The Fascinating Legend Of Alauddin Khilji & His Obsession With Rani Padmavati

Indian history abounds with captivating tales that introduce us to our rich and glorious past. Our
past is so fascinating that the more we learn about it, the more intrigued we become. This is perhaps
why Sanjay Leela Bhansali keeps making history-dramas. His latest film Padmaavat is yet another
such drama, based on the life of Rajput Queen Padmavati also known as Padmini, and it promises to
bring one more interesting story from the annals of history.

The story of Rani Padmavati and Alauddin Khilji is mentioned in Padmavat, an epic poem written by
Malik Muhammad Jayasi. A long time ago, in the early 14th century, Chittorgarh was ruled by Rawal
Ratan Singh of the Sisodiya Clan. Padmavati was his second queen, whom he had married after
winning the swayamvara.

Among the king's many subjects was Raghav Chetan, a musician in his court. What nobody knew
however was that Raghav was also a sorcerer. One day, while he was performing sorcery which was
considered illegal, he was caught and banished by the king.

Enraged at the humiliation, Raghav Chetan started plotting revenge. He went to Delhi and took
refuge in the court of Alauddin Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi. As he gained the Sultan's trust, he began
singing praise of Queen Padmavati's beauty, thus invoking the Sultan's curiosity.