Who was the first Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate to start military expeditions into
southern India?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is option 2 i.e. Alauddin Khalji
Alauddin Khalji was indeed the first Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate to launch extensive military expeditions into southern India. Prior to his reign (1296-1316), the Sultanate's control was largely confined to northern India.
Alauddin, driven by the desire for wealth and expansion, dispatched his highly capable general, Malik Kafur, on multiple campaigns to the Deccan and further south. These expeditions targeted wealthy kingdoms like Devagiri, Warangal, Dwarasamudra, and Madurai, bringing immense riches back to Delhi and establishing the Sultanate's influence over the peninsular region, though not always direct annexation.