Historical Romance: Dewal Devi and Khizr Khan
Presenting another captivating love story from the annals of history - the tale of Khizr Khan, the eldest son of Ala-ud-din Khilji, and Dewal Devi (also known as Dewal Rani), daughter of Rai Karan Vaghela of Gujarat.
Ala-ud-din Khilji's Conquest of Gujarat: In 1299, Ala-ud-din Khilji (r: 1296-1316) launched a military campaign against Gujarat. He entrusted this task to his brother Ulugh Khan and general Nusrat Khan. Rai Karan, unable to withstand the onslaught, fled from his capital Nahrwala (also known as Anhilwara and Patan), while all his treasures were seized by the invaders, including his wife Kamla Devi.
Nusrat Khan then proceeded to Cambay (Khambhat) and collected a large booty. Among the spoils was Kafur, a handsome slave who would later gain great distinction under the title of Malik Naib Kafur Hazar-dinari.
After a few years had passed, when Ala-ud-din began to consider marriage for his son, Khizr Khan, Kamla Devi told him about her daughter, Dewal Devi, who would be a fitting consort for the young prince. The Sultan graciously accepted this proposal.
Following his defeat, Rai Karan sought refuge at the court of Raja Ramadeva (also known as Ramachandra Yadava) of Devagiri (also known as Daulatabad, in Maharashtra). Ala-ud-din dispatched Malik Kafur with an army to Devagiri.
Capture of Dewal Devi (1306): With the aid of Ramadeva, Rai Karan was able to reclaim the district of Buglana in Gujarat. Ala-ud-din commanded Malik Kafur to retrieve Dewal Devi from Rai Karan. However, upon the approach of the Delhi army, Rai Karan fled. Ala-ud-din then ordered his brother-in-law, Alp Khan, to join Malik Kafur.
During that time, Singhana, the eldest son of Ramadeva, dispatched his younger brother Bhimadeva to Rai Karan with a proposal to marry Dewal Devi. The proposition was simple: if the Rai would deliver Dewal Devi to his brother, the Delhi troops would retreat to their own country in despair. Under duress, the Rai was compelled to agree to the proposal, and Dewal Devi was subsequently handed over to Bhimadeva.
Alp Khan, however, was determined to secure Dewal Devi before she could be taken away. Fortunately, some of his soldiers stumbled upon Bhimadeva's troops who were escorting the princess to Devagiri. In the following engagement, Bhimadeva's troops were defeated, and Dewal Devi was captured and sent to Delhi, where she was reunited with her mother.
Romance of Dewal Devi with Khizr Khan: We first hear of Khizr Khan on the occasion of Ala-ud-din Khilji's conquest of Chittorgarh in 1303. When Chittor was reduced, Ala-ud-din conferred the government of the city upon Prince Khizr Khan. The prince's life took an unexpected turn when he met Dewal Devi, and they fell in love with each other.
Ala-ud-din suddenly changed his mind. He and the prince's mother Mahru, entitled Malika-i-Jahan, decided to arrange the marriage of Khizr Khan with the daughter of Alp Khan, Mahru's brother and the Governor of Gujarat. Despite this, the two lovers continued to meet in secrecy. Upon discovering their clandestine meetings, the queen mother resolved to put an end to their relationship. Consequently, Dewal Rani was banished to the Red Palace, where she was to be held in confinement.
Marriage of Dewal Devi with Khizr Khan (1312): The wedding of Khizr Khan and Alp Khan's daughter took place with great pomp. However, the prince's love for Dewal Devi remained steadfast. He sought the help of a trusted confidant to present his case to his mother, urging her to consider her son's wishes. After much persuasion, the Malika Jahan finally relented and consented to his marriage with Dewal Devi.
Malik Kafur's Plots:
Towards the end of Ala-ud-din's reign, he fell under the influence of Malik Kafur, who had long aspired to the throne. Ala-ud-din entrusted the entire government to Malik Kafur, who began to plot the destruction of the Sultan's family. He poisoned the Sultan's mind by spreading rumors that Khizr Khan, his mother, and Alp Khan had conspired against his life.
In 1312, when the Sultan fell extremely ill, Khizr Khan made a vow to proceed barefoot on a pilgrimage to the Sufi shrines if the Sultan should recover. When the Sultan's condition improved, Khizr Khan set out on his pilgrimage to Hastinapur, but his feet became blistered and he was persuaded to mount a horse. Malik Kafur acted craftily and convinced the Sultan that Khizr Khan's failure to fulfill his vow was a personal insult to the Sultan. Consequently, the prince was ordered by the sultan to proceed to Amroha and send back the royal insignia.
Kafur also turned Ala-ud-din's mind against Alp Khan and got orders for his execution. When Khizr Khan was exiled to Amroha, he returned to his father at Delhi in a state of great distress after only a few days. Ala-ud-din, who was at the point of death, embraced him and accepted him back into the palace.
However, Malik Kafur was displeased with this reconciliation and plotted to have the sultan imprison the prince in Gwalior Fort. Although Ala-ud-din agreed, he made Kafur swear not to harm the prince in any way. Consequently, Khizr Khan was kept in custody, and Dewal Devi was by his side to comfort him during his imprisonment.
Death of Ala-ud-din Khilji (1316): As Ala-ud-din's illness worsened, he instructed Malik Kafur to send someone to bring his son, Khizr Khan, so that he could declare him as the heir-apparent. Although Malik Kafur agreed, he procrastinated in carrying out the task. Whenever the Sultan inquired about his son, Malik Kafur would simply reply, "He is just coming," and he continued to do so until the Sultan's passing.
Death of Prince Khizr Khan (1318): After Ala-ud-din Khilji's death, Malik Kafur placed the Sultan's youngest son Shihab-ud-din Omar (r: 1316), a child of 5-6 years, on the throne and became his regent. He then sent an eunuch Malik Sumbul to Gwalior to blind Khizr Khan and his brother Shadi Khan. Mubarak, the third son of Ala-ud-din, and the queen mother Mallika Jahan were also put in close confinement.
Although Malik Kafur intended to blind Mubarak as well, he was unsuccessful. Later on, Malik Kafur was murdered by Ala-ud-din's guards, and Mubarak was released from prison and appointed as the regent of Umar.
Qutb-ud-din Mubarak Shah (r: 1316-1321) then ascended the throne after displacing his brother. He demanded that Khizr Khan hand over Dewal Devi to him. Khizr Khan refused to give her up, telling Mubarak that he would have to cut off his head first if he want to take her away from him. Mubarak sent an assassin to murder Khizr Khan and Shadi Khan.
Amir Khusro, a renowned Persian poet, describes the tragic love story of Khizr Khan and Dewal Rani in his historical poem Ashiqa. During a visit to Prince Khizr Khan, he confided in Khusro about his love affair with Dewal Devi and implored him to immortalize their story in verse. Amir Khusro ends his poem with the death of Khizr Khan. Dewal Devi's fate remains unknown. It is probable that the assassins seized her and brought her to Mubarak's harem.
Reference:
Amir Khusro's Ashiqa
History of the Rise of Mahommedan Power in India by Ferishta
The Travels of Ibn Batuta
Muntakhab al-Tawarikh By Badaoni
Ala-ud-din Khilji's Conquest of Gujarat: In 1299, Ala-ud-din Khilji (r: 1296-1316) launched a military campaign against Gujarat. He entrusted this task to his brother Ulugh Khan and general Nusrat Khan. Rai Karan, unable to withstand the onslaught, fled from his capital Nahrwala (also known as Anhilwara and Patan), while all his treasures were seized by the invaders, including his wife Kamla Devi.
Nusrat Khan then proceeded to Cambay (Khambhat) and collected a large booty. Among the spoils was Kafur, a handsome slave who would later gain great distinction under the title of Malik Naib Kafur Hazar-dinari.
After a few years had passed, when Ala-ud-din began to consider marriage for his son, Khizr Khan, Kamla Devi told him about her daughter, Dewal Devi, who would be a fitting consort for the young prince. The Sultan graciously accepted this proposal.
Following his defeat, Rai Karan sought refuge at the court of Raja Ramadeva (also known as Ramachandra Yadava) of Devagiri (also known as Daulatabad, in Maharashtra). Ala-ud-din dispatched Malik Kafur with an army to Devagiri.
Capture of Dewal Devi (1306): With the aid of Ramadeva, Rai Karan was able to reclaim the district of Buglana in Gujarat. Ala-ud-din commanded Malik Kafur to retrieve Dewal Devi from Rai Karan. However, upon the approach of the Delhi army, Rai Karan fled. Ala-ud-din then ordered his brother-in-law, Alp Khan, to join Malik Kafur.
During that time, Singhana, the eldest son of Ramadeva, dispatched his younger brother Bhimadeva to Rai Karan with a proposal to marry Dewal Devi. The proposition was simple: if the Rai would deliver Dewal Devi to his brother, the Delhi troops would retreat to their own country in despair. Under duress, the Rai was compelled to agree to the proposal, and Dewal Devi was subsequently handed over to Bhimadeva.
Alp Khan, however, was determined to secure Dewal Devi before she could be taken away. Fortunately, some of his soldiers stumbled upon Bhimadeva's troops who were escorting the princess to Devagiri. In the following engagement, Bhimadeva's troops were defeated, and Dewal Devi was captured and sent to Delhi, where she was reunited with her mother.
Romance of Dewal Devi with Khizr Khan: We first hear of Khizr Khan on the occasion of Ala-ud-din Khilji's conquest of Chittorgarh in 1303. When Chittor was reduced, Ala-ud-din conferred the government of the city upon Prince Khizr Khan. The prince's life took an unexpected turn when he met Dewal Devi, and they fell in love with each other.
Ala-ud-din suddenly changed his mind. He and the prince's mother Mahru, entitled Malika-i-Jahan, decided to arrange the marriage of Khizr Khan with the daughter of Alp Khan, Mahru's brother and the Governor of Gujarat. Despite this, the two lovers continued to meet in secrecy. Upon discovering their clandestine meetings, the queen mother resolved to put an end to their relationship. Consequently, Dewal Rani was banished to the Red Palace, where she was to be held in confinement.
Marriage of Dewal Devi with Khizr Khan (1312): The wedding of Khizr Khan and Alp Khan's daughter took place with great pomp. However, the prince's love for Dewal Devi remained steadfast. He sought the help of a trusted confidant to present his case to his mother, urging her to consider her son's wishes. After much persuasion, the Malika Jahan finally relented and consented to his marriage with Dewal Devi.
Malik Kafur's Plots:
Towards the end of Ala-ud-din's reign, he fell under the influence of Malik Kafur, who had long aspired to the throne. Ala-ud-din entrusted the entire government to Malik Kafur, who began to plot the destruction of the Sultan's family. He poisoned the Sultan's mind by spreading rumors that Khizr Khan, his mother, and Alp Khan had conspired against his life.
In 1312, when the Sultan fell extremely ill, Khizr Khan made a vow to proceed barefoot on a pilgrimage to the Sufi shrines if the Sultan should recover. When the Sultan's condition improved, Khizr Khan set out on his pilgrimage to Hastinapur, but his feet became blistered and he was persuaded to mount a horse. Malik Kafur acted craftily and convinced the Sultan that Khizr Khan's failure to fulfill his vow was a personal insult to the Sultan. Consequently, the prince was ordered by the sultan to proceed to Amroha and send back the royal insignia.
Kafur also turned Ala-ud-din's mind against Alp Khan and got orders for his execution. When Khizr Khan was exiled to Amroha, he returned to his father at Delhi in a state of great distress after only a few days. Ala-ud-din, who was at the point of death, embraced him and accepted him back into the palace.
However, Malik Kafur was displeased with this reconciliation and plotted to have the sultan imprison the prince in Gwalior Fort. Although Ala-ud-din agreed, he made Kafur swear not to harm the prince in any way. Consequently, Khizr Khan was kept in custody, and Dewal Devi was by his side to comfort him during his imprisonment.
Death of Ala-ud-din Khilji (1316): As Ala-ud-din's illness worsened, he instructed Malik Kafur to send someone to bring his son, Khizr Khan, so that he could declare him as the heir-apparent. Although Malik Kafur agreed, he procrastinated in carrying out the task. Whenever the Sultan inquired about his son, Malik Kafur would simply reply, "He is just coming," and he continued to do so until the Sultan's passing.
Death of Prince Khizr Khan (1318): After Ala-ud-din Khilji's death, Malik Kafur placed the Sultan's youngest son Shihab-ud-din Omar (r: 1316), a child of 5-6 years, on the throne and became his regent. He then sent an eunuch Malik Sumbul to Gwalior to blind Khizr Khan and his brother Shadi Khan. Mubarak, the third son of Ala-ud-din, and the queen mother Mallika Jahan were also put in close confinement.
Although Malik Kafur intended to blind Mubarak as well, he was unsuccessful. Later on, Malik Kafur was murdered by Ala-ud-din's guards, and Mubarak was released from prison and appointed as the regent of Umar.
Qutb-ud-din Mubarak Shah (r: 1316-1321) then ascended the throne after displacing his brother. He demanded that Khizr Khan hand over Dewal Devi to him. Khizr Khan refused to give her up, telling Mubarak that he would have to cut off his head first if he want to take her away from him. Mubarak sent an assassin to murder Khizr Khan and Shadi Khan.
Amir Khusro, a renowned Persian poet, describes the tragic love story of Khizr Khan and Dewal Rani in his historical poem Ashiqa. During a visit to Prince Khizr Khan, he confided in Khusro about his love affair with Dewal Devi and implored him to immortalize their story in verse. Amir Khusro ends his poem with the death of Khizr Khan. Dewal Devi's fate remains unknown. It is probable that the assassins seized her and brought her to Mubarak's harem.
Reference:
Amir Khusro's Ashiqa
History of the Rise of Mahommedan Power in India by Ferishta
The Travels of Ibn Batuta
Muntakhab al-Tawarikh By Badaoni
Very tragic love story and quite an interesting read ....
ReplyDeleteIf you do not know hindi then please have acknowledgement of my comment in english
ReplyDeleteI am amazed to see that a sister of my motherland BHARAT is supporting the traitors
Now if anyone kill one woman then everyone hates
But who killed and exploited a lot of women they are good now
A great hoax of history
And the worst thing is that a sister who seems to be very well educated and knows very well that those ladies who were victim at that time were actually grand mothers of ours
However she is not has tears for grand mothers and mothers
Now about the mothers of BHARAT
MAY BE YOU HAVE HEARD THE HOLLYWOOD MOVIE 300 AND PERHAPS YOU HAVE SEEN IT ALSO
BUT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE BATTLE OF CHAMKAUR
ONLY 40 WARRIORS VS 1000000 TRAITORS
THE BATTLE OF SARAGRAHI IN AFGHANISTAN UNO IS CONCERNED ABOUT THAT BUT WE......
THE BATTLE OF ANANDPUR SAHIB
2000WARRIORSVS40000TRAITORS AND 2000 WINS
THE MARRIGE WITH DEATH IN KASHMIR PLEASE KNOW ABOUT ALL THEASE
BATTLES WHICH WERE FOUGHT FOR LOVE FOR OURS MOTHER LAND
BRAVE SHIVA JI MAHARANA PRATAP AND MANY MANY MORE ARE THE LOVERS NOT TRAITORS TO USE WAR BOOTIES WHICH WERE OURS SISTERS AND MOTHERS
DO YOU KNOW WHAT IS THE CONSPIRACY THAT THEASE BATTLES ARE NOT IN OUR TEXT BOOKS
CAN YOU TELL ME WHY
जो बोले सो निहाल सत् श्री अकाल
Very nice beautiful and painful love story
ReplyDeleteIf u are aware what happened to kamala devi after alauddin khilji death
ReplyDeleteAccording to V S Naipaul 1857 was the last flare up of Muslim energy in India.
ReplyDeleteshe was the one of unfortunate girls among millions who was grabbed.. out of greed for lust
ReplyDeleteShame on you.
ReplyDeleteSeems like you have a personal Time machine and you are an eyewitness to all these events. Please let me know. I have many more historical events to discuss.
ReplyDeleteThe key here is this line :
ReplyDelete"One day, when Khusru went to visit the Prince Khizr Khan, the Prince told him about his love affair with Dewal Devi and asked him to turn them into verses."
So, we don't actually know the account and perspective of the abducted Thirteen years old Rajput princess who was first put into Allauddin's Harem and upon her mother who was captured 10 years earlier already, she was married off to one of his sons in the hope of having a better status perhaps.
For you to take this as it is romantically, unquestioned and without any perspective available from the Rajput girl herslef and put it as some authentic mutual love story is frankly, ridiculous...... but whatever !
That makes no sense. Are you saying Khizr Khan did not know whether Deval Devi loved him? And if she did not love him, why would she give up her life for him?
DeleteNow applying your logic, all historical romances are fake as they are written by men... Lets go and say that Draupadi never loved Arjuna because Vyasa, who was a Rishi working under the rule of the Pandavas, wrote the Mahabharatha, not Draupadi or any other female... Nor did Vyasa consult Draupadi when writing the Mahabharatha.
I think your problem is that this love story involves a Muslim man and Hindu girl. If it was a Hindu man and Hindu girl, it would probably be ok for you... But whatever, your choice.
lol
DeleteDeval Devi didn't die when Hizr Khan died, she married Nurullah Khusro Khan, who himself was a converted Hindu, taken as a young handsome boy in Khilji's Harem and very popular among all bacchabaazs of that era, even Khusrau and Malik Kafur was fond of him, he rose to prominence on his popularity, won some battles for them and did a coup with some Hindu nobleman, married Deval Devi.... he declared he will remain a hindu forever, he had utter disgust for turks, he removed Zazia on Hindus, tried to rebuild some temples, started idol worship in palace, which courtier/chronicler Barani wrote about with contempt, he ruled for some 6 months before he was unseated again and killed along with Deval devi and thus began the rule of 'Tughlaqs'. If any, that was the genuine love story between hindu slaveboy Khusro Khan and Deval Devi. Read up on him, you will be truly amazed.
And I just don't think that any enslaved princess can truly love ever(it would be a case of Stockholm Syndrome, if true), not to mention that accounts themselves are dubious and unreliable as i have argued above.
It was 700 years ago anyways and I don't care, probably you do. I just find history really interesting, that's all.
What is wrong with these women especially from kerala who seem to be so enamoured by rapists and write so passionately about rape of captive women trying to pass it off as romance. The capture of Kamala Devi and Daval Devi and their rapes is tragic...and the way this lady writes in glowing terms . Hope she goes through this experience herself so she understands their pain
ReplyDeleteLow IQ moment...
ReplyDeleteRealises one obvious mistake regarding Dewala Devi's age, as if rest of his poetry is completely factual..
The parts known from other sources only expose his poetry as a work of fiction..
Sad that many take this source as a universal fact.
क्यों इतिहास के नाम पर झूठे इश्किया लेखन को इतिहास बना कर परोस रहे हो? क्या देश की युवा पीढ़ी को भ्रमित करने वाले वामपंथी भड़वे हो?
ReplyDeleteइस कहानी का काल्पनिक कथानक के अलावा साक्ष्य हो तो सिद्ध करो।