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The Bahmani Kingdom was established by Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah (Hasan Gangu) in 1347. It is recognized as the first Muslim Kingdom in the Deccan region. The Bahmani Kingdom rose as a prominent power in the South, challenging the mighty Vijayanagar Kingdom. Over time, it was divided into five smaller kingdoms. Key aspects of the Bahmani Kingdom include its rulers, administrative machinery, art and architecture, literature, and other significant details.
The Bahmani Sultanate, also known as the Bahmanid Empire, was a Muslim empire in South India. It frequently clashed with its Hindu rival, Vijayanagar. The Bahmani Sultanate marked the first Muslim state in the Deccan, lasting from 1347 to 1518. It reached its peak under the vizierate of Mahmud Gawan. Eventually, it split into five successor states known as the Deccan Sultanates.
The Bahmani Kingdom originated from a successful revolt led by Zafar Khan (Hasan Gangu), a commander under Muhammad Bin Tughlaq. With support from influential Sufi saints, he established the kingdom in 1347 and assumed the title 'Alauddin Bahman Shah.'
The following rulers played significant roles in the history of the Bahmani Kingdom:
The Bahmani Kingdom adopted a feudal administrative structure similar to the Delhi Sultanate. The Sultan was the head of the state, enjoying absolute powers. The empire was divided into provinces called Tarafs, governed by Tarafdars. The village was the basic administrative unit, headed by Patel or Kulkarni.
The Bahmani Kingdom maintained a large standing army, including infantry, cavalry, war elephants, and artillery guns. The Sultan served as the commander-in-chief, supported by military officers like Amir-ul-Umra and Kiledars (fort officers).
Land revenue was the chief source of income, with a tax rate of one-third of agricultural produce. Other taxes included house tax, trade tax, and employment tax. The revenue funded the army, royal court, and public welfare projects.
The Bahmani rulers promoted education through madrasas, libraries, and patronage of scholars. Persian and Arabic were dominant languages of scholarship. The kingdom also facilitated cultural exchanges through its strategic location.
The Bahmani Kingdom's architecture blended Indo-Islamic and Persian styles. Key structures include Gulbarga Fort, Jama Masjid, Bidar Fort, Madrasa Mahmud Gawan, and Chand Minar.
The kingdom declined due to weak successors, constant wars with neighboring states, and internal rivalries. Eventually, it disintegrated into five independent states: Bijapur, Ahmednagar, Berar, Golconda, and Bidar.
The Bahmani Kingdom played a pivotal role in South Indian history. Its contributions to art, architecture, and education left a lasting legacy. Despite its decline, it influenced the cultural and administrative frameworks of its successor states.
Leadership and Cultural Patronage:
Administrative Reforms:
Military Campaigns and Legacy:
Succession and Military Campaigns:
Capital Shift and Consolidation:
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