Tim Sultanate of Delhi was established towards the close of the 12th century and initially focused on Northern India.

The idea of subjugating the Deccan began with the Khiljis, although the first Muslim attack on a Deccani kingdom was initiated by Garshasp Malik, future Ala-ud-din, who sought to punish his wife and gather strength against the sultan.

Garshasp Malik received permission to lead an expedition against Malwa, but instead, he advanced against the Yadava kingdom of Devagiri in February 1296, catching them off guard as their army was engaged elsewhere.

King Rāmadeva of Devagiri surrendered after a week’s siege, offering treasure, elephants, horses, and even his daughter’s hand in marriage to Ala-ud-din.

Sangama, Rāmadeva’s son, arrived too late to resist, but after Ala-ud-din’s swift conquest, the Yadava king’s territory was restored, and the two exchanged lifelong friendship vows.

The treasure taken from Devagiri played a significant role in Ala-ud-din’s rise to power, leading to his murder of Jalal-ud-din and seizure of the throne.

As sultan, Ala-ud-din focused on plunder and loot in the South rather than territorial expansion, including a failed 1310 expedition against Warangal led by Malik Fakhr-ud-din Juna, later known as Muhammad bin Tughlaq.

The defeat in Warangal led to Sangama withholding tribute and sheltering the refugee king of Gujarat.

To restore control, Ala-ud-din sent Malik Kafur in 1307 to defeat Sangama, leading to the plunder of Devagiri and the capture of Rāmadeva and his family.

Ala-ud-din treated Rāmadeva kindly and sent him back with gifts and territories in Gujarat.