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

Emergence of Powerful Regional Kingdoms in the Deccan

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

Post-Victory Conflicts Between Ahmadnagar and Bijapur

• After the victory, Ahmadnagar and Bijapur resumed their rivalry, both claiming Sholapur, a rich and fertile territory.
• Neither wars nor marriage alliances between the two states could resolve the issue.

Territorial Ambitions and Power Struggles in the Deccan

• Ahmadnagar aimed to annex Berar in the north, claiming superiority as descendants of the old Bahmani rulers.
• Their claims were contested by Bijapur and the rulers of Gujarat, who eyed the rich Konkan area and Berar.
• Bijapur and Golconda clashed over Naldurg.

Influence of Mughal Expansion on Deccan Politics

• The Mughal conquest of Gujarat in 1572 created a new political situation.
• Although it could have been a prelude to the Mughal conquest of the Deccan, Akbar was busy elsewhere and did not interfere.
• Ahmadnagar took advantage to annex Berar, agreeing with Bijapur to expand south at Vijayanagara's expense.
• Golconda also aimed to extend its territories at Vijayanagara's cost.

Rise of the Marathas in Deccan Politics

• The Marathas grew in importance in Deccan affairs, serving as loose auxiliaries or bargirs in the Bahmani kingdom.
• Local revenue affairs were managed by Deccani Brahmans, with powerful Maratha zamindars or deshmukhs rising in prominence.

Deccan Sultanates’ Policy Towards the Marathas

• By the mid-16th century, Deccan rulers sought to win over the Marathas, offering them service and positions in leading states.
• Ibrahim Adil Shah of Bijapur, who ascended in 1535, was a leading advocate, employing 30,000 Maratha auxiliaries and favoring them in the revenue system.

Prominent Maratha Families and Their Role in Deccan Politics

• Old Maratha families like the More, Nimbalkar, and Ghatge rose to prominence under the Bahmani rulers, holding mansabs and jagirs.
• New families like the Bhonsales (Ghorpade) and Dafles (Chavans) also gained prominence due to Bijapur's policies.
• Maharashtrian Brahmans played key roles in diplomacy, with the title of Peshwa given to a Brahman, Kankoji Naik, by Ahmadnagar's rulers.

Maratha Influence on Mughal Administrative Policies

• The Deccani rulers’ policies of allying with local landed classes influenced the Mughals under Akbar, highlighting the importance of military-minded local alliances.