"Discover the Mughal advance towards the Deccan, focusing on Akbar's political strategies, strengthening alliances, and addressing regional challenges such as sectarian conflicts and the Portuguese threat.

Logical Advance: Consolidating Power and Expanding Influence

• It was logical to expect a Mughal advance towards the Deccan after consolidating their empire in north India.
• Despite the Vindhyas dividing the north and south, they were not an insurmountable barrier, with cultural and commercial exchanges always present.

Strengthening Relations: Cultural and Commercial Ties

• The Tughlaqs' conquest and improved communications strengthened commercial and cultural relations between the north and south.
• Post-Delhi Sultanate decline, many Sufi saints and job-seekers migrated to the Bahmani court.

Political Involvement: Expanding Mughal Hegemony

• The rulers of Gujarat, Malwa, and Orissa were continually involved in South Indian politics.
• After conquering Malwa and Gujarat in the 1560s and 1570s, the Mughals couldn't ignore Deccan politics.
• In 1576, a Mughal army invaded Khandesh, compelling its ruler to submit, but urgent matters drew Akbar elsewhere.

Deccan Politics: A Complex Web of Alliances and Rivalries

• The Deccan was a cauldron of politics, with frequent wars and factional fights among nobles.
• Hostility between Deccanis and newcomers (afaqis or gharibs), and among Deccanis themselves, was rampant.
• Maratha assimilation into the military and political system was slow, with rulers and nobles commanding little loyalty.

Sectarian Conflicts: Religious Tensions and Political Instability

• The rise of Shiism in Iran under the Safavid dynasty led to persecution and migration to India.
• Golconda adopted Shiism, and the Shiite party was strong in Bijapur and Ahmadnagar, leading to heightened strife.
• Mahdawi ideas also spread, with expectations of a Mahdi strengthening Islam and justice, leading to further conflicts.

Akbar's Concerns: Religious Harmony and External Threats

• Akbar proposed the concept of sulh-i-kul to address sectarian rivalries in Deccani states spilling over into the Mughal empire.
• He was also wary of the growing power of the Portuguese, who interfered with pilgrim traffic and proselytized in their territories.

Portuguese Threat: Protecting Pilgrimage Routes and Limiting European Influence

• The Portuguese interfered with pilgrim traffic to Mecca, including royal ladies, and attempted to expand their mainland positions.
• Akbar felt that coordinating and pooling resources of the Deccani states under Mughal supervision would check the Portuguese threat.