Bahamani Kingdom

Bahmani Kingdom, founded by Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah (Hasan Gangu) in 1347, holds historical significance as the first Muslim Kingdom in the Deccan region. Over the years, it grew into a prominent power in the South, presenting a formidable challenge to the mighty Vijayanagara kingdom. This article delves into various aspects of the Bahmani Kingdom, such as its important rulers, administrative structure, art and architecture, literature, and other noteworthy facts. Notably, Mohammad Gawan, a Persian trader turned prime minister, played a pivotal role in guiding the kingdom to its zenith. However, the kingdom’s foundations crumbled after losing a significant war to King Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagara, marking the decline of the Bahmani Sultanate.

About Bahmani Kingdom

The Bahmani Sultanate, also known as the Bahmanid Empire, was a Muslim empire in South India.
It was the first independent Muslim empire in the Deccan region and frequently clashed with its Hindu rival, Vijayanagara.
Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagara defeated the last remnants of the Bahmani Sultanate.
The Bahmani Sultanate, in existence from 1347 to 1518, marked the first Muslim state in the Deccan.
The first sultan of the bahmani kingdom was Ala-ud-Din Bahman Shah.
He initiated the Bahmani Sultanate in 1347, with support from military leaders against Delhi Sultan Muhammad ibn Tughluq.
The capital shifted from Ahsanabad (now Gulbarga) to Muhammadabad (now Bidar).
The Bahmani Sultanate reached its peak under the vizierate of Mahmud Gawan from 1466 to 1481.
Eventually, the Bahmani Kingdom split into five successor states, collectively known as the Deccan sultanates, with Vijayanagara becoming the capital after the Battle of Talikota.

Origin of Bahmani Kingdom

The Bahmani Kingdom traces its roots to a successful uprising led by Zafar Khan, also known as Hasan Gangu, a former commander and Governor under Muhammad Bin Tughlaq.
In 1347, Hasan Gangu orchestrated a rebellion against the Delhi Sultanate, emerging victorious and paving the way for the establishment of an independent Bahmani Kingdom in the Deccan region.
The triumph of Hasan Gangu in the rebellion marked the emergence of the Bahmani Kingdom as a separate and distinct entity, breaking away from the Delhi Sultanate’s influence.
Hasan Gangu, now titled ‘Alauddin Bahman Shah,’ garnered crucial support from influential Sufi saints of the time. Their endorsement strengthened his political authority and contributed to the foundation of the Bahmani Kingdom.

Rulers of Bahmani Kingdom

The important rulers of the Bahmani Kingdom, along with their achievements, can be studied in the following table:

Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah (Hasan Gangu) (1347-1357 AD)

Founded the Bahmani Kingdom and established Hasnabad (Gulbarga) as the capital.
Expanded his rule across the Deccan, covering parts of present-day Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.

Muhammad Shah-1 (1358-1377 AD)

Son of Hasan Gangu, he became the second ruler of the Bahmani Kingdom.
Engaged in conflicts with Vijayanagar, defeating Bukka-1 and the Kapaya Nayakas of the Warangal kingdom.

Muhammad Shah-2 (1378-1397 AD)

A peace-loving and diplomatic ruler who fostered friendly relations with neighboring kingdoms.
Contributed to public welfare by establishing hospitals, madrassas, and mosques.

Feroz Shah Bahmani (1397-1422 AD)

A significant ruler with expertise in the Quran, natural sciences, calligraphy, and poetry.
Married the daughter of Deva Raya-1 and incorporated Hindus into the administration.
Built an observatory, promoted astronomy, and facilitated international trade through sea routes.

Ahmed Shah-1 (Wali) (1422-1435 AD)

Ascended the throne after his brother Feroz Shah, known as Wali due to his association with Sufi saint Gesu Daraz.
Transferred the capital to Bidar, invaded Warangal, and annexed its territories.

Muhammad Shah-3 (1463-1482 AD)

Became ruler at the age of 9, known for wisdom and administrative prowess.
Reformed revenue, administration, and the army, defeating Vijayanagara, Orissa, Konkan, and Sangameshwar kingdoms.

Mahmud Gawan (1463-1481AD)

An Iranian-born Prime Minister of Muhammad Shah-3, leading the Bahmani Kingdom to its zenith.
Defeated Vijayanagar, capturing Dabhol and Goa, expanding sea trade with Persia.
Implemented administrative divisions with eight taraf, later executed by the Sultan in 1482.

Administration

The kingdom was divided into four administrative units called ‘taraf’ or provinces.
These provinces were Daultabad, Bidar, Berar and Gulbarga.
Every province was under a tarafdar who was also called a subedar.
Some land was converted into Khalisa land from the jurisdiction of the tarafdar (Khalisa land was that piece of land which was used to run expenses of the king and the royal household).
Nobles used to get their salary either in cash or in form of grant of land or ‘jagir’.

Architecture

The architectural style in the Bahmani Kingdom was heavily influenced by Persian aesthetics, resulting in a harmonious blend with Indo-Islamic architecture. The two capital cities, Bidar and Gulbarga, served as prominent hubs for this distinctive architectural expression. Skilled architects from Persia and neighboring regions were specifically invited to create captivating structures.

Gulbarga:

Gulbarga Fort
Jama Masjid
Haft Gumbaz

Bidar:

Madrasa Mahmud Gawan
Bidar Fort
Bahmani Tombs

Additionally, Hasan Gangu’s contribution:

Chand Minar: Admire the Chand Minar at Daulatabad, a testament to Hasan Gangu’s architectural prowess and a captivating landmark.

Literature

Persian ,Arabic and Urdu literature flourished in this period.
Mohammad Gawan wrote poems in Persian language. Riyaz-ul-Insha, Manazir-ul-insha are his works.
A new dialect called “Dakhini urdu “ became popular during this time.
The famous sufi saint of Gulbarga, Khwaja Bande Nawaz Gesu Daraj wrote in this language.

Decline of the Bahmani Kingdom

Muhammad Shah-3 was the last ruler of the Bahmani Kingdom. After him, the Kingdom weakened, and it slowly disintegrated into five successor states. The primary reasons for the decline of the Bahmani Kingdom were:

The Bahmani Empire witnessed a decline under weak and incompetent successors after Muhammad Shah-3. Their inability to govern effectively exacerbated the empire’s troubles.
The constant warfare with Vijayanagar and neighboring states drained the kingdom of both manpower and resources, contributing to its overall weakening.
Tensions escalated between the Bahmani Sultans and the noble class, leading to increased internal strife. This internal discord further weakened the empire.
Later Sultans became mere puppets in the hands of influential Barid Shahi Prime Ministers. This power dynamic diminished the authority of the rulers and centralized control in the hands of non-royal figures.
Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagar emerged victorious, dealing a decisive blow to the Bahmani Empire. This defeat ultimately led to the disintegration of the once-powerful kingdom.
The Bahmani Kingdom fractured into five distinct states:
Bijapur (1490-1686): Established by Yusuf Adil Shah of the Adil Shahi Dynasty, later annexed by Aurangzeb in 1686.
Ahmednagar (1490-1637): Founded by Malik Ahmed of the Nizam Shahi Dynasty, eventually annexed by Shah Jahan in 1637.
Bera (1490-1574): Established by Imad Shah of the Imad Shahi Dynasty, later annexed by Ahmednagar in 1574.
Golconda (1512-1687): Founded by Quli Qutub Shah of the Qutub Shahi Dynasty, annexed by Aurangzeb in 1687.
Bidar (1526-1618-19): Established by Ali Amir Barid of the Barid Shahi Dynasty, ultimately annexed by Bijapur in 1618-19.

Conclusion

The Bahmani Kingdom, founded by Alauddin Bahman Shah, held sway for approximately two centuries, marking a significant era as the first independent Muslim state in the Deccan region. Its influence introduced Persian architecture, Indo-Iranian traditions, and diverse festivals and languages to the area. Acting as a vital bridge between the North and the South, the Bahmani Kingdom experienced the rule of notable leaders such as Alauddin Bahman Shah, Feroz Shah Bahmani, Muhammad Shah-3, and the influential Prime Minister Mahmud Gawan. Throughout this period, a persistent struggle unfolded between the Bahmani Kingdom and Vijayanagar, mainly revolving around the control of the Tungabhadra doab region. This rivalry ultimately played a pivotal role in the decline of the Bahmani Kingdom, leading to its fragmentation into five distinct successor states, commonly referred to as the Deccan Sultanate.