Ancient scriptures
It is believed that quite a lot of the historical memoirs were written solely for the purpose of projecting a powerful image of emperors and queens in the hearts of future generations; withholding facts that they never wanted to go public!
Reality behind history
Often people complain that the Indian film industry presents distorting historical projects, with intent to rake mullahs at the cash counter. But then if truth be told, who knows the real history?
Sexuality in India
Even to this day, many Indians aren’t comfortable talking about the freedom of sexuality, let alone relating it to Indian History, but that clearly does not mean, it didn’t exist.
Controversies
No, I am not talking or relating anything to Rani Padmavati, but the write-up is about the ruthless man, who intended to capture the Chittor Fort and its reigning queen- Alauddin Khilji.
Khilji-Padmavati
We all know how Alauddin Khilji laid his evil eyes and intention, upon the land and queen of Chittor, Padmavati. He falsely befriended the King of Chittor and husband of Padmavati, King Rawal Ratan Singh, on the pretext of extending friendly bond between Khilji Dynasty and the Rajputana.
Sexuality in question
What remains till date, a matter of argument is Alauddin Khilji’s sexuality. Many historians claim that the ruthless Khilji ruler was bisexual and a paedophile. During his reign, Alauddin declared himself to be The Prophet. He even went to the extent of forced Qazis, into manipulating religious approvals suiting his whims and fetishes.
Slave market
And, one fact which remained well-guarded until recently, is the involvement of Indian-born general Malik Kafur in his personal life. According to Devdutt Pattanaik, Once during his visit to the famous slave market ‘Baccha Bazi’ in Gujarat, Alauddin purchased Malik, after being left mesmerised by his beauty.
Concept of Baccha Bazi
The concept of ‘Baccha Bazi’ was injected into the Indian borders from Afghanistan, which rapidly spread across the nation. Foreign invaders bought child slaves or men dancers dressed like women, for their pleasure and entertainment.
Khilji's likings
Although, several historians share diverging thoughts on this fact, but they do not deny the origin and existence of Baccha Bazi in India. Jayasi’s folklore, which sings praises for the beauty of Queen Padmavati and the valor of Chittor’s warrior, also mentions Alauddin Khilji’s heterosexual personality.
Zanana
According to Jayasi’s poen, Alauddin’s lust for his sexual passions, had reached such a level that it is said his harem had more than 70,000 males, females and children. Of which, 30,000 women, were the widows of men that he killed in one day.
Malik Kafur
Alauddin groomed Malik Kafur as his sexual protégé and chief advisor. It is said that it was Alauddin’s strategy to attack Chittor and capture all the 7000 women inside including Queen Padmavati. He intended to make her his royal consort.
Haunting story of Jauhar
Queen Padmavati and all the women, decided to commit Jauhar, rather than becoming slaves or part of Alauddin’s harem. It is said that the heart-wrenching wails coming out from the Jauhar Kund, continued to haunt Khilji for years.
Alauddin's death conspiracy
While this impacted his mental health, his lover Malik Kafur tried with all his might to take over his place and order policies and rulings, on Khilji’s behalf; until latter’s official advisors interfered and reminded him that rightfully Khilji’s sons must take the throne.
Power conspiracy
So, he installed Shihab-ud-Din Umar, Khilji’s 3-year-old son on the throne, and worked silently from the throne. Next he conspire Alauddin’s death, by injecting harmful liquid into his veins, leaving him to die of Oedema.
Malik Kafur's death
He then, blinded his sons, Khizr Khan and Shadi Khan, by gauging out their eyes from the sockets, killing them in the process. He then ordered to blind Prince Mubarak, who somehow escaped this assassination attempt and informed Khiliji’s loyal army of Malik’s treachery. He was later beheaded.