Ranveer Singh's look as Alauddin Khilji in 'Padmavati' has been likened to Khal Drogo from 'Game Of Thrones'. Intense, raw, dark and masculine – Ranveer looks every bit the ruthless Khalji ruler who massacred his way to the top and as the legends have it, caused Rani Padmavati to jump in a fire in an attempt to save her honour. But fiction is often a sensational version of reality, and this one is no exception. Of course, Alauddin was a ruthless ruler but if there is a fictional equivalent, then the shrewd administrator Cersei Lannister is a better choice than the simple-minded savage king Khal Drogo. *cough* wildfire *cough* 

© Bhansali Productions (For representational purpose only )

A blind obsession with power and a disposition to be ruthless are the two most common traits of a dictator. Alauddin Khilji had both in plenty and gave himself the title 'Sikander-i-Sani' (The Second Alexander). One of the most powerful and tyrannical rulers of the Delhi Sultante, Khilji massacred his own uncle Jalaluddin Firuz Khalji, the founder of Khalji dynasty, to usurp the throne.  

Alauddin had quickly risen to become the governor of Kara for Jalaluddin after he successfully foiled a revolt by Malik Chajju, the-then governor of Kara. The most effective way to win a ruler's confidence was to win wars for him. With a shrewd understanding of politics and a keen eye for the throne, Alauddin managed to impress Jalaluddin by raiding weak kingdoms and replenishing Jalaluddin's treasury. Soon enough, Alauddin had become the governor of Awadh and the minister of war for the Khalji dynasty. 

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Alauddin had been married to one of Jalaluddin's daughter, but the marriage was strained by a tussle of power between the couple. His wife was a not a docile lady and fuelled by her father's rise as sultan, tried to exert her power over Alauddin. Lack of power and an ambition to rule was already making him restless. The moment was ripe and Alauddin could wait no longer. He murdered an unassuming Jalaluddin and became the ruler of the Delhi sultanate with one swift coup. More blood would flow in the Indian peninsula after that. 

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Alauddin went on to become the most powerful ruler of the Khalji Dynasty. Consolidating his territories, he gradually executed all aristocrats and courtiers who were not his own men or whose loyalty was under suspicion. Under the skilful leadership of Malik Kafur (who was captured on one of Alauddin's conquests in Delhi), Alauddin's armies invaded and plundered various kingdoms in the Indian peninsula. It is believed that it was at this time that Malik Kafur raided Warangal in the South and took possession of the famous Koh-i-noor diamond, bringing it to the Khalji Dynasty.   

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Most documented histories about the Khalji dynasty do not mention Alauddin's obsession with Rani Padmavati. Perhaps that's because there was much more to the conquest of Chittor than just an obsession with a queen. 

The first significant mention of Padmavati comes in Malik Muhammad Jayasi's 'Padmavat' where he extols Rani Padmavati as the most exquisite beauty in the land. Alauddin falls for her famed beauty when a banished courtier from Ratan Sen's court praises Padmavati's beauty in his court. The legend finds a mention in Hemratan's 'Gora Badal Padmini Chaupai' as well as James Tod's 'Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan'. 

According to the legend, Alauddin demanded possession of Rani Padmavati from her husband and king of Chittor, Ratan Sen. When Ratan Sen denied his request, Alauddin attempted to conquer Chittor; his first attempt failed but his forces were able to penetrate the fortress the second time. It was at this time that Rani Padmavati, sensing an impending defeat, decided to self-immolate herself along with all the women of Chittor to save her honour. Over time, the tale has acquired a huge significance in Rajput history and Padmavati's act of self-immolation has come to be equated to an act of bravery. 

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Alauddin's 20-year reign spread from as far as Gujarat and Ranthambor to Warangal and Madurai down south. Heavy taxes, ruthless execution, and rigid state policies ensured no rebellion against him took concrete shape. His was one of the wealthiest royal treasuries in history, and his general Malik Kafur had a huge role to play in it. 

The legend of Rani Padmavati is probably just one of the many stories that cropped up as a result of his invasion of a kingdom. When a kingdom loses, it's not just the king and his men that are killed. Chittor was just a speck in his realm.