORMATION
Battles/Wars: • Mongol invasion (1306) • Battle of Amroha (1305)- according to 16th-century chronicler `Abd al-Qadir Bada’uni • Siege of Devagiri (1308) • Siege of Warangal (1310) • Siege of Dwarasamudra (1311) • Pandya kingdom raids (1311)
Birth Place: Not Known
Date of Death: February 1316
Place of Death: Delhi (as per historians)
Death Cause: Murder (as per historians)
Hobbies: Horse Riding, Fencing
Sexuality: Eunuch
INTERESTING BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Malik Kafur’s life is a fascinating tapestry woven from the threads of diverse cultural influences and historical vicissitudes. Born into a Hindu family, Kafur’s early years were marked by a significant transformation, as he eventually converted to Islam. Some historians suggest that his ancestry may even trace back to Africa, adding an intriguing layer to his identity. In his youth, Kafur found himself in the servitude of a wealthy Khwaja in Khambhat, where he was distinguished not only for his exceptional physical beauty but also for his status as a eunuch slave. His outstanding appearance was so remarkable that his original master acquired him for a staggering 1,000 dinars, earning him the epithet “hazar-dinari.” The celebrated 14th-century traveler Ibn Batuta corroborated this, referring to him as “al-Alfi,” further cementing Kafur’s reputation in historical records.
Kafur’s life took a pivotal turn during the 1299 invasion of Gujarat, when Nusrat Khan, a general under Sultan Alauddin Khilji, captured him from the bustling port city of Khambhat and introduced him to the Sultan in Delhi. Recognizing Kafur’s aptitude both as a military leader and a sagacious advisor, Alauddin favorably promoted him through the ranks, a trajectory noted by the chronicler Isami. By 1306, Kafur had attained the rank of “barbeg,” equivalent to a military commander, and by 1309-10, he served as an “iqta,” overseeing the administrative grant of Rapri in present-day Haryana. His military acumen was first put to the test in 1306 when he successfully repelled a Mongol invasion from the Chagatai Khanate, an achievement that earned him the title of Na’ib-i Barbak, which some believe evolved into the name Malik Na’ib due to his esteemed role.
The ambitious Malik Kafur did not rest on his laurels; he embarked on a series of military campaigns that would solidify Muslim dominance in the Deccan region. Among his most notable expeditions was the invasion of the Yadava kingdom of Devagiri, where he captured King Ramachandra. Following this, in 1309, Alauddin dispatched Kafur to the Kakatiya kingdom, a mission he accomplished with notable success, returning to Delhi in June 1310 with a treasure trove that reportedly included the famed Koh-i-Noor diamond. His triumphs in the Kakatiya capital of Warangal opened his eyes to the vast wealth of southern India, prompting him to seek permission to lead further expeditions, which Alauddin granted. In 1311, Kafur triumphed over the Hoysala and the Pandya kingdoms, amassing significant treasures and arriving back in Delhi on October 18, 1311, to a hero’s welcome.
Despite his meteoric rise, Kafur’s fortunes were not without their complexities. Within Alauddin Khilji’s court, he found himself at the center of political intrigue, earning both allies and adversaries, particularly from factions aligned with the Sultan’s second wife, Mahru. After two years as the governor of Devagiri, Kafur was called back to Delhi in 1315 as Alauddin’s health began to decline. During this tumultuous period, he accrued substantial power, ultimately serving as Na’ib, or viceroy, although the specifics of this elevation remain unclear. As Alauddin’s health waned, Kafur emerged as the de facto ruler, exercising considerable influence over the Sultan, who increasingly entrusted his authority to loyal slaves and family members due to growing distrust of traditional officers. While some chroniclers, such as Ziauddin Barani, hinted at a deeper relationship between Alauddin and Kafur, this notion is contested among historians. Controversy continued to shadow Kafur, culminating in allegations that he may have played a role in the Sultan’s death. Following Alauddin’s demise, Kafur swiftly appointed Alauddin’s son, Shihabuddin, as his successor, yet his ascent to power was short-lived; he met a violent end at the hands of the former bodyguards of the departed Sultan, who disapproved of his actions against Alauddin’s family. Malik Kafur’s legacy, however, endures, inspiring modern portrayals such as Jim Sarbh’s depiction in the Bollywood film “Padmaavat” and Aroon Raman’s 2014 novel “The Treasure of Kafur,” both reflective of the rich historical narrative that surrounds this enigmatic figure.
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Note: All biographical information compiled from publicly available sources.