Devgiri-Beginning of End

13th century was the most prosperous in history of Southern India; northern part of southern India (Present Maharashtra) was ruled by Yadava’s of Devgiri. Ramdev Rai Yadava’s rule was epitome of cultural, religious and social affluence. Every possible riches, power and every belief of success were at hand in Yadava’s kingdom. All of a sudden fair story ended; an unexpected blow shook the very foundation of this flourishing empire.

Fatal blower was Alauddin Khilji; titled “Arz-e- Mamalik” Alauddin Khilji was extremely wild and cruel general of Jalaluddin Khilji, Sultan of Delhi; raider Alauddin with an army of 8000 invaded Devgiri. None has valor to impede this invasive cyclone.

In reality it was evident as a shining sun that from last 200 years North India mainly Delhi was assaulted and ruled by number of Muslim invaders and these brutal invaders had sinful intentions to wipe out Hindu Culture and religion from India, even though Hindu sovereigns of southern India never gave any heed to this matter, and now threw themselves in trouble. Ramdev foresaw his grim future but by now it was too late, however he marched to defend; but neither right time nor enough army was on his side, army was with Shankardev his son and Heir apparent who were on a pilgrimage some were in country side.

In the chilly month of Dec 1293 the opposing armies faced each other that fateful day,nearly two miles away from Devgiri, and battle opened, and ended with record defeat of Yadav army, Ramdev Rai survived and escaped back to fort and closed the gates of fort. Now the Situation of Devgiri was miserable, Capital of Yadav kingdom was in evil clasp of Khilji’s army; with usual customs Alauddin ordered mass killing of Hindu’s, gang rapes and plunder of city.

After making enough and pleasing loot Allauddin bounded the fort from all sides, and spread a rumor all over to delude Ramdev and his left over army that Khilji’s, at hand army is a small facet of monstrous army, which is marching towards Devgiri from Delhi.
Ramdev was jammed in Devgiri fort, in addition to his adversities he came to know that he is running out of food for his army inside the fort. Unaided king was helpless and scared with the fear of alleged army from Delhi. Ramdev Rai had one and only one alternative….surrender…. admit defeat…. lay down arms…. give up….in front of Khilji, first defeat…. Annihilation… and embarrassment… of Maharashtra.