Bahmani Kingdom and 5 Deccan Sultanates- Complete UPSC Notes

Bahmani Kingdom and Deccan Sultanates

After the fall of Yadavas and Kakatiyas to the Khaljis and Tughlaqs, several Muslim governorships were established in the region.

Mohamed Bin Tughalaq had made an elaborate administrative system for the Deccan region and, in the process, appointed Sada Amir/Amiran-i-sada,e. the chief of hundred villages. They performed both military and revenue functions.

However, during the later part of his reign, a series of revolts broke out in the Deccan region, after which he started the policy of their suppression. This lead to an even fierce revolt by the Amirs. This led to the establishment of the Bahmani Kingdom by Ala-ud-Din Bahman Shah (Jafar Khan) in 1347.

Bahmani Kingdom (1347-1525 CE)

The Bahmani Kingdom was spread over modern Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, with its capital at Ahsanabad (Gulbarga). They were in a constant tussle with the neighbouring Vijayanagar Empire.

Early Bahmani Kingdoms:

1. Hasan Gangu/Jafar Khan, the founder of the Sultanate, adopted the title of Abu’l-Muzaffar Ala-ud-din Bahman Shah. His kingdom was divided into four tarafs(provinces)for efficient administration. The four provinces were Gulbarga, Daulatabad, Berar and Bidar.

   [Coin minted under Ala-ud-Din Bahman Shah]

2. Mohammed Shah I (1358-1375CE), son of Allaudin Bahaman Shah, succeeded him. Throughout his reign, he was occupied in wars against Warangal and Vijayanagar.
3. Alauddin Mujahid (1375-78): During his reign, a new factor was introduced in the composition of the nobility, i.e. the Afaqis (foreigners, mainly from Iraq and Iran).
4. Taj ud-Din Firuz Shah/Firuz Shah Bahamani (1397 – 1422 CE): He expanded  Bahmani kingdom and even succeeded in conquering the Raichur Doab from Vijaynagara kingdoms for some time.
   • He wanted to make Deccan the cultural capital of India. He was well acquainted with religious texts and natural science like botany, geometry, logic etc.
   • He inducted a large number of Hindus into his administration.
5. In a peace treaty with the Vijayanagar Kingdom, the daughter of Deva Rai I was married off to him.