Alauddin Khilji's Wives — Malika-i-Jahan and Kamala Devi

Alauddin's first and chief wife was Malika-i-Jahan (a title meaning 'Queen of the World').

• She was the daughter of his uncle, Sultan Jalaluddin Khilji (the founder of the Khalji dynasty).
• Alauddin married her long before he became Sultan.
• According to contemporary historian Ziauddin Barani, the marriage was unhappy. Malika-i-Jahan was reportedly arrogant because she was a princess, and she constantly clashed with Alauddin, driving him to spend more time away on military campaigns.

Kamala Devi was originally the chief queen of King Karna Dev (Rai Karan), the Vaghela Rajput ruler of Gujarat.

• In 1299, Alauddin's generals (Ulugh Khan and Nusrat Khan) invaded Gujarat and defeated Karna Dev.
• While the king escaped, Queen Kamala Devi was captured and sent to Delhi as part of the war booty.
• Alauddin married her, and she became his favorite wife. Their marriage helped legitimize his rule over Gujarat.

Alauddin also married Mahru, who was the sister of one of his most trusted generals, Alp Khan. According to historical records, Alauddin's first wife (Malika-i-Jahan) was incredibly jealous of Mahru and once physically attacked her in the palace garden, which angered Alauddin greatly.

Many people ask if Rani Padmavati (Padmini) of Chittor was Alauddin Khilji's wife.

Historical Fact: There is NO contemporary historical record proving she existed or was pursued by Alauddin. The story of Alauddin attacking Chittor in 1303 solely to capture the beautiful Rani Padmini originates from the epic poem Padmavat, written by Malik Muhammad Jayasi in 1540 — over 200 years after Alauddin's death. According to the poem, she committed Jauhar (mass self-immolation) rather than be captured.