FACTORS THAT LED TO THE RISE OF HAUSA STATES

The factors that led to the rise of Hausa states were as follows:
1. GEOGRAPHICAL FACTOR; The fertile agricultural land and concentration of
minerals in Hausa area made the states attractive for population concentration and
expansion.

2. POWERFUL LEADERS: The Hausa states had powerful leaders who helped the
states to expand. Leaders like Sarki Muhammed Rumfa, Queen Amina of Zaria and
others helped in the expansion of their states.

3. INTRODUCTION OF ISLAM: Islam reformed the Hausa political system: the title
Sarki was replaced with Emir, also in the judicial system he became the supreme judge
of the state with the support of the Chief Alkali, who carried out the bulk of judicial
work. Islam promoted international trade.

4. TRADE. The Hausa people traded with their neighbours in yam, potatoes, tomatoes,
e.t.c.

5. AGRICULTURE: The Hausa people cultivated a large farm land rich in agricultural
products like millet, corn, beans e.t.c.

POLITICAL AND SOCIAL ORGANISATION OF HAUSA STATES

Hausa states usually took their names from capital towns. Therefore the head of capital
town became the Sarki or king.
1.The Sarki or the king : The king governed the state and he was assisted by a council of
ministers and officials drawn from hereditary aristocracy.
The Sarki was both a political and religious leader. Though the king enjoyed immense
powers, his powers were checked and limited by his council of ministers and other
officials.
2. Council of ministers: The council of ministers were selected from
the hereditary aristocrats. The council of ministers helps the king in the administration
of his kingdom.
Each state was divided into villages and districts.
Among the important officials of the state were the following:
i. The GALADIMA: This was the highest officer of the Royal council in Zaria, he
looked after the capital when the king and other chiefs went to war.
ii. The MADAWAKI: This was the commander in chief of the army, he was next to the
king.
iii. The WAZIRI: He was the chief minister.
iv. MAGAJI: He was the Lord of the treasury.
v. YARI: He was the head of prison guards.
vi. SARKIN DOGARAI: He was the head of the king’s body guards.
vii SARKIN YANDOKA: He was the chief of police.

ECONOMY ORGNISATION OF HAUSA STATES

1. Agriculture was the main stay of the economy.
2. Trade in various articles flourished among Hausa states.
3. Taxation: Different forms of taxation were collected before and after the introduction
of Islam.
FACTORS THAT LED TO THE FALL OF HAUSA STATES
The factors that led to the fall of Hausa states were as follows
i. WARS: The Hausa states fought many wars with each other. For example, Kano and
Katsina were often at war.
1. VASSAL STATES
ii. ATTACK BY SONGHAI: At various times, Hausa states were invaded by Songhai
from the west and Bornu from the east etc.