THE BAHMANI KINGDOM (1347-1526)

THE BAHMANI KINGDOM (1347-1526)

The Bahmani kingdom was founded in 1347 by Hasan Gangu who revolted and proclaimed his independence from the Sultanate. He assumed the title of Ala-ud-din Bahmani (also Bahman Shah). Gulbarga was his capital. He divided his kingdom into four tarafs or provinces and placed each one under a tarafdar or governor. He was succeeded by Muhammad Shah I (1358-1373) whose reign was chiefly occupied in waging savage wars against Vijayanagar and Warangal. Some of the other notable rulers of the dynasty were: Firuz Shah (1397-1422) who twice defeated Vijayanagar but was ultimately defeated atPangul; Ahmad Shah (1422-1433) who conquered Warangal and shifted the capital to Bidar, and who was also known as Wali on account of his association with a sufi, Gesu Daraz; Humayun (1451-1461) famous for his minister, Khwaja Mahmud Gawan; Muhammad Shah ill (1463-1482) whose reign saw Mahmud Gawan expand the kingdom as never before.

In his campaign against Vijayanagar in 1481 he even reached and plundered Kanchi. He overran Dahlol and Goa on the western coast. However, Gawan was a Persian by birth and hence disliked by the 'Deccani' chiefs who were native. The Deccani party conspired against him and got him executed in 1481.
Gradually, the Bahmani kingdom declined in power till, in 152~, Amir Barid usurped the throne. Thus the dynasty came to an end.