Which Sultan of Delhi was the first to send military expeditions into South India?

Alauddin Khalji (ruled 1296-1316) was the most powerful ruler of the Khalji dynasty and one of the greatest Sultans of Delhi. He came to the throne after having his uncle and father-in-law, Jalaluddin Khalji, killed in 1296. Even before becoming Sultan, he had led a raid on Devagiri, the capital of the Yadavas in the Deccan, in 1296, and brought back huge wealth.

As Sultan, Alauddin sent his trusted general, Malik Kafur, on several campaigns to the south between 1307 and 1311. These were the first major expeditions of the Delhi Sultanate into South India:

The Yadavas of Devagiri, under Ramachandra Deva, were defeated (1307-08).

The Kakatiyas of Warangal, under Prataparudra II, were defeated (1309-10). According to tradition, the Kohinoor diamond was obtained during this campaign.

The Hoysalas of Dwarasamudra, under Veera Ballala III, were defeated (1311).

The Pandyas of Madurai were attacked (1311).

Alauddin's aim was mainly to collect wealth and make the southern kingdoms accept his overlordship and pay tribute, rather than to annex them directly.

Alauddin is also known for his administrative and economic reforms. He introduced market control (price control) in Delhi, the branding of horses (dagh) and a descriptive roll of soldiers (chehra), a standing army paid in cash, and land revenue fixed at half of the produce, based on measurement. He defeated several Mongol invasions and conquered Gujarat, Ranthambore, Chittor and Malwa. He called himself "Sikandar-i-Sani" (the second Alexander). Amir Khusrau was his court poet.

Why not the other options?

• ✗Iltutmish consolidated the Sultanate in the north.
• ✗Balban followed the theory of "blood and iron" and strengthened royal authority.
• ✗Firoz Shah Tughlaq focused on public works and did not lead southern campaigns.