Question

What was the religion of Malik Kafur before he entered the service of Alauddin?
a.Zoroastrianism
b. Hinduism
c. Buddhism
d. Jainism

Answer 1

Hint: Malik Kafur was originally from the state of Gujarat and was born into a traditional family. He was captured during the conquest of Gujarat by Alauddin and later rose to prominence under the Khiljis.

Complete step by step solution: The religions mentioned in the question are all probable answers. Let’s look at our options one by one:
a. Zoroastrianism – This was a religion foreign to India and since Malik Kafur was born into a traditional family, he could not be a Parsi. So, it is an incorrect option.
b. Hinduism – Since Hinduism is the oldest religion of the world and was largely practised in India, including Gujarat. Hence, this seems to be the appropriate answer. So, it is the correct option.
c. Buddhism – The teachings of Buddhism were largely nonexistent in the state of Gujarat, so Malik Kafur’s parents could not have been the followers of Buddhism. So, it is an incorrect option.
d. Jainism – Malik Kafur was born in a traditional family of India, who practiced Hinduism. So, he was a Hindu by birth, hence, he could not have been a Jain. So, it is an incorrect option.

Note: Malik Kafur is mostly confused with the famous poet who lived in the courts of the Mamluks, Khiljis and the Tughlaqs, Amir Khusrao. Amir Khusrao was a poet and not a military general whereas Malik Kafur was a military general of Alauddin Khilji. He also took the matters into his hands after the death of Alauddin Khilji. Both the personalities are way too different, except for the fact that both were well patronised by Alauddin Khilji.