Kafur Hazardinari, Malik

(?-1316)

   A personal slave of 'Ala al-Din Khalji purchased in Gujarat at the high price of 1,000 di-nars, thus the dubbing hazardinari. In his early career, he held the of-fice of barbeg and is also reported to have fought against the Mon-gols (1306-1307). In 1310, 'Ala al-Din deputed him to command an army mobilized for the purpose of subjugating the south Indian rulers. Malik Kafur forced the rulers of Deogir and Warangal to sub-mit to Delhi and pay tribute. In his next campaign (1310-1311), he overran the region to the south of the Krishna River, forcing the rulers of Hoyasala and Pandya dynasties to submit and pay heavy tribute. During 'Ala al-Din's last illness (1315), Malik Kafur became all powerful as the viceroy (na'ib), which led to a clash with the heir apparent, Khizr Khan, and the senior nobles supporting him. While Khizr Khan was imprisoned, his supporter, Alp Khan, was executed. After 'Ala al-Din's death (January 1316), Malik Kafur tried to install on the throne an infant son of the deceased ruler. He obviously planned to rule in the name of this person, but his ambition was cut short by his assassination a few days later.