A comprehensive overview of the emergence of powerful states in the Deccan region, post-victory rivalries, Mughal influence, and the rise of the Marathas.

The Deccan region witnessed the emergence of powerful regional kingdoms like Ahmadnagar, Bijapur, and Golconda following the breakup of the Bahmani kingdom. This period (16th century) is crucial for students studying Deccan politics, Maratha rise, and the interplay of regional and Mughal influence in shaping southern India’s history.

Emergence of Powerful Regional Kingdoms in the Deccan and Maratha Influence (16th Century)

• The breakup of the Bahmani kingdom led to the rise of independent Deccan sultanates, ongoing conflicts, and the gradual emergence of the Marathas as influential actors.

  This era involved territorial ambitions, alliances, rivalries, and Mughal interactions that defined Deccan politics in the 16th century.

  • (i) Following the breakup of the Bahmani kingdom, three powerful states—Ahmadnagar, Bijapur, and Golconda—emerged.
  • (ii) These states combined forces to crush Vijayanagara at the Battle of Bannihatti, near Talikota, in 1565.

• Post-Victory Conflicts Between Ahmadnagar and Bijapur

  After their joint victory, Ahmadnagar and Bijapur resumed rivalries, competing over rich territories like Sholapur.

  • Territorial Rivalries Over Sholapur

    • (i) Both states claimed Sholapur, a fertile and strategically important territory.
    • (ii) Neither wars nor marriage alliances resolved the rivalry between the two sultanates.

• Territorial Ambitions and Power Struggles in the Deccan

  The regional sultanates sought to expand their territories, often leading to clashes and alliances to consolidate power.

  • Ahmadnagar’s Expansion

    • (i) Ahmadnagar aimed to annex Berar in the north, claiming superiority as descendants of the Bahmani rulers.
    • (ii) Their claims were contested by Bijapur and Gujarat, who eyed Konkan and Berar.

  • Bijapur and Golconda Clashes

    • (i) Bijapur and Golconda clashed over Naldurg territory.

• Influence of Mughal Expansion on Deccan Politics

  The Mughal conquest of Gujarat introduced a new political dynamic, affecting the ambitions and alliances of Deccan sultanates.

  • Mughal Conquest of Gujarat (1572)

    • (i) Mughal conquest of Gujarat in 1572 created a new political situation.
    • (ii) Ahmadnagar annexed Berar, agreeing with Bijapur to expand south at Vijayanagara’s expense.
    • (iii) Golconda also aimed to extend its territories at Vijayanagara’s cost.

• Rise of the Marathas in Deccan Politics

  The Marathas emerged as significant actors in the Deccan, initially serving as auxiliaries and later gaining political prominence.

  • Role under the Bahmani Kingdom

    • (i) The Marathas served as loose auxiliaries or bargirs in the Bahmani kingdom.
    • (ii) Local revenue affairs were managed by Deccani Brahmans, while powerful Maratha zamindars or deshmukhs rose in prominence.

• Deccan Sultanates’ Policy Towards the Marathas

  By the mid-16th century, Deccan rulers sought to integrate Marathas into their administrations through service and revenue roles.

  • Ibrahim Adil Shah and Maratha Integration

    • (i) Ibrahim Adil Shah of Bijapur, ascended in 1535, employed 30,000 Maratha auxiliaries.
    • (ii) Favored Marathas in the revenue system and state positions to secure loyalty.

• Prominent Maratha Families and Their Role in Deccan Politics

  Several old and new Maratha families gained prominence, managing mansabs, jagirs, and participating in diplomacy.

  • Old Maratha Families

    • (i) Families like More, Nimbalkar, and Ghatge rose under Bahmani rulers.
    • (ii) Held mansabs and jagirs, influencing regional politics.

  • New Maratha Families

    • (a) Families like Bhonsales (Ghorpade) and Dafles (Chavans) gained prominence under Bijapur’s policies.
    • (b) Maharashtrian Brahmans played key roles in diplomacy; the title of Peshwa was given to Kankoji Naik by Ahmadnagar’s rulers.

• Maratha Influence on Mughal Administrative Policies

  The Deccani rulers’ alliances with local landed classes influenced Mughal administrative and military strategies, highlighting the importance of regional power structures.

  • Impact on Mughal Administration

    • (i) The Mughals under Akbar adopted policies influenced by Deccani rulers’ local alliances, integrating military-minded landed classes.

• Summary: Emergence of Deccan Regional Kingdoms and Maratha Influence

  The 16th-century Deccan saw the rise of Ahmadnagar, Bijapur, and Golconda, coupled with the growing prominence of the Marathas. Territorial rivalries, Mughal influence, and strategic alliances shaped the political landscape. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for students preparing for Indian history exams on medieval Deccan politics.