Historically, South India maintained a distinct cultural and political identity, relatively isolated from the political upheavals of North India. This region developed unique traditions and governance structures, largely uninterrupted by the northern dynasties.

Alauddin Khilji's Southern Campaigns

The isolation ended during the reign of Alauddin Khilji, who initiated the southward expansion of the Delhi Sultanate. Through his competent general, Malik Kafur, Alauddin Khilji managed to subjugate various South Indian kingdoms. These military campaigns were not only aimed at expanding the Sultanate’s territory but also at extracting tributes from the conquered regions, integrating the rich southern kingdoms into the Sultanate's economic sphere.

Muhammad Bin Tughlaq’s Aggressive Policies

The policy towards South India took a more aggressive turn under Muhammad Bin Tughlaq. His ambition was to extend the boundaries of the Sultanate to cover the entire Indian subcontinent, achieving what he viewed as the natural frontiers of his empire. This led to the direct annexation of South Indian states, a move that was met with strong resistance from the local Hindu population. The annexation efforts were more forceful and direct than the tribute-extracting expeditions of his predecessor.

Resistance and the Rise of Vijayanagara

The extension of Muslim rule into the peninsula was deeply resented, leading to widespread resistance across South India. This resistance culminated in the foundation of the Vijayanagara Kingdom, which emerged as a powerful entity opposing the Sultanate. The establishment of Vijayanagara not only symbolized the regional pushback against the Delhi Sultanate but also marked the beginning of a new era in South Indian politics, characterized by a reassertion of local Hindu culture and political identity against external domination.