Concept notes: The Kakatiya dynasty ruled parts of present-day Andhra Pradesh and Telangana from the 12th to the 14th century. During this period, they faced several invasions, including one by Alauddin Khalji, who sought to expand the Delhi Sultanate's influence. Warangal, the capital of the Kakatiya kingdom, was a significant center of power and culture during this time.
Explanation: The Kakatiya dynasty was a prominent Telugu dynasty that ruled over parts of present-day Andhra Pradesh and Telangana from the 12th to the 14th century. The dynasty was founded by Prola II in the early 12th century and reached its zenith under the rule of Ganapati Deva and his daughter Rudrama Devi. The capital of the Kakatiya kingdom was Warangal, which was a significant center of power and culture during this period.
During the 13th century, the Delhi Sultanate, under the rule of Alauddin Khalji, sought to expand its influence over the southern regions of India. Alauddin Khalji, who was the Sultan of Delhi from 1296 to 1316, launched several military campaigns to conquer the southern kingdoms. One of these campaigns was directed against the Kakatiya kingdom, which was ruled by Prataparudra II at the time of the invasion.
The invasion of Warangal by Alauddin Khalji's forces in 1310 was a significant event in the history of the Kakatiya dynasty. Despite the valiant resistance put up by the Kakatiya forces, the city of Warangal was eventually captured by the Delhi Sultanate. This event marked the end of the Kakatiya dynasty's rule over the region, as Prataparudra II was taken captive and the kingdom was annexed into the Delhi Sultanate.
It is important to note that the other dynasties mentioned in the options, such as the Pandyas, Yadavas, and Hoysalas, were contemporaries of the Kakatiyas but ruled over different regions of India. The Pandyas were based in the southern part of the Indian subcontinent, primarily in present-day Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The Yadavas ruled over parts of western India, primarily in present-day Maharashtra. The Hoysalas were based in the southern part of the Indian subcontinent, primarily in present-day Karnataka. None of these dynasties were in control of Warangal during the time of Alauddin Khalji's invasion.
In conclusion, the correct answer is that Warangal was ruled by the Kakatiyas during the time of Alauddin Khalji's invasion. This is a crucial piece of information for understanding the political and historical context of medieval Andhra Pradesh and the broader dynamics of power in medieval India.