Old NCERT Summary (Satish Chandra): The Deccan & the South (Upto 1656) | History for UPSC CSE PDF Download

FEATURES

1. Breakup of the Bahmani Kingdom:

   • The Bahmani Kingdom disintegrated into three powerful successor states: Ahmednagar, Bijapur, and Golconda.
   • Internal conflicts, power struggles, and regional ambitions led to this breakup.

2. Crushing of the Vijayanagara Empire:

   • Three successor states united to crush the Vijayanagara Empire at the Battle of Talikota (1565) near Bannihatti.
   • This marked a significant turning point in Deccan history.

3. Internal Conflicts Among the Successor States:

   • Despite initial cooperation, successor states clashed due to territorial disputes and power struggles.
   • Internal strife weakened the collective strength of the Deccan Sultanates.

4. Mughal Conquest of Gujarat:

   • Akbar's conquest of Gujarat (1572) paved the way for the Mughal advance into the Deccan.
   • Strategic move to expand Mughal influence southwards.

5. Growing Importance of Marathas (Bargis):

   • Marathas served as loose auxiliaries, known as "Bargis," in the Bahmani Kingdom.
   • Their role laid the foundation for the emergence of Maratha power.

6. Reasons for Mughal Advance to Deccan:

   • Logical Expansion: After consolidating in North India, Mughals logically expanded towards the Deccan.
   • Improved Communications: Conquest of Deccan by Tughlaqs improved cultural and commercial communications.
   • Migration of Saints and Artisans: After the Delhi Sultanate's decline, saints and artisans migrated to the Bahmani court, enriching the Deccan culturally.
   • Frequent Wars Among Deccani States: Frequent wars provided an environment for external intervention.
   • Religious and Ideological Differences: Growing Shiism and Mahdawi ideas clashed with orthodox elements.
   • Concerns About Portuguese Power: Akbar was apprehensive about the increasing power of the Portuguese, especially along the coastal areas.

     
     

CONQUEST OF BERAR, AHMEDNAGAR AND KHANDESH

1. Akbar's Claim of Suzerainty:

   • Akbar claimed suzerainty over the entire country, and the Rajputs accepted this claim.
   • Deccani rulers also acknowledged Akbar's suzerainty, setting the stage for Mughal influence in the Deccan.

2. Diplomatic Offensive:

   • Akbar initiated a diplomatic offensive with limited success.
   • Factional fighting among Deccani rulers provided an opportunity for Akbar to intervene, particularly in the case of Bijapur.

3. Cession of Berar:

   • Berar was ceded to the Mughals as a result of diplomatic maneuvering and Mughal military assistance.
   • This acquisition strategically provided the Mughals with a foothold for further expansion in the Deccan.

4. Invasion of Berar:

   • In response to Mughal gains, Bijapur, Golconda, and Ahmednagar combined forces and invaded Berar.
   • The Deccani forces were defeated, leading to the capture of Berar, Balaghat, Ahmednagar, and Khandesh by the Mughals.
   • Despite these victories, Mughals were yet to consolidate their position in the Deccan.

Rise of Malik Amber and Mughals

1. Role of Malik Amber:

   • After the fall of Ahmednagar and the capture of its ruler, Malik Amber played a crucial role in preventing its disintegration.
   • Malik Amber, an Abyssinian slave initially sold at a market, rose through the ranks in the Deccan.

2. Malik Amber's Background:

   • Purchased by a merchant, brought to the Deccan, and rose in the service of a noble at the court of Nizam Shahi.
   • Found a Nizam Shahi prince after Ahmednagar's fall and, with Bijapur's tacit support, set him up as Nizam with himself as his Peshwa.

3. Guerrilla Warfare and Frustration of Mughals:

   • Malik Amber organized Maratha bargis and waged guerrilla warfare, frustrating Mughal attempts to consolidate in the Deccan.
   • The Mughal army, led by Abdur Rahim Khan-i-Khanan, defeated Malik Amber but opted for friendship to maintain stability and control internal rebels.

4. Mughal Frustration and Weakness:

   • After Akbar's death, the Mughal position weakened.
   • Jahangir waged war with Malik Amber but faced defeat, allowing Amber to continue prospering.
   • The Mughals struggled to reassert themselves in the Deccan.

5. Khan-i-Khanan's Victory:

   • Khan-i-Khanan, the Mughal viceroy of the Deccan, took advantage of internal conflicts among Deccani states.
   • He won over Maratha and other nobles, inflicting a crushing defeat on the combined forces of the Deccani states.

6. Shah Jahan's Campaign:

   • Shah Jahan, as Prince Khurram, led the Mughal army against Malik Amber.
   • This campaign shattered the united front of the Deccani states.

7. Short-lived Achievements of Malik Amber:

   • Despite initial successes, Malik Amber's achievements were short-lived due to his unwillingness to come to terms with the Mughals.
   • He recognized the importance of the Marathas in the Deccan, improved the administration of the Nizam Shahi State, and introduced Todar Mai's land revenue system.
   • Malik Amber abolished the Ijara system and adopted the Zabti system.

EXTINCTION OF AHMEDNAGAR AND ACCEPTANCE OF MUGHAL SUZERAINTY

1. Shah Jahan's Understanding of Deccan Importance:

   • Shah Jahan, with prior experience in Deccan affairs as Prince Khurram, recognized the strategic importance of the Deccan region.

2. Continuation of Malik Amber's Policy:

   • Malik Amber's death in 1626 did not lead to a change in the policy of refusing Mughal dominance in Berar.

3. Diplomatic Isolation of Ahmednagar:

   • Shah Jahan diplomatically isolated Ahmednagar by gaining the support of Bijapur and Maratha Sardars.

4. Extinguishing Ahmednagar as an Independent State:

   • Ahmednagar was extinguished as an independent state, and the Mughals established a garrison town at Daulatabad.

5. Defection of Marathas and Bijapur Issues:

   • Marathas, led by Shahji, defected, posing a challenge to the Mughals.
   • Bijapur also presented problems for the Mughals.

6. Agreement Between Bijapur and Mughals:

   • An agreement was reached between Bijapur and the Mughals to reduce Shahji's growing power.
   • As part of the agreement, a portion of Ahmednagar's territory was ceded to Bijapur.

7. Treaties with Bijapur and Golconda:

   • Treaties with Bijapur and Golconda brought about peace and extended Mughal suzerainty over the entire country.
   • The Deccan states were granted freedom to extend southwards.

Cultural Contribution of Deccan States

1. Ali Adil Shah of Bijapur:

   • Engaged in discussions with Hindu and Muslim saints, earning the title of a Sufi.
   • Established an excellent library, with the appointment of Waman Pandit.
   • Continued the patronage of Sanskrit and Marathi literature.

2. Ibrahim Adil Shah II:

   • Earned the title "Abla Baba" (Friend of the Poor).
   • Deeply interested in music and authored the book "Kitab-i-Nauras."
   • Built a new capital, Nauraspur, to settle a large number of musicians.
   • Known for his broad approach and referred to as "Jagat Guru" (World Teacher).

3. Qutb Shahi Dynasty:

   • Ibrahim Qutb Shah:
     • Recruited many Hindus and Marathas into the court.
   • Quli Qutb Shah:
     • Made Golconda an intellectual resort for literary men.
     • Contributed to the growth of Dakhani Urdu.
     • Wrote in Dakhani Urdu, Persian, and Telugu.
     • Built the Char Minar with four arches, each facing a different direction.

4. Bijapur:

   • Patronized Urdu, with the famous court poet Nusrati.
   • Notable architecture includes the Ibrahim Rauza, a mausoleum for Ibrahim Adil Shah.
   • Gol Gumbaz, featuring the largest single dome ever constructed.