Short notes on Kafur’s Second Deccan Expedition

Malik Kafur had hardly stayed in the capital when he was called upon to lead another expedition to Deccan. Ramadeva, the faithful ally of the Delhi Sultan died sometime in 1312. He was succeeded by his son Singhana who carried deep enmity against the Delhi Sultan who had disgraced his father in 1296 by imposing humiliating terms on him.

To it was added his personal resentment and anguish when Devil Rani, his betrothed was forcibly taken away from him. He wanted to take revenge for the wrongs done to him, and openly revolted against Delhi and began to rule independently.

Ala-ud-din deputed Malik Kafur to crush the revolt and annex Devagiri to the sultanate. There was a fierce battle between the forces of Singhana and Kafur. Singhana was killed in action and Devagiri was captured.

Kafur now made arrangements for the administration of the country. He also sent for the cultivators and granted them leases so that they might increase the production and thereby the revenue. Fie tried to tone up the administrative machinery and put down rebellion with a stern hand.

Malik Kafur’s rule, however, did not extend to the whole of Seuna Kingdom. Kolis under their brave leader Nag Nayak refused to submit to Delhi sultan and upheld their independence. The nobles who ruled the southern districts would not recognize the authoriy of the Delhi sultan or his deputy.

Mallideva, sister’s son of Ramadeva who held the fief ot Rayadurga in Bellary District declared himself king of Maharashtra. His fellow nobles Mummadi Singeya Nayaka, the ruler of Kampili and Jagatapa Gangeyadeva of Gutti felt outraged at his audacity and put him to death.

Thus was lost the only chance of presenting a united front against the invader. After Singeya’s death, his son Kampili Raya succeeded him. He was a brave, ambitious and powerful ruler who captured some of the surrounding hilly tracts and asserted his authority over Bellary, Dharwar and Raichur districts.

He was, perhaps the most formidable opponent of Malik Naib. Kafur marched against him but had to raise the siege probably due to enemy attack from outside. Before he could launch another attack, he was called back to Delhi by the ailing emperor, Ala-ud-din.