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Introduction and Overview of the Bahmani Kingdom
The Bahmani Kingdom was founded by Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah (Hasan Gangu) in 1347 and was the first Muslim empire in the Deccan. It rose as a strong power in South India, rivaling the Vijayanagar Kingdom and later fragmented into five successor states called the Deccan Sultanates.
- (i) Established by a revolt led by Zafar Khan against Muhammad Bin Tughlaq with support from Sufi saints.
- (ii) Served as a major political and cultural force in South India from 1347 to 1526.
- (iii) Reached its peak under the vizierate of Mahmud Gawan before fragmentation into five states: Bijapur, Ahmednagar, Berar, Golconda, Bidar.
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Origin and Key Rulers of the Bahmani Kingdom
The kingdom originated from a military revolt and was strengthened by visionary rulers who expanded territories, reformed administration, and promoted culture.
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Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah (1347-1357)
- (i) Founder of the Bahmani Kingdom, established Gulbarga as the capital.
- (ii) Expanded the empire across the Deccan region.
- (iii) Laid the foundations for administration and military organization.
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Muhammad Shah-1 (1358-1377)
- (i) Defeated Vijayanagar and the Warangal Kingdom.
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Feroz Shah Bahmani (1397-1422)
- (i) Promoted arts, science, and international trade.
- (ii) Inducted Hindus into administration.
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Ahmed Shah-1 (1422-1435)
- (i) Transferred capital to Bidar and annexed Warangal territories.
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Mahmud Gawan (1463-1481)
- (i) Prime Minister under Muhammad Shah-3, reformed administration and expanded sea trade.
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Administration, Military, and Revenue System
The Bahmani Kingdom had a feudal administrative structure with a centralized revenue and military system.
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Administrative Structure
- (i) Sultan as head of state with absolute powers.
- (ii) Empire divided into provinces (Tarafs), governed by Tarafdars.
- (iii) Village administration managed by Patel or Kulkarni.
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Military Organization
- (i) Large standing army with infantry, cavalry, war elephants, and artillery.
- (ii) Sultan as commander-in-chief, supported by Amir-ul-Umra and Kiledars.
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Revenue Administration
- (i) Land revenue was main income; tax rate one-third of agricultural produce.
- (ii) Other taxes: house tax, trade tax, employment tax.
- (iii) Revenue supported army, royal court, and public welfare projects.
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Culture, Education, and Architecture
The Bahmani rulers encouraged education, cultural exchange, and constructed iconic Indo-Islamic architecture.
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Education and Scholarship
- (i) Madrasas, libraries, and patronage of scholars.
- (ii) Persian and Arabic were dominant scholarly languages.
- (iii) Cultural exchanges due to strategic location of the kingdom.
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Architectural Achievements
- (i) Blended Indo-Islamic and Persian styles.
- (ii) Key structures: Gulbarga Fort, Jama Masjid, Bidar Fort, Madrasa Mahmud Gawan, Chand Minar.
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Decline and Legacy of the Bahmani Kingdom
The kingdom declined due to weak successors, wars, and internal rivalries, eventually splitting into five independent states.
- (i) Successor states: Bijapur, Ahmednagar, Berar, Golconda, Bidar.
- (ii) Despite decline, influenced administrative frameworks and cultural developments in South India.
- (iii) Left lasting legacy in art, architecture, education, and military organization.
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Notable Rulers: Leadership and Cultural Impact
Key rulers such as Firuz Shah Bahmani and Ahmad Shah I expanded territories, reformed administration, and promoted culture.
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Firuz Shah Bahmani (1397-1422)
- Leadership & Cultural Patronage:
- (i) Promoted religious and natural sciences, enhancing cultural development.
- (ii) Established a multilingual and culturally inclusive court.
- Administrative Reforms:
- (i) Inducted Hindus into administration, especially in revenue management.
- (ii) Encouraged astronomy and built an observatory near Daulatabad.
- Military Campaigns & Legacy:
- (i) Expanded towards Berar and fought Vijayanagar in the Krishna-Godavari basin.
- (ii) Established Bahmani cultural dominance through administrative and cultural policies.
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Ahmad Shah I (1422-1436)
- Succession & Military Campaigns:
- (i) Ascended after Firuz Shah, influenced by Sufi saint Gesu Daraz.
- (ii) Expanded military campaigns towards Warangal and the eastern seaboard.
- Capital Shift & Consolidation:
- (i) Moved capital from Gulbarga to Bidar for better control.
- (ii) Extended influence to Malwa, Gondwana, and Konkan region.
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Summary of the Bahmani Kingdom
The Bahmani Kingdom (1347-1526) was the first Muslim empire in the Deccan, laying foundations for administration, art, architecture, and education. Its rulers, including Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah, Firuz Shah Bahmani, and Ahmad Shah I, contributed to military expansion, cultural development, and governance reforms. Studying the Bahmani Sultanate is crucial for students to understand South Indian medieval history and its impact on successor Deccan Sultanates.
