Siege of Kampili

The Siege of Kampili led by Muhammad bin Tughlaq took place in the 14th century during his reign as the Sultan of Delhi. The expedition was launched as part of Tughlaq's military campaigns to expand the Delhi Sultanate's territory. The Kampili kingdom, located in the southern part of the Indian subcontinent, had been a significant regional power. However, Tughlaq sought to assert his authority and extend his influence over the region. He dispatched Malik Zada to lead the Delhi Sultanate's forces in the siege, which ultimately led to the decline of the Kampili kingdom and its absorption into the Delhi Sultanate. This conquest marked a major victory for Tughlaq and significantly expanded the empire's control over the southern territories.

The small Kampili kingdom was situated in Hampi, Karnataka. It had flourished under the rule of Kampilideva, but its resources were greatly diminished by early invasions from the Delhi Sultanate, particularly during the reign of Sultan Alauddin Khalji and Malik Kafur. However, the kingdom faced a major threat in 1327 A.D at the hands of the Delhi Sultanate.

Background
The background of the siege was marked by political and territorial ambitions. Muhammad bin Tughlaq, known for his ambitious military campaigns and administrative reforms, aimed to assert his dominance in the Deccan region. The Kampili kingdom, with its strategic location and resources, was a significant target for the Delhi Sultanate. The siege of the Kampili kingdom was a part of Muhammad bin Tughlaq's larger military campaigns in the Deccan, aimed at consolidating control in the region. The conflict was marked by intense fighting and strategic maneuvers as both sides sought to gain the upper hand. Overall, the siege of the Kampili kingdom under the reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq was a significant episode in the history of South India, shaping the dynamics of power and influence in the Deccan region during the 14th century.

Battle
Under the command of Malik Zada, the forces of the Delhi Sultanate were dispatched by the Emperor to advance against the Kampili kingdom. A fierce battle unfolded at Chitradurga, resulting in the ruthless slaying of numerous soldiers from the Kampili army. Notably, the ruler of the Kampili kingdom, Kampilideva, along with his son Kumara Rama, fell at the hands of Malik Zada during this conflict. Both of them were mercilessly slain,   leading to the utter downfall of the Kampili kingdom.

Aftermath
The queen of the Kampili kingdom, along with thousands of women from the kingdom, committed mass suicide through the act of "Jauhar." This event holds significant historical importance in Indian history. Following the occupation of the Kampili by the Delhi forces, the Kampili kingdom was entirely vanquished.