Delhi Sultanate, Khilji Dynasty, Ala ud-din Muhammad Khilji (AH 695-715/1296-1316 AD), Qila Deogir Mint (Deogir fully readable), Gold Tanka, AH 71X, Obv: al-sultan al-a'zam Ala ud-dunya wa'l din Abu'l Muzaffar Muhammad Shah al-sultan, Rev: Sikandar al-thani legend, with mint and date in the margin. (Wt: 10.88 grams, Dia : 25.08 mm).

Alauddin Khilji and Deogir

Devagiri, also known as Deogir and later as Daulatabad, was the capital of the Yadava kingdom in the western Deccan. Its connection with Alauddin Khalji began in 1296 AD, before he became Sultan of Delhi. At the time, Alauddin was a provincial governor serving under his uncle, Jalaluddin Firuz Khalji. His expedition against Devagiri brought him into conflict with the Yadava ruler Ramachandra, also known as Ramadeva.

The attack caught the kingdom at a disadvantage, with a substantial part of its army away from the capital. Ramachandra initially agreed to terms, but the return of the Yadava prince with reinforcements led to renewed fighting. Alauddin defeated this resistance and demanded a much heavier payment. The gold, silver, jewels and other valuables obtained from Devagiri greatly strengthened his position. Later that year, he killed Jalaluddin and claimed the throne of Delhi.

The first expedition did not immediately bring Devagiri under direct administration from Delhi. Ramachandra continued to rule, although tribute became a source of tension. Around 1308 AD, Alauddin sent Malik Kafur against Devagiri after payments had ceased. Ramachandra was defeated and taken to Delhi, where Alauddin treated him favourably and restored him to his kingdom as a subordinate ruler. Devagiri subsequently supported the Sultanate’s expeditions farther south, providing supplies and assistance to its armies.

These campaigns also had an important monetary consequence. Wealth obtained from the Deccan increased the precious metal available to the Sultanate, helping support the extensive gold and silver coinage associated with Alauddin’s reign. His tankas were issued from several named mints, including Deogir. Surviving gold specimens bearing the mint name 'Qila Deogir', referring to the fortress of Deogir, provide direct numismatic evidence of coin production there under his authority.

The Yadavas of Deogir themselves had issued gold coins, including the distinctive padmatankas. It is possible that some older Yadava currency formed part of the wealth collected and was subsequently melted for recoinage.