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Bahmani Kingdom

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The Bahmani Empire was famously known as the Bahmani Sultanate, which was considered the first independent Islamic kingdom in south India during the medieval era. The empire was founded as a result of the revolt against Muhammad Bin Tughlaq by the Turkish Governor Ala-ud-Din Hassan Bahman Shah, during the year 1347. He was also famous by the name Zafar Khan

The Bahmani empire was considered a powerful kingdom for around 200 years. Until the battle between Krishnadeva Raya and the last ruler of the Bahmani Kingdom. Later Bahmani Sultanate was divided into 5 distinguished states, which were collectively known as the Deccan Sultanates. 

Bahamani Kingdom

Bahamani Kingdom

Overview of Bahmani Kingdom

Status Sultanate
Capital

Gulbarga (1347-1425)

Bidar (1425-1527)

Common Languages
  1. Persian
  2. Marathi
  3. Deccani Urdu
  4. Telugu
  5. Kannada
Religion Sunni Islam

Government

Sultan

1347-1358

1525-1527

  1. Monarchy
  2. Ala-ud- Dan Bahman Shah
  3. Kalim Allah Shah

Historical Era

Established

Disestablished

Late Medieval

3 August 1347

1527

Currency Taka

Preceded By

Delhi Sultanate

Musunuri

Nayaks

Suceded By

Vijayanagar Empire

Deccan Sultanate

Portuguese India

History and Background of Bahmani Kingdom

According to some myths, Zafar Khan, the founder of the Bahmani sultanate, was earlier the slave of a Brahmin ruler named Gangu. Because of this, he got the name Hassan Gangu. Before the risen of the empire, he was the governor of Deccan, and also the commander under Sultan Tughlaq. Another myth claims that Hassan was connected with the early Persian King Bahaman Shah. However, there is no evidence for the claims.

Later, in the year 1347, Ala-ud-din Hassan Bahman Shah revolted against the Delhi sultanate. At that time, the sultan of the Delhi Sultanate was Muhammad Bin Tughlaq. In the rebellion, he was helped by Nazir Uddin Ismail Shah, who rebelled against the Delhi Sultanate. In the end, his rebellion succeeded, and he established an independent state on Deccan within the southern provinces of the Delhi sultanate, his capital was settled in Hasanabad (Gulbarga). He crowned himself the ” Sultan Alauddin Bahman Shah”, and became the founder of the Bahmani Dynasty.

Bahamani Kingdom

Bahamani Kingdom

Bahmani Empire under Sultan Alauddin Bahman Shah

Under Hasan Shah, the power of the Bahmani empire was at its peak. The Prime Minister and General Mahmud Gawan played an important role in the expansion of the Bahmani Sultanate from Daulatabad (West) to Bhongir in Telangana (East), and from the Warangal River (south) to Krishna (North). During its risen period, the Bahmani empire was constantly involved in battles with the Hindu Empire, named  Vijaynagar Empire in the south.

Alauddin Shah, according to Farishta, was a very kind ruler who constantly maintained a policy of generosity. His generosity can be seen as according to Ismail, he was the first Muslim king of India to decree that ‘Jizya’ not be imposed on Hindus. Also, he permitted duty-free importation of all agricultural products into his reign. He ruled for eleven years, from the year 1347 to the year 1358. Considering the administration purposes, the Empire, later on, was divided into five subsidiary powers known as the Deccan sultanates. And he appointed a governor for each region.

During the years 1347 to 1425 AD, the Bahmani Empire was constantly engaged in conflicts with the Vijayanagara Empire over the control of Deccan. Gulbarga was the capital of the Bahmani, which was then relocated to the Bidar in the year 1425 AD.

Bahmani Kingdom after Sultan Alauddin Hasan

Later on, he was succeeded by his son Mohammed Shah I. Then, Ghiyasuddin inherited his father, Muhammad II, but was blinded and imprisoned by Taghalchin, a Turkish ruler. Shamsuddin, a puppet king under Taghalchin, succeeded him. Firoz and Ahmed, the fourth sultan Daud’s sons, marched to Gulbarga to take vengeance on Ghiyasuddin. Firuz Shah proclaimed himself ruler after defeating Taghalchin’s soldiers. Shamsuddin was blinded and Taghalchin was killed.

In the year 1397, Taj-ud-Din Firoz Shah has crowned the sultan of the Bahmani Empire. Throughout his rule, he fought many battles against the Vijayanagara Empire. It includes his Victoria in the years 1398 and 1406.  But in 1419, he was defeated in the battle against the Vijayanagara Empire. His marriage to Deva Raya’s daughter resulted in one of his victories. Following, Ahmad Shah I Wali, who was his younger brother, succeeded to his throne.

Later, the eldest Son of Humayun Shah, named Nizam-Ud-Din Ahmad III, and Muhammad Shah III Lashkari ascended the throne, as at that time they were not reached the right age, Mahmud Gawan ruled as the regent during that period. Mahmud Gawan was considered a great statesman and also a reputed poet. But later he was executed by Muhammad Shah III.

Later his throne was succeeded by his Son Muhammad Shah Bahmani II, who was nothing more than a puppet under the hands of their Barid Shahi Prime Ministers, later, in the year 1518, as expected, the sultanate was divided into five different states:

  1. Ahmednagar’s Nizam Shahi, 
  2. Golconda’s Qutb Shahi, 
  3. Bidar’s Barid Shahi, 
  4. Berar’s Imad Shahi, 
  5. and Bijapur’s Adil Shahi. 

They are known together as the “Deccan Sultanates.”

The Bahmani Sultans were supporters of the Persian language, culture, and literature, and some rulers of the empire became fluent in it and wrote literature in it. Apart from this, the architectural achievements of the Bahmani Empire were also significant.

Political Structure and Administration of Bahmani Kingdom

The Bahmani Empire had a well-organized political structure and administration to effectively govern its vast territories. At the top was the sultan, who held supreme power and ruled the empire. The administration was centralized, with different departments responsible for various aspects of governance such as finance, justice, military, intelligence, and public works.

The empire was divided into provinces and districts, each with its own governor and officials who reported directly to the sultan. These officials were responsible for maintaining law and order and overseeing the administration of their respective regions. The empire had a sophisticated revenue system to collect taxes from different sources and a well-developed judicial system with judges known as qazis who applied Islamic law to settle disputes.

The military played a vital role in the administration, with military commanders appointed to protect the empire’s borders and maintain internal security. The empire had a network of spies and intelligence officers who gathered information, and diplomatic relations were established with neighboring kingdoms and empires.

The royal court of the sultan served as the center of power and prestige, surrounded by nobles, courtiers, and advisors who assisted in governance. Loyalty and service were rewarded with titles, grants of land, and other privileges. A postal system was established for efficient communication across the empire.

Understanding the political structure and administration of the Bahmani Empire helps us comprehend how it governed its territories and maintained control over a diverse population.

Art and Architecture in the Bahmani Kingdom

The Bahmani kingdom’s sultans built a lot of structures, including mosques, madrasas, and libraries, because they were so drawn to art and architecture. They built

  1. Gulbarga Juma Masjid
  2. The Golconda Fort
  3. The Golgumbaz at Bijapur
  4. The Muhammad Gawan Madrasa

Related Links

  1. Impact of Bahamani Kingdom
  2. Important questions of Bahamani Kingdom
  3. Important Questions on the Bahamani Kingdom
  4. Important Questions on Firoz Shah Tughlaq
  5. Important Questions on  Muhammad Bin Tughlaq

FAQs on Bahmani Kingdom

Who built the Bahmani kingdom?

The Bahmani Sultanate was founded in 1347 by Ala-ud-Din Bahman Shah. 

What is the Bahmani kingdom also known as?

The Bahmani Sultanate, also known as the Bahmani Empire or the Bahmani Kingdom, was also known as Persianate.

What is the Bahmani kingdom in history?

The Bahmani Kingdom was founded in the year 1347 AD by the Turkish governor named Alauddin Bahman Shah. It was considered the first independent Islamic kingdom in south India. Gulbarga was its capital, which was later changed to Bidar. It was considered the most powerful Sultanate in the medieval era. It ruled for over 200 years with eighteen sultans respectively. 

How did the Bahmani Empire reach its peak?

The Bahmani Empire achieved its peak largely because of its competent Prime Minister Mahmud Gawan. Mahmud Gawan was both a famous statesman and a well-known poet. However, he was later executed in 1482 AD by Muhammad Shah III due to competition between the Decani and Afari groups. After his execution, the empire began to fall apart.

Who was the last Bahmani Sultans?

The later sultans of the Bahmani Empire were nothing more than a puppet in the hands of their Barid Shahi Prime Ministers. Mahmood Shah Bahmani II is considered the last Sultan of the Bahmani sultanate.  Later, in the year 1518, the empire broke into five different states, which were named: Nizam Shahi of Ahmednagar’s, Qutb Shahi of Golconda, Barid Shahi of Bidar, Imad Shahi of Berar, Adil Shahi of Bijapur. 



Last Updated : 21 Jan, 2024
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