THE DECCAN AND THE MUGHALS (UP TO 1657)

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THE DECCAN AND THE MUGHALS (UP TO 1657)

 
 
 

1. Introduction

The relationship between the Deccan and the Mughals up to 1657 was marked by a series of conflicts, campaigns, and alliances as the Mughal Empire sought to expand its influence and control over the Deccan region. Here's an overview of the major events and developments during this period:

Bahmani Sultanate's Fragmentation (Late 15th Century):

  • As mentioned earlier, the Bahmani Sultanate fragmented into five Deccani Sultanates (Golconda, Bijapur, Ahmadnagar, Berar, and Bidar) in the late 15th century due to internal conflicts.
  • This fragmentation made the Deccan region a fractured political landscape with multiple rival powers.
Mughal Interest in the Deccan:
  • The Mughals, under Emperor Akbar, began to take an interest in the Deccan in the late 16th century. Akbar's motivation was to expand the Mughal Empire's territorial control and establish a unified rule over India.
  • The Mughals initially focused on consolidating their control in North India before turning their attention to the Deccan.

Campaigns of Emperor Jahangir:

  • Jahangir, Akbar's successor, undertook several campaigns in the Deccan, particularly against the Ahmadnagar Sultanate.
  • In 1619, he captured the stronghold of Ahmadnagar, effectively ending the independence of the Sultanate.
  • Jahangir's efforts in the Deccan, however, did not result in complete Mughal domination of the region.

Shah Jahan's Deccan Campaigns:

  • Shah Jahan, the next Mughal Emperor, continued to expand Mughal influence in the Deccan.
  • He launched campaigns against the Deccani Sultanates of Bijapur and Golconda in the 1630s.
  • While Shah Jahan achieved some successes, he was unable to fully subdue these sultanates.

The Treaty of Purandar (1656):

  • The Treaty of Purandar was signed between the Mughals, represented by Aurangzeb (then a prince), and the Marathas in 1656.
  • This treaty allowed Aurangzeb to focus his attention on the Deccan without Maratha interference.
  • It marked a pivotal moment in the Mughal campaign to conquer the Deccan.

Aurangzeb's Deccan Campaign (1657):

  • Aurangzeb, after becoming the Mughal Emperor, launched a relentless campaign in the Deccan.
  • He captured the sultanates of Bijapur in 1686 and Golconda in 1687.
  • Ahmadnagar fell in 1687, and Bidar was annexed in 1686, effectively bringing an end to the Deccani Sultanates.

Consequences:

  • The conquest of the Deccan was a significant achievement for the Mughals, as it extended their empire's boundaries to the southernmost parts of India.
  • However, Aurangzeb's prolonged campaigns in the Deccan, along with his religious policies and excessive taxation, led to financial strain and the weakening of the empire.
  • The Marathas, who had temporarily agreed to the Treaty of Purandar, later emerged as a powerful force in the Deccan and played a significant role in challenging Mughal authority.

By 1657, the Deccan had largely been incorporated into the Mughal Empire, but the region's history continued to be marked by resistance and conflicts, setting the stage for future developments in the Deccan and India as a whole.

2. The Deccani States up to 1595

The Deccani States, also known as the Deccan Sultanates, were a group of five independent Muslim kingdoms located in the Deccan Plateau of India. These sultanates emerged in the late 15th and early 16th centuries and played a significant role in the political and cultural history of the region. By 1595, the Deccani States had gone through various periods of expansion, conflict, and change. Here's an overview of the Deccani States up to 1595:

Bahmani Sultanate (1347-1527):

  • The Bahmani Sultanate was the precursor to the Deccani Sultanates and was founded in 1347 by Ala-ud-Din Hasan Bahman Shah.
  • It initially included parts of present-day Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
  • By 1518, the Bahmani Sultanate had split into five smaller sultanates, known as the Deccani Sultanates, due to internal strife and regional governors declaring independence.

Golconda Sultanate (1518-1687):

  • The Golconda Sultanate, also known as the Qutb Shahi dynasty, was one of the five successor states of the Bahmani Sultanate.
  • It was established in 1518 by Sultan Quli Qutb Shah, who declared his independence from the Bahmani Sultanate.
  • Golconda's most famous ruler was Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, who founded the city of Hyderabad in 1591.
  • In 1687, the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb annexed Golconda after a prolonged siege.

Bijapur Sultanate (1490-1686):

  • The Bijapur Sultanate, also known as the Adil Shahi dynasty, was founded in 1490 by Yusuf Adil Shah.
  • It covered parts of present-day Karnataka and Maharashtra.
  • The sultanate reached its zenith under the rule of Ibrahim Adil Shah II, who was a patron of art and architecture.
  • Bijapur was eventually conquered by the Mughal Empire in 1686.

Ahmadnagar Sultanate (1490-1636):

  • The Ahmadnagar Sultanate, also known as the Nizam Shahi dynasty, was established in 1490 by Ahmad Nizam Shah I.
  • It controlled parts of present-day Maharashtra and Gujarat.
  • The sultanate experienced internal conflicts and external pressure from the Mughal Empire.
  • It was finally annexed by the Mughals in 1636.

Berar Sultanate (1490-1574):

  • The Berar Sultanate, also known as the Imad Shahi dynasty, was founded in 1490 by Fathullah Imad-ul-Mulk.
  • It was the smallest of the Deccani Sultanates and was located in the eastern part of the Deccan.
  • Berar was absorbed by the Ahmadnagar Sultanate in 1574.

Bidar Sultanate (1492-1619):

  • The Bidar Sultanate, also known as the Barid Shahi dynasty, was established in 1492 by Qasim Barid.
  • It was the shortest-lived among the Deccani Sultanates and was located in northern Karnataka.
  • Bidar was annexed by the Bijapur Sultanate in 1619.

By 1595, the Deccani Sultanates had already faced considerable challenges and conflicts, and their territories had begun to diminish due to Mughal expansion in the region. Over time, the Mughals would go on to conquer and absorb most of these sultanates, bringing an end to their independence in the Deccan.

3. Mughal Advance towards the Deccan

The Mughal advance towards the Deccan was a significant phase in the expansion of the Mughal Empire in India. The Deccan, a region in the southern part of the Indian subcontinent, was characterized by several Deccani Sultanates, including Golconda, Bijapur, and Ahmadnagar, which had fragmented from the earlier Bahmani Sultanate. The Mughal advance into the Deccan took place over several decades and involved multiple Mughal emperors. Here is an overview of the Mughal advance towards the Deccan:

Akbar's Interest:

  • The Mughal Emperor Akbar showed an early interest in the Deccan but initially focused on consolidating Mughal control in North India.
  • In the later years of his reign (late 16th century), he initiated campaigns to expand Mughal influence in the Deccan.

Campaigns in Gujarat:

  • Akbar's campaigns in Gujarat, which was adjacent to the Deccan, served as a prelude to the Mughal advance into the Deccan.
  • The conquest of Gujarat in 1572-1573 allowed the Mughals to secure their western border with the Deccan.
Jahangir's Deccan Campaigns:
  • Jahangir, Akbar's son and successor, continued the Mughal advance into the Deccan.
  • He launched campaigns against the Ahmadnagar Sultanate, capturing the stronghold of Ahmadnagar in 1619.
  • These campaigns marked significant progress in the Mughal penetration of the Deccan.

Shah Jahan's Campaigns:

  • Shah Jahan, who ruled in the early 17th century, undertook campaigns against the Deccani Sultanates of Bijapur and Golconda.
  • He aimed to expand Mughal territory and assert Mughal dominance in the region.
  • Though Shah Jahan made gains, the Deccani Sultanates remained independent and continued to resist Mughal control.

Treaty of Purandar (1656):

The Treaty of Purandar, signed in 1656, was a significant agreement between the Mughal Empire, represented by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb (then a prince), and the Marathas, led by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This treaty played a crucial role in shaping the relationship between the Mughals and the Marathas during the 17th century.

Here are the key details and outcomes of the Treaty of Purandar:

Key Provisions of the Treaty:

  • Territorial Concessions: Under the terms of the treaty, Shivaji agreed to surrender 23 forts to the Mughals, including important strongholds like Kondana (modern-day Sinhagad) and Purandar. These forts had been captured by Shivaji's forces in earlier conflicts.
  • Recognition of Mughal Suzerainty: Shivaji acknowledged the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb as his sovereign and agreed to serve the Mughal Empire as a mansabdar (a rank of nobility) and a commander in the Mughal army.
  • Return of Mughal Territory: The Mughals agreed to return several territories to Shivaji, including the Konkan region and areas around Pune.
  • Renunciation of Alliances: Shivaji agreed to break his alliances with various regional powers and European colonial entities, including the Sultan of Golconda and the British East India Company.
  • Hostage Exchange: As part of the treaty, Shivaji's son, Sambhaji, was sent to the Mughal court as a hostage to ensure compliance with the terms of the treaty.

Outcomes and Impact:

  • The Treaty of Purandar brought a temporary halt to the hostilities between the Mughals and the Marathas, allowing both sides to focus on other matters.
  • Shivaji's recognition of Mughal suzerainty was a tactical move to secure his position and avoid further conflict with the Mughals at that time.
  • The treaty allowed Shivaji to consolidate his power within his kingdom and strengthen his administration.
  • However, the treaty did not lead to a lasting peace between the Mughals and the Marathas. Tensions would resurface, leading to further conflicts in the years to come.
  • Shivaji's escape from Agra, where he had been briefly held by the Mughals, and his subsequent reassertion of Maratha independence marked a turning point in the Maratha-Mughal relationship.

In summary, the Treaty of Purandar was a significant but temporary agreement that aimed to manage the conflict between the Mughals and the Marathas. It allowed Shivaji to consolidate his kingdom while maintaining a complicated relationship with the Mughal Empire, which would continue to evolve in the decades that followed.

Aurangzeb's Deccan Campaign:

  • After ascending to the Mughal throne in 1658, Aurangzeb launched a full-scale campaign to conquer the Deccan.
  • He captured the Deccani Sultanates of Bijapur in 1686 and Golconda in 1687.
  • Ahmadnagar fell in 1687, and Bidar was annexed in 1686.
  • These conquests marked the culmination of the Mughal advance into the Deccan.
Consequences:
  • The Mughal advance into the Deccan extended the Mughal Empire's territory to the southernmost regions of India.
  • However, the prolonged and expensive campaigns in the Deccan, along with Aurangzeb's focus on religious policies, put significant strain on the empire's resources and contributed to its decline in the later years.
  • The Marathas, who had agreed to the Treaty of Purandar, eventually emerged as a formidable power in the Deccan and challenged Mughal authority.

The Mughal advance into the Deccan was a complex and multi-decade process that had far-reaching consequences for the region's political landscape and the history of India.

4. Mughal Conquest of Berar, Khandesh, and Parts of Ahmadnagar

The Mughal conquest of Berar, Khandesh, and parts of Ahmadnagar took place during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century. These conquests were part of Akbar's broader strategy to expand the Mughal Empire's territory and influence in the Deccan region. Here's an overview of the Mughal conquest of these areas:

Berar:

  • Berar, also known as the Berar Sultanate, was one of the Deccani Sultanates that had emerged from the fragmentation of the Bahmani Sultanate.
  • In 1595, Akbar initiated a campaign to conquer Berar, which was ruled by the Imad Shahi dynasty.
  • The Mughal army, led by Prince Murad (Akbar's son), besieged and captured the fort of Gawilghur in 1599, a key stronghold in Berar.
  • The Mughals gradually extended their control over Berar, and by 1600, it was effectively incorporated into the Mughal Empire.

Khandesh:

  • Khandesh was another region in the Deccan, ruled by the Faruqi dynasty during Akbar's time.
  • Akbar's conquest of Khandesh began in 1601 when the Mughal army, under the command of Asaf Khan, laid siege to the fort of Asirgarh, a strategically important fortress.
  • The siege of Asirgarh lasted for several months, and it finally fell to the Mughals in 1601.
  • With the capture of Asirgarh, Khandesh came under Mughal control, and it was subsequently incorporated into the Mughal Empire.

Parts of Ahmadnagar:

  • Ahmadnagar Sultanate was one of the Deccani Sultanates located in the western part of the Deccan.
  • The Mughal conquest of Ahmadnagar began in 1595, as part of Akbar's broader Deccan campaigns.
  • The Mughals made significant gains in the region, capturing territories in western and northern Ahmadnagar.
  • However, the full conquest of Ahmadnagar would take several years and would continue during the reigns of Akbar's successors.

These conquests in the Deccan, including Berar, Khandesh, and parts of Ahmadnagar, represented a significant expansion of the Mughal Empire's southern territories. Akbar's policy of religious tolerance and administrative reforms helped in assimilating these newly conquered regions into the Mughal administrative framework. The conquests also facilitated greater Mughal influence in the Deccan, setting the stage for later Mughal emperors' campaigns and ultimately the consolidation of Mughal control over the entire Deccan region.

5. Rise of Malik Ambar and Mughal Attempt at Consolidation (1601-27)

The rise of Malik Ambar and the Mughal attempt to consolidate their control over the Deccan region during the period from 1601 to 1627 is a significant chapter in the history of the Deccan and the Mughal Empire. Malik Ambar was a prominent and influential figure who resisted Mughal expansion and played a crucial role in shaping the events of this era. Here's an overview of these developments:

Rise of Malik Ambar (1548-1626):

Malik Ambar, originally named Chand Bibi, was born into a humble family in the Harar province of Ethiopia. He was captured and enslaved at a young age, eventually being sold to the Deccan sultanates. He converted to Islam and became known as Malik Ambar. His rise to power is characterized by the following:

  • Service in the Ahmadnagar Sultanate: Malik Ambar served in the Ahmadnagar Sultanate and gained a reputation for his military and administrative skills. He rose through the ranks and became a prominent military leader.
  • Ahmadnagar's Instability: During this time, the Ahmadnagar Sultanate was in a state of instability, with internal conflicts and external threats, including from the Mughals.
  • Asirgarh Campaign: In 1601, the Mughal Emperor Akbar launched a campaign to capture Asirgarh, a strategically important fort in the region. The Mughals succeeded in capturing it, but Malik Ambar continued to resist.
  • Rise to Power: After the death of the Ahmadnagar ruler, Malik Ambar emerged as a key power broker in the sultanate. He effectively controlled the state, acting as the regent for the infant Ahmadnagar ruler.

Mughal Attempt at Consolidation (1601-1627):

During this period, the Mughals, under the rule of Akbar and later Jahangir, made various attempts to consolidate their control over the Deccan. However, the presence and resistance of Malik Ambar posed significant challenges:

  • Mughal Conquests: The Mughals continued their campaigns in the Deccan, including capturing key cities like Burhanpur and Kandahar.
  • Malik Ambar's Resistance: Malik Ambar, with his guerilla warfare tactics and military prowess, proved to be a formidable opponent. He successfully resisted Mughal advances and inflicted significant losses on the Mughal armies.
  • Diplomatic Efforts: The Mughals, recognizing the difficulty of subduing Malik Ambar militarily, also engaged in diplomatic negotiations with him at various points.
  • Maratha Support: Malik Ambar had the support of the emerging Maratha power, and their alliance strengthened his resistance against the Mughals.
  • End of Malik Ambar's Rule: Malik Ambar continued to resist the Mughals until his death in 1626. After his death, the Ahmadnagar Sultanate faced further internal strife and eventually fell to Mughal control in 1636 during the reign of Shah Jahan.

In summary, the period from 1601 to 1627 witnessed the rise of Malik Ambar as a significant Deccani power, and his resistance to Mughal expansion in the Deccan posed substantial challenges for the Mughal Empire. While the Mughals made territorial gains, they were unable to fully consolidate their control over the region during this period. Malik Ambar's legacy as a skilled military leader and administrator remains an important part of Deccan history.

6. Extinction of Ahmadnagar, Acceptance of Mughal

The extinction of the Ahmadnagar Sultanate and its acceptance of Mughal authority was a significant event in the history of the Deccan region of India. The Ahmadnagar Sultanate, one of the five Deccani Sultanates that emerged from the disintegration of the Bahmani Sultanate, ultimately succumbed to Mughal power. Here is an overview of how the Ahmadnagar Sultanate was extinguished, and its rulers accepted Mughal authority:

  • Continued Mughal Expansion (Early 17th Century): During the early 17th century, the Mughal Empire, under the reign of Emperor Akbar and later Jahangir, continued its campaigns in the Deccan. The Mughals aimed to extend their control over the Deccani Sultanates.
  • Capture of Key Territories: The Mughals captured several key territories in the Deccan, including forts and cities that were part of the Ahmadnagar Sultanate. These conquests weakened Ahmadnagar's position.
  • Role of Malik Ambar: Malik Ambar, a prominent Deccani military leader, played a crucial role in resisting Mughal expansion. However, after his death in 1626, Ahmadnagar faced internal instability and leadership challenges.
  • Mughal Siege of Daulatabad (1633): In 1633, during the reign of Shah Jahan, the Mughals laid siege to the strategic fort of Daulatabad, which was a major stronghold of Ahmadnagar.
  • Fall of Daulatabad (1633): After a prolonged siege, Daulatabad fell to the Mughals in 1633. This event marked a significant blow to the Ahmadnagar Sultanate.
  • Acceptance of Mughal Authority (1636): Following the fall of Daulatabad, the Ahmadnagar Sultanate, weakened and unable to resist further, eventually accepted Mughal authority in 1636. The ruler of Ahmadnagar, Murtaza Nizam Shah III, was taken into Mughal custody.
  • Annexation of Ahmadnagar: With the acceptance of Mughal authority, Ahmadnagar was effectively annexed into the Mughal Empire, and its territory became part of the Mughal Deccan province.
  • Consolidation of Mughal Rule: After the annexation of Ahmadnagar, the Mughals continued to consolidate their rule in the Deccan, extending their authority over the entire region.

The extinction of the Ahmadnagar Sultanate marked a significant milestone in the Mughal Empire's expansion into the Deccan. It was one of the steps in the Mughals' gradual consolidation of their control over the Deccan region, a process that continued over several decades and involved resistance from various Deccani powers, including Malik Ambar and the Marathas. This period laid the foundation for the Deccan becoming an integral part of the Mughal Empire.

7. Suzerainty by Bijapur and Golconda
 
The concept of suzerainty, in the context of the Deccan Sultanates of Bijapur and Golconda, refers to their acknowledgment of nominal Mughal overlordship while maintaining a considerable degree of autonomy in their internal affairs. During the 17th century, both Bijapur and Golconda, despite being under Mughal suzerainty, managed to retain a degree of independence and self-governance. Here's an overview of their relationship with the Mughal Empire:

Bijapur:

  • Bijapur, also known as the Adil Shahi Sultanate, was one of the Deccani Sultanates.
  • The ruler of Bijapur, Ali Adil Shah II, acknowledged Mughal suzerainty in 1636 after facing military pressure from the Mughals.
  • Despite this nominal acknowledgment, Bijapur continued to function as a semi-autonomous state with its own administrative structure and governance.
  • The Mughals did not interfere significantly in Bijapur's internal affairs, and the Adil Shahi rulers retained control over their territory and administration.
  • Bijapur maintained its distinct cultural and political identity, and it was known for its architectural and artistic achievements during this period.

Golconda:

  • Golconda, also known as the Qutb Shahi Sultanate, had a similar arrangement with the Mughals.
  • Golconda's ruler, Abdullah Qutb Shah, accepted Mughal suzerainty in 1687, following the fall of Golconda to the Mughals.
  • Despite this acknowledgment, the Qutb Shahi dynasty was allowed to continue governing the region under Mughal supervision.
  • Golconda retained a degree of autonomy in managing its internal affairs, and the Qutb Shahi rulers continued to mint their coins and maintain their administrative structure.
  • Like Bijapur, Golconda preserved its distinctive cultural heritage, including its architectural achievements.

It's important to note that the Mughal suzerainty over Bijapur and Golconda was somewhat symbolic, and the Deccani sultanates maintained a fair degree of self-rule within their territories. The Mughals were primarily interested in extracting tribute and maintaining control over key strategic regions and trade routes in the Deccan. This loose arrangement allowed the Deccani states to preserve their identities and traditions while coexisting with the Mughal Empire.

Over time, the situation evolved, and the Marathas, among others, would challenge Mughal control in the Deccan. The relationship between the Mughals and the Deccani sultanates continued to change in subsequent decades and played a role in shaping the political landscape of the region.

8. Shah Jahan and the Deccan (1636-57)

Shah Jahan's rule in the Deccan from 1636 to 1657 marked a significant phase in the history of the Mughal Empire's engagement with the Deccan region. Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal Emperor, was known for his interest in architectural and cultural achievements, but his reign in the Deccan was marked by military campaigns and efforts to consolidate Mughal control over the region. Here's an overview of Shah Jahan's activities in the Deccan during this period:

Annexation of Ahmadnagar (1636-37):

  • One of Shah Jahan's early actions in the Deccan was the annexation of the Ahmadnagar Sultanate.
  • Ahmadnagar had faced internal strife and was weakened, making it vulnerable to Mughal expansion.
  • In 1636-37, Shah Jahan's forces captured Ahmadnagar, bringing an end to its independence and incorporating it into the Mughal Empire.

Campaigns Against Bijapur and Golconda:

  • Shah Jahan continued his campaigns in the Deccan against the remaining Deccani Sultanates, primarily Bijapur and Golconda.
  • His objective was to further expand Mughal influence in the region and assert Mughal control.
  • While he made some territorial gains, including the capture of key forts and cities, Bijapur and Golconda were not fully subdued during his reign.

Construction of Forts and Cities:

  • Shah Jahan initiated the construction of several forts and cities in the Deccan as part of his military strategy and efforts to consolidate control.
  • One of the most notable projects was the construction of the Aurangabad Fort and the city of Aurangabad in Maharashtra.

Challenges from Malik Ambar's Legacy:

  • Despite the decline of Malik Ambar (who had resisted Mughal expansion in the Deccan in the early 17th century), his legacy of Maratha resistance persisted.
  • The Marathas, under the leadership of Chhatrapati Shivaji, posed challenges to Mughal authority in the Deccan during and after Shah Jahan's reign.
Economic Drain and Monument Building:
  • Shah Jahan's campaigns and construction projects in the Deccan required significant financial resources.
  • The construction of iconic monuments like the Taj Mahal in Agra also placed financial strains on the empire.

End of Shah Jahan's Deccan Campaigns (1657):

  • Shah Jahan's reign in the Deccan came to an end in 1657 due to a crisis within the Mughal Empire known as the War of Succession.
  • His son, Aurangzeb, who was serving as the Mughal governor in the Deccan, emerged victorious in the power struggle and would go on to play a major role in Mughal history.

Shah Jahan's rule in the Deccan was characterized by military campaigns, territorial expansion, and the construction of forts and cities. While he made notable gains in the Deccan, the region remained a complex and contested frontier for the Mughals, with ongoing challenges from local powers like the Deccani sultanates and the emerging Maratha kingdom. Shah Jahan's focus on architectural achievements in the region also left a lasting cultural legacy.

9. Cultural Contribution of the Deccani States

The Deccani Sultanates, including Golconda, Bijapur, Ahmadnagar, Berar, and Bidar, made significant cultural contributions during their existence in the Deccan region of India. While these sultanates were known for their military and political history, they also fostered a rich cultural heritage, combining influences from Persia, Central Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. Here are some of the cultural contributions of the Deccani States:

Architecture and Fortifications:

  • The Deccani Sultanates left behind an impressive legacy of architectural marvels, including forts, palaces, mosques, and tombs.
  • The Golconda Fort, Charminar in Hyderabad, and the Ibrahim Rauza in Bijapur are prime examples of their architectural prowess.
  • The distinctive style of Deccani architecture is characterized by its elegant arches, intricate stucco work, and the use of local materials.

Music and Dance:

  • The Deccani Sultanates were known for their patronage of music and dance.
  • The region saw the development of various classical music forms, including the Deccani style of classical music.
  • Dances like the Bidri, a local form of classical dance, were encouraged and performed at royal courts.

Literature:

  • Persian and Dakhni (a South Indian dialect) were the primary languages of literature during this period.
  • The Deccani Sultanates produced a rich corpus of poetry, historical chronicles, and other literary works.
  • Notable poets like Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah of Golconda contributed significantly to Persian and Dakhni literature.
Painting and Calligraphy:
  • The Deccani sultanates were known for their manuscript illustrations, miniature paintings, and calligraphy.
  • Illuminated manuscripts and ornate Qur'ans with intricate calligraphy were produced under royal patronage.

Textiles and Crafts:

  • The Deccan was renowned for its textile industry, with exquisite fabrics like Bidriware (metalwork on blackened alloy) and Paithani silk.
  • The production of high-quality textiles, carpets, and metalwork flourished during this period.

Language and Culture Fusion:

  • The Deccani Sultanates were melting pots of cultures, languages, and traditions.
  • They blended Persian, Central Asian, and Indian influences, resulting in a unique and syncretic culture.

Religious Architecture:

  • The sultanates built a variety of religious structures, including mosques, tombs, and dargahs (shrines of Sufi saints).
  • The Jama Masjid in Bijapur and the Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad are iconic examples of Deccani mosque architecture.

Cuisine:

  • Deccani cuisine is known for its unique flavors and the use of aromatic spices.
  • Hyderabadi Biryani and Haleem are famous Deccani dishes enjoyed to this day.

Cultural Diversity:

  • The Deccani Sultanates were home to a diverse population, which contributed to the cultural richness of the region.
  • Hindu, Muslim, and Jain traditions coexisted, resulting in a blend of cultural practices.

The cultural contributions of the Deccani Sultanates left an enduring legacy in the Deccan region and continue to influence the cultural landscape of South India. Today, the architectural marvels, culinary traditions, and artistic heritage of the Deccani States are celebrated and cherished by people from all walks of life.

Previous year Question

1. Who among the following Mughal Emperors shifted emphasis from illustrated manuscripts to album and individual portrait?(UPSC 2019)

A. Humayun
B. Akbar
C. Jahangir
D. Shah Jahan
Answer: C
 

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