Revolt of Malik Chhajju:
The first person to take advantage of the weakness of Sultan was Malik Chhajju the governor of Kara and Manikpur: He declared himself Sultan at Kara, and had the Khutba read in-his own name, assuming the title of Mughisuddin. Not content with his, he even marched towards Delhi to recover the throne of his family. Round his banner rallied the dissatisfied Hindu chiefs and young Khaljis. Malik Chhajju was also joined by Hatim Khan, the Governor of Avadh. Their joint army proceeded against Delhi.
But the heroism of the aged Sultan’s son, Arkali Khan, triumphed over the rebels who were defeated and brought into Jalaluddin’s presence with yokes upon their shoulders, their hands tied behind their necks, covered with dust and dirt and their garments all soiled. Seeing their helpless humiliation Firoz melted into tears, commended their loyalty to the late dynasty and treated them as royal guests.
The arch rebel, Malik Chhajju was sent to Multan with generous gifts of food and raiment, fruit and wine. Alauddin Khalji, the nephew and son-in-law of the old Sultan was appointed the governor of Kara and Manikpur.
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Alauddin after reaching the place of his new assignment was instigated by disloyal officers to gather a large force at Kara and to revolt against Delhi.
Barani writes, “The crafty suggestions of the Kara rebels made a lodgment in his brain and from the very first year of his occupation of that territory, he began to follow up his design of proceeding to some distant quarters and amassing money. To this end in view he was constantly making enquiries about other countries from travelers and men of experience.”
Policy towards Robbers and Thieves:
After the death of Balban his unworthy successors could not establish their control over the Delhi Sultanate. Robbers and thieves, taking advantage of the weaknesses of the Sultanate became quite bold and powerful.
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During the reign of Balban they dared not harm any person in the kingdom but later on as the fear of any dire consequences was diminished, they made the life and property of the public unsafe and created confusion and chaos in the Sultanate.
Once after much toil a gang of robbers and thieves was caught by the officers. Sultan Jalaluddin did not award punishment to them but exiled them to Bengal and they were set free there. No Sultan had ever dealt with the robbers and thieves so politely in the history of the Delhi Sultanate. Hence it offended the Amirs and nobles and they began to hatch conspiracies against the life of the Sultan.
Conspiracy of the Nobles:
The liberal policy of the Sultan instigated the nobles to make a plan to overthrow him. They knew that in case, they were arrested and their scheme failed they would not be punished as no other rebel had been punished so far.
As the fear of the Sultan had disappeared, people began to speak against him in public. Nobles like Tajuddin Kuchi declared publicly that Jalaluddin should be cut like a cucumber as he was not fit for the throne.
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When the Sultan learnt about it, he called the nobles who were present at the wine party where this insulting remark was passed. He rebuked and challenged them for a duel and later pardoned them. The only punishment given to the nobles was a warning that in case, they persisted; they would be made over to the more relentless Arkali Khan.
Assassination of Sidi Maula:
There was only one exception when the Sultan gave up his lenient policy and became so angry that he ordered for the execution of Sidi Maula, a darvesh. He was the disciple of Shaikh Fariduddin Ganj-i-Shakir of Pak Pattan (Ajodhan). Persons from all sections of society thronged around him.
After the death of Balban, the number of his followers increased tremendously. Free meals were provided to all and sundry in the Khanqah. Barani writes, “Twice a day such bounteous and various meals were served as no Khan or Malik could furnish.”
It is said that the Shaik had advised his follower Sidi Maula not to indulge in politics and beware of nobles and amirs but he did not follow the advice of his teacher. Soon his Khanqah became the meeting place of all dissatisfied politicians and nobles. They hatched a conspiracy against the life of
Sultan Firoz Khalji and planned to proclaim Sidi Maula to be Suitan. The conspiracy could not be executed and the conspirators were apprehended. Sidi Maula was also presented in the court. The Sultan wanted to punish him mildly but the orthodox Muslim fanatics wanted severe punishment for him.
They roused the anger of the Sultan and as a result of it he cried out in anger, “Oh, Darveshes, will none of you rid me of this Maula?” At once a follower of Tusi pounced upon Sidi Maula and cut him at several places with a razor.
At the same time Arkali Khan directed one of the elephant drivers who trampled Sidi Maula under the feet of the elephant. Thus Sidi met a tragic end. Drought and famine followed after the murder of Sidi Maula which caused great distress to the public. Hence people began to say that it was rot a natural calamity that had befallen upon them but was the result of the murder of an innocent saint who was put to death by the orders of the Sultan.