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The Bahmani Empire was famously known as the Bahmani Sultanate,

which was considered the first independent Islamic kingdom in south India
during the medieval era. The empire was founded as a result of the revolt
against Muhammad Bin Tughlaq by the Turkish Governor named Ala-ud-Din
Hassan Bahman Shah, during the year 1347. He was also famous by the
name Zafar Khan.
The Bahmani empire was considered a powerful kingdom for around 200
years. Until the battle between Krishnadeva Raya and the last ruler of the
Bahmani Kingdom. Later Bahmani Sultanate got divided into 5 distinguished
states, which were collectively known as the Deccan Sultanates.

Bahamani Kingdom

Overview of Bahmani Kingdom

Status Sultanate

Gulbarga (1347-1425)
Capital
Bidar (1425-1527)

1. Persian
2. Marathi
Common Languages 3. Deccani Urdu
4. Telugu
5. Kannada

Religion Sunni Islam

Government
1. Monarchy
Sultan
2. Ala-ud- Dan Bahman Shah
1347-1358
3. Kalim Allah Shah
1525-1527

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Status Sultanate

Late Medieval
Historical Era
Established 3 August 1347
Disestablished 1527

Currency Taka

Suceded By
Preceded By
Vijayanagar Empire
Delhi Sultanate
Musunuri Deccan Sultanate
Nayaks
Portuguese India

History and Background of Bahmani Kingdom

According to some myths, Zafar Khan, the founder of the Bahmani sultanate,
was earlier the slave of a Brahmin ruler named Gangu. Because of this, he
got the name Hassan Gangu. Before the risen of the empire, he was the
governor of Deccan, and also the commander under Sultan Tughlaq. Another
myth claims that Hassan was connected with the early Persian King
Bahaman Shah. However, there is no evidence for the claims.
Later, in the year 1347, Ala-ud-din Hassan Bahman Shah revolted against the
Delhi sultanate. At that time, the sultan of the Delhi Sultanate was
Muhammad Bin Tughlaq. In the rebellion, he was helped by Nazir Uddin
Ismail Shah, who rebelled against the Delhi Sultanate. In the end, his
rebellion succeeded, and he established an independent state on Deccan
within the southern provinces of the Delhi sultanate, his capital was settled in
Hasanabad (Gulbarga). He crowned himself the ” Sultan Alauddin Bahman
Shah”, and became the founder of the Bahmani Dynasty.

Bahamani Kingdom

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Bahmani Empire under Sultan Alauddin Bahman Shah

Under Hasan Shah, the power of the Bahmani empire was at its peak. The
Prime Minister and General Mahmud Gawan played an important role in the
expansion of the Bahmani Sultanate from Daulatabad (West) to Bhongir in
Telangana (East), and from the Warangal River (south) to Krishna (North).
During its risen period, the Bahmani empire was constantly involved in battles
with the Hindu Empire, named Vijaynagar Empire in the south.
Alauddin Shah, according to Farishta, was a very kind ruler who constantly
maintained a policy of generosity. His generosity can be seen as according to
Ismail, he was the first Muslim king of India to decree that ‘Jizya’ not be
imposed on Hindus. Also, he permitted duty-free importation of all agricultural
products into his reign. He ruled for eleven years, from the year 1347 to the
year 1358. Considering the administration purposes, the Empire, later on,
was divided into five subsidiary powers known as the Deccan sultanates. And
he appointed a governor for each region.
During the years 1347 to 1425 AD, the Bahmani Empire was constantly
engaged in conflicts with the Vijayanagara Empire over the control of
Deccan. Gulbarga was the capital of the Bahmani, which was then
relocated to the Bidar in the year 1425 AD.
Bahmani Kingdom after Sultan Alauddin Hasan
Later on, he was succeeded by his son Mohammed Shah I. Then,
Ghiyasuddin inherited his father, Muhammad II, but was blinded and
imprisoned by Taghalchin, a Turkish ruler. Shamsuddin, a puppet king under
Taghalchin, succeeded him. Firoz and Ahmed, the fourth sultan Daud’s sons,
marched to Gulbarga to take vengeance on Ghiyasuddin. Firuz Shah
proclaimed himself ruler after defeating Taghalchin’s soldiers. Shamsuddin
was blinded and Taghalchin was killed.
In the year 1397, Taj-ud-Din Firoz Shah has crowned the sultan of the
Bahmani Empire. Throughout his rule, he fought many battles against the
Vijayanagara Empire. It includes his Victoria in the years 1398 and 1406. But
in 1419, he was defeated in the battle against the Vijayanagara Empire. His
marriage to Deva Raya’s daughter resulted in one of his victories. Following,
Ahmad Shah I Wali, who was his younger brother, succeeded to his throne.
Later, the eldest Son of Humayun Shah, named Nizam-Ud-Din Ahmad III, and
Muhammad Shah III Lashkari ascended the throne, as at that time they were
not reached the right age, Mahmud Gawan ruled as the regent during that
period. Mahmud Gawan was considered a great statesman and also a
reputed poet. But later he was executed by Muhammad Shah III.

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Later his throne was succeeded by his Son Muhammad Shah Bahmani II,
who was nothing more than a puppet under the hands of their Barid Shahi
Prime Ministers, later, in the year 1518, as expected, the sultanate was
divided into five different states:
1. Ahmednagar’s Nizam Shahi,
2. Golconda’s Qutb Shahi,
3. Bidar’s Barid Shahi,
4. Berar’s Imad Shahi,
5. and Bijapur’s Adil Shahi.
They are known together as the “Deccan Sultanates.”
The Bahmani Sultans were supporters of the Persian language, culture, and
literature, and some rulers of the empire became fluent in it and wrote
literature in it. Apart from this, the architectural achievements of the Bahmani
Empire were also significant.
Political Structure and Administration of Bahmani Kingdom
The Bahmani Empire had a well-organized political structure and
administration to effectively govern its vast territories. At the top was the
sultan, who held supreme power and ruled the empire. The administration
was centralized, with different departments responsible for various aspects of
governance such as finance, justice, military, intelligence, and public works.
The empire was divided into provinces and districts, each with its own
governor and officials who reported directly to the sultan. These officials were
responsible for maintaining law and order and overseeing the administration
of their respective regions. The empire had a sophisticated revenue system to
collect taxes from different sources and a well-developed judicial system with
judges known as qazis who applied Islamic law to settle disputes.
The military played a vital role in the administration, with military commanders
appointed to protect the empire’s borders and maintain internal security. The
empire had a network of spies and intelligence officers who gathered
information, and diplomatic relations were established with neighboring
kingdoms and empires.
The royal court of the sultan served as the center of power and prestige,
surrounded by nobles, courtiers, and advisors who assisted in governance.
Loyalty and service were rewarded with titles, grants of land, and other
privileges. A postal system was established for efficient communication
across the empire.

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Understanding the political structure and administration of the Bahmani

Empire helps us comprehend how it governed its territories and maintained
control over a diverse population.
Art and Architecture in the Bahmani Kingdom
The Bahmani kingdom’s sultans built a lot of structures, including mosques,
madrasas, and libraries, because they were so drawn to art and architecture.
They built
1. Gulbarga Juma Masjid
2. The Golconda Fort
3. The Golgumbaz at Bijapur
4. The Muhammad Gawan Madrasa

The Bahmani Empire was established in the __ century in the Deccan region
of India.
a) 12th
b) 13th
c) 14th
d) 15th
Solution: c) 14th

The founder of the Bahmani Empire was:

a) Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah
b) Muhammad Shah I
c) Firuz Shah Bahmani
d) Mahmud Gawan
Solution: a) Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah

The Bahmani Empire was primarily located in which present-day country?

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a) India
b) Pakistan
c) Bangladesh
d) Afghanistan
Solution: a) India

The capital city of the Bahmani Empire was:

a) Gulbarga
b) Bijapur
c) Bidar
d) Golconda
Solution: a) Gulbarga

The Bahmani Empire was known for its patronage of which religion?
a) Hinduism
b) Buddhism
c) Jainism
d) Islam
Solution: d) Islam

The Bahmani Empire was a successor state to which other empire in the
Deccan?
a) Vijayanagara Empire
b) Delhi Sultanate
c) Chola Empire
d) Pallava Empire
Solution: b) Delhi Sultanate

The Bahmani Empire was divided into several provinces called:

a) Vilayats
b) Sipahsalaris
c) Subahs
d) Parganas
Solution: c) Subahs

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The Bahmani Empire reached its peak under the reign of:
a) Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah
b) Muhammad Shah I
c) Firuz Shah Bahmani
d) Mahmud Gawan
Solution: c) Firuz Shah Bahmani

The Bahmani Empire faced frequent conflicts with which other dynasty in the
Deccan?
a) Vijayanagara Empire
b) Maratha Empire
c) Rashtrakuta Dynasty
d) Chalukya Dynasty
Solution: a) Vijayanagara Empire

The famous Gol Gumbaz mausoleum, known for its enormous dome, is
located in which city of the Bahmani Empire?
a) Gulbarga
b) Bijapur
c) Bidar
d) Golconda
Solution: b) Bijapur

The Bahmani Empire was known for its administrative and fiscal system
called:
a) Iqta system
b) Jagir system
c) Diwan-i-Kohi system
d) Diwan-i-Mustakhraj system
Solution: d) Diwan-i-Mustakhraj system

The Bahmani Empire adopted a Persianate culture, influenced by which

neighboring empire?
a) Mughal Empire
b) Ottoman Empire

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c) Safavid Empire
d) Abbasid Empire
Solution: c) Safavid Empire

The Bahmani Empire had a prominent military force known as the:

a) Bahmanids
b) Ghulams
c) Janissaries
d) Qizilbash
Solution: b) Ghulams

The Bahmani Empire was known for its architectural marvels, including the
famous Charminar, which is located in the city of:
a) Gulbarga
b) Bijapur
c) Bidar
d) Hyderabad
Solution: d) Hyderabad

The Bahmani Empire was weakened by internal conflicts and ultimately

disintegrated into five separate kingdoms called the:
a) Adil Shahi Sultanates
b) Qutb Shahi Sultanates
c) Berar Sultanates
d) Nizam Shahi Sultanates
Solution: a) Adil Shahi Sultanates

The "Ashtur Tomb" is a significant architectural structure in the Bahmani

Empire. It is associated with the reign of which ruler?
a) Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah
b) Muhammad Shah I
c) Firuz Shah Bahmani
d) Mahmud Gawan
Solution: c) Firuz Shah Bahmani

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The Bahmani Empire was known for its vibrant and diverse cultural traditions,
influenced by which different regions?
a) Persia, Central Asia, and South India
b) Arabia, East Asia, and North India
c) Egypt, Southeast Asia, and West India
d) Greece, Africa, and Northeast India
Solution: a) Persia, Central Asia, and South India

The Bahmani Empire was a prominent center for the production of which
luxury goods?
a) Silk and textiles
b) Spices and herbs
c) Gems and jewelry
d) Pottery and ceramics
Solution: a) Silk and textiles

The "Tughlaqabad Fort" in Delhi was built by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, who was
originally a governor of the Bahmani Empire. This fort showcases the
architectural influence of the Bahmani Empire in North India.
Solution: False

The Bahmani Empire promoted the growth of regional languages, literature,

and art forms. The famous poet-saint Vidyapati was associated with the
Bahmani court and composed in which language?
a) Persian
b) Arabic
c) Telugu
d) Maithili
Solution: d) Maithili

The "Barid Shahi Sultanate" was one of the five successor states that
emerged from the disintegration of the Bahmani Empire. It was centered in
which city?
a) Gulbarga
b) Bijapur

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c) Bidar
d) Golconda
Solution: c) Bidar

The Bahmani Empire actively participated in trade and had economic ties with
which regions?
a) Arab world, East Africa, and Europe
b) Southeast Asia, China, and Japan
c) Central Asia, Persia, and Russia
d) South Asia, Australia, and New Zealand
Solution: a) Arab world, East Africa, and Europe

The Bahmani Empire was known for its significant contributions to which field
of knowledge?
a) Mathematics
b) Medicine
c) Astronomy
d) Philosophy
Solution: c) Astronomy

The "Mecca Masjid" in Hyderabad, a renowned mosque, was commissioned

by the rulers of the Bahmani Empire and completed by the Qutb Shahi
dynasty.
Solution: True

The Bahmani Empire witnessed the influx of prominent scholars and

intellectuals from various parts of the Islamic world, contributing to the growth
of learning and education. One such notable figure was:
a) Ibn Battuta
b) Al-Khwarizmi
c) Avicenna
d) Al-Farabi
Solution: a) Ibn Battuta

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The "Bara Kaman" is a unfinished mausoleum located in Bijapur, which was

planned to be the final resting place of the Bahmani ruler:
a) Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah
b) Muhammad Shah I
c) Firuz Shah Bahmani
d) Mahmud Gawan
Solution: b) Muhammad Shah I

The Bahmani Empire had a diverse society with different communities,

including Hindus, Muslims, and Jews, living together in harmony.
Solution: True

The Bahmani Empire actively promoted the development of which form of

Islamic art and architecture?
a) Mughal architecture
b) Persian architecture
c) Arabesque architecture
d) Deccani architecture
Solution: d) Deccani architecture

The Bahmani Empire was known for its strategic military alliances with other
kingdoms in order to safeguard its territories from external threats. One such
alliance was formed with the:
a) Vijayanagara Empire
b) Maratha Empire
c) Mewar Kingdom
d) Gajapati Kingdom
Solution: a) Vijayanagara Empire

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