"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.
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Mughal Advance Towards the Deccan
Logical Advance
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
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
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
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
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
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 in pilgrim traffic and proselytized in their territories.
Portuguese Threat
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.
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