Rise of Provincial Dynasties: Malwa | History Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Introduction

Decline of the Sultanate and the Rise of Malwa:

• The decline of the Sultanate led to the rise of the independent kingdom of Malwa.

Geographical Significance of Malwa:

• Malwa was located on a high plateau between the Narmada and Tapti rivers.
• It controlled important trade routes between Gujarat and northern India, as well as between north and south India.
• As long as Malwa was strong, it prevented powerful states like Gujarat, Mewar, the Bahmanis, and the Lodi sultans of Delhi from expanding their influence.
• Whoever controlled Malwa could potentially dominate all of northern India.

Height of Power in the 15th Century:

• During the 15th century, Malwa reached the peak of its power.
• The capital was moved from Dhar to Mandu, a location that was both defensible and beautiful.
• The ruler of Malwa built many impressive structures in Mandu.

Internal Conflicts:

• From its inception, Malwa was plagued by internal conflicts.
• There were constant struggles for succession among different claimants to the throne.
• Nobles also fought among themselves for power and wealth.
• Neighboring states like Gujarat and Mewar often took advantage of these internal divisions.

Dilawar Khan Ghori (1401-7)

His Life and Rule in Malwa: He was the Tughluq governor of Malwa.

• In the year A.D. 1401-2, he declared independence and proclaimed himself the king of Malwa.

Matrimonial Alliances for Security:

• He formed a marital alliance with Malik Raja Faruqi of Khandesh.
• These alliances were crucial in protecting Malwa's southeastern frontier.

Diplomatic Relations for Defense:

• By maintaining friendly relations with Muzaffar Shah of Gujarat, he managed to shield Malwa from potential attacks.

Posthumous Challenges:

• After his death in A.D. 1407, Malwa faced threats from the imperial ambitions of Muzaffar Gujarati.
• The period from the 13th to 15th century saw Malwa succumbing to these imperialistic designs.

Hoshang Shah (1406-35)

His father, Dilawar, moved the capital from Dhar to Mandu, which was renamed Shadiabad (the city of joy) by Allauddin Khilji.

• Hoshang Shah conquered Kherla and Gagraun, and attempted to take Gwalior. However, he withdrew in 1423 due to the power of Mubarak Shah.
• He formed a matrimonial alliance with the Muslim ruler of Kalpi to create a buffer between Jaunpur-Malwa and Delhi-Malwa.
• Hoshang Shah promoted a policy of religious toleration and encouraged Rajputs to settle in Malwa with generous grants.
• The city of Hoshangabad in Madhya Pradesh was originally called Narmadapur after the river Narmada, but was renamed by Hoshang Shah.
• He supported the Jains, who were the main commercial merchants and bankers in the area.
• Nardeva Soni, a merchant, served as Hoshang Shah's treasurer and adviser.

Muhammad Shah

Succession and Downfall in Malwa:

• Hoshang Shah was succeeded by Muhammad Shah, who proved to be incompetent.
• During his brief reign of just one year, the court of Malwa became rife with intrigues, leading to disastrous outcomes.
• The chaos peaked with Muhammad Shah's murder in 1436, orchestrated by his noble Mahmud Khalji.
• This event marked the end of Ghorid rule in Malwa.

Mahmud Khalji (1436-69)

Mahmud Khalji and His Conquests:

• Most Powerful Ruler: Mahmud Khalji is considered the most powerful of the Malwa rulers.
• Threatened Position: Initially, his position was threatened by the old Ghorid nobility.
• Policy of Appeasement: Mahmud tried to appease the Ghorid nobility by distributing iqta and high posts, but he failed to gain their support.
• Revolts and Success: He faced revolts from high-ranking nobles but eventually succeeded in overcoming them.
• Expansion: After consolidating his position, Mahmud Khalji focused on expanding his territory, engaging in battles with various neighbors, including the rulers of Gujarat,Gondwana,Orissa, the Bahmani sultans, and the sultans of Delhi.
• Mewar Conflict: He primarily focused on conquering south Rajputana and subduing Mewar, which was under the aggressive expansion of Rana Kumbha.
• Battle of Sarangpur: In 1437, Mahmud Khalji was defeated and captured by Rana Kumbha in the Battle of Sarangpur.
• Later Attacks on Mewar: Despite his defeat, Mahmud Khalji attempted to attack Mewar in 1442 after the death of Ranmal but had to retreat with minimal gains.
• Yearly Campaigns: He conducted almost yearly campaigns against Rana Kumbha, who successfully defended his territory.
• Destruction of Temples: During his conflicts with Rana Kumbha and neighboring Hindu rajas, Mahmud Khalji destroyed many temples.
• Conflict with Jaunpur: Mahmud Khalji clashed with Jaunpur over the control of Kalpi, leading to a treaty that established a cordial relationship between the two.
• Conflict with Gujarat: After the death of Ahmad Shah of Gujarat, Mahmud Khalji took advantage of the weak position of Muhammad Shah Gujarati, occupying Sultanpur and Nandurbar.
• Alliance with Gujarat: After Muhammad Gujarati's death, Mahmud Khalji formed an alliance with his successor Sultan Qutbuddin, agreeing to respect each other's territorial boundaries and have a free hand in Mewar.
• Intervention in Bahmani Politics: Mahmud Khalji's interventions in Bahmani politics were met with strong resistance from Mahmud Begarha.

Ghiyas Shah (1469-1500)

Consolidation over Conquest: The son and successor of Mahmud Khalji focused more on strengthening and consolidating the kingdom rather than expanding it through conquests.

• Peaceful Period: Except for a brief conflict with the Rana of Mewar in 1473, this era was marked by a long period of peace.

Collapse of Malwa

Gujarat's Conquest of Mandu:

• In 1518, Gujarat forces stormed Mandu.
• By 1531, Bahadur Shah of Gujarat captured Mandu,executed Mahmud II(who ruled from 1511 to 1531), leading to the collapse of the Malwa sultanate.

Mughal Control over Malwa:

• In 1562, the Mughal emperor Akbar conquered Malwa and incorporated it as a subah(province) of his empire.