Gujarat, Bengal, Kashmir, Malwa - Provincial Kingdoms | History for UPSC CSE PDF Download

As the power of the Sultanate declined, many new kingdoms emerged in the subcontinent. Initially, these kingdoms were part of the Sultanate but later gained independence. In western India, Gujarat and Malwa were significant kingdoms. Ahmed Shah's establishment of Ahmedabad strengthened Gujarat's influence. Kashmir also gained prominence in the north, especially under the rule of Zain-ul-Abidin, known as 'Bud Shah'. Jaunpur and Bengal were notable kingdoms in eastern India. Originally governed by Delhi Sultan's officials, they eventually broke away from the Sultanate. In the Deccan region of southern India, the kingdoms of Bahmani and Vijayanagar played important roles.

Provincial Kingdoms of Deccan and South India

The Vijayanagara and Bahmani kingdoms became prominent following the disintegration of the Delhi Sultanate.

• Vijayanagara Kingdom (1336–1672 CE):

  • Dynasties: Ruled by four dynasties: Sangama (c. 1336-1485 CE), Saluva (c. 1485-1503 CE), Tuluva (c. 1503-1570 CE), and Aravidu (until the end of the 17th century).
  • Foundation: Established in 1336 by Harihara and Bukka of the Sangama dynasty, with the blessings of Guru Vidyaranya. They declared independence and founded the city of Vijayanagar on the south bank of the Tungabhadra River.
  • Religion: Initially followed Saivism, with Virupaksha as the family deity. Later, they were influenced by Vaishnavism, but Shiva continued to be worshipped.
  • Conflicts: Constantly at odds with the Bahmani kingdom over regions like Raichur Doab, Tungabhadra Doab, and Marathwada. They also faced rivalry from the Sultans of Madurai.
  • Decline: The empire fell after the Battle of Talaikotta in 1565, where Rama Raya was defeated by the combined forces of Bijapur, Ahmednagar, Golkonda, and Bidar. Sri Ranga III was the last ruler.

• Bahmani Kingdom (1347–1518 CE):

  • Foundation: Founded by Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah, who revolted against Muhammad bin Tughlaq of the Delhi Sultanate.
  • Capital: Initially Ahsanabad (now Gulbarga), later moved to Muhammadabad (now Bidar).
  • Peak: Reached its height under Mahmud Gawan (1461-1481), who expanded the kingdom and implemented administrative reforms.
  • Conflicts: Frequently clashed with the Vijayanagara Empire in the south.
  • Decline: Began to crumble after the execution of Mahmud Gawan, leading to internal conflicts and fragmentation.

Provincial Kingdoms of Western India

• Muzaffarid Dynasty in Gujarat (1391–1583 CE):
  • Foundation: Established by Zafar Khan, the governor of Gujarat under the Delhi Sultanate.
  • Rule: Known as the Ahmedabad dynasty, this dynasty ruled Gujarat until 1583.
• Dynasty of Malwa (1392–1562 CE):
  • Foundation: Founded by Dilawar Khan Ghuri, the governor of Malwa, who declared independence from the Delhi Sultanate in 1392.
  • Subsequent Rule: Later ruled by other dynasties, including the Khalji dynasty, with Baz Bahadur as the last Sultan.
• Dynasty of Mewar:
  • Foundation: Established by Rana Hammira (c. 1314 – 1378 CE), who founded the second Guhila dynasty of Chittor and became the progenitor of the Sisodia clan.
  • Title: Rana Hammira was the first to use the title "Rana" and built the Annapoorna Mata temple in Chittorgarh fort.

Provincial Kingdoms of North India

Kashmir:

• 13th Century: Ruled by Jagadeva, an independent but weak Hindu kingdom. Successors like Rajadeva, Samgramdeva, and Ramdeva struggled to maintain power.
• Simhadeva (1286–1301): Usurped the throne but his dynasty didn't last.
• Invasion: Kashmir's invincibility was shattered in 1320 when Dulacha succeeded in ransacking the region.
• Rinchan: A Bhautta Prince of Laddakh, Rinchan, usurped the throne in 1320, converted to Islam, and became Sultan Sadruddin.
• Shah Mir Dynasty (1339–1555 CE): Founded by Shah Mir, this dynasty firmly established Islam in Kashmir.
• Chak Dynasty (1555–1586 CE): Succeeded the Shah Mir dynasty, with Ghazi Chak as the first ruler.

Provincial Kingdoms of Eastern India

Jaunpur Dynasty (1394–1505 CE):

• Foundation: Malik Sarwar, the governor of Jaunpur, declared independence in 1394 amidst the Delhi Sultanate's decline.
• Sharqi Dynasty: Founded by Malik Sarwar, this period saw the emergence of the Sharqi style of architecture.

Ilyas Shah Dynasty (1338–1538 CE):

• Foundation: The first independent dynasty of Bengal, established by Shamsuddin Ilyas Shah. The dynasty maintained friendly relations with China, aiding Bengal's trade.

Gajapati Dynasty (1434–1541 CE):

• Foundation: Founded by Kapilendra Deva, the dynasty expanded its empire from the lower Ganga to the Kaveri and supported art, literature, and temple construction.

Conclusion

• Rise of Regional States: From the 13th to the 18th century, the internal weaknesses of the Delhi Sultanate and the decline of the Mughal Empire led to the rise of regional states such as Jaunpur, Kashmir, Gujarat, Bengal, Vijayanagar, and Bahmani.
• Cultural Exchange: Despite conflicts, these states shared ideas in art, architecture, and religion, contributing to the region's rich cultural heritage.