4.2 Bahmani Kingdom (1347–1527/1538 CE)

• Founded in 1347 CE by Alauddin Bahman Shah (Hasan Gangu / Zafar Khan), a noble who rebelled against Muhammad bin Tughlaq's authority in the Deccan.
• Capital: initially Gulbarga (Ahsanabad), later shifted to Bidar (under Ahmad Shah I Wali).
• Constant rivalry and warfare with the Vijayanagara Empire (over the fertile Raichur Doab region and Krishna-Tungabhadra basin) throughout its existence.
• Mahmud Gawan — most famous and capable Prime Minister (Wazir) of the Bahmani Kingdom under Muhammad Shah III (c. 1466–1481 CE):
  • Able administrator; reorganized the kingdom's provinces (Tarafs) to reduce provincial governors' power and increase central control.
  • Reformed the army and revenue system; encouraged trade and learning; built a famous Madrasa (college) at Bidar.
  • Executed in 1481 CE due to noble conspiracies/court intrigue — his execution accelerated the kingdom's decline.
• The Bahmani Kingdom eventually disintegrated into five independent Deccan Sultanates by the early-to-mid 16th century:

• These five Deccan Sultanates (minus Berar, sometimes) formed the confederacy that destroyed Vijayanagara at Talikota (1565 CE); they were later gradually annexed by the Mughals (Bijapur and Golconda finally annexed by Aurangzeb, 1686–87 CE).

Key Facts / Quick Revision Points — Bahmani Kingdom

• Founded 1347 CE by Alauddin Bahman Shah (Hasan Gangu).
• Capitals: Gulbarga, later Bidar.
• Mahmud Gawan — famous Wazir; built Bidar Madrasa; executed 1481.
• Disintegrated into 5 Deccan Sultanates: Bijapur, Ahmadnagar, Golconda, Bidar, Berar.
• Golconda and Bijapur annexed by Aurangzeb (1686–87).

PART 5: THE MUGHAL EMPIRE (1526–1857 CE, focus up to Aurangzeb & decline)