The Deccan Kingdoms: Bahamanis and Successors

Context: The breakdown of the Tughlaq empire gave rise to the independent Bahmani state in 1347.
Key Feature: Persistent conflict with Vijayanagara over the Raichur Doab and the integration of Persian/Deccani culture.

1. The Bahmani Sultanate (1347-1518)

Founder: Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah (Hasan Gangu).
Capital: Shifted from Gulbarga to Bidar for better geographical control.
Mahmud Gawan: The greatest Wazir (minister) who introduced innovative land reforms and gunpowder artillery, but his execution by the nobility led to the state's fragmentation.

Adil Shahis (Bijapur): Strongest power; built the Gol Gumbaz (2nd largest dome globally).
Qutub Shahis (Golconda): Famous for diamond trade and the Charminar (Hyderabad).
Nizam Shahis (Ahmednagar): Known for the resistance of Chand Bibi against Akbar.
Imad Shahis (Berar) & Barid Shahis (Bidar): Smaller states eventually absorbed by their larger neighbors.

Dakhni Language: An early form of Urdu that combined Persian, Arabic, and local Marathi/Kannada dialects.
Architecture: Use of the Bulbous Dome and extensive glazed tile-work (Bidar).

Talikota Coalition: Berar did NOT join the coalition in 1565 due to its rivalry with Ahmednagar; the other 4 fought together.
Marathas: The foundations of the Maratha power were laid in the service of these Deccan Sultanates (especially Bijapur and Ahmednagar) where they served as military commanders (Bargirs).
Bijapur Art: The Adil Shahis were great patrons of music and painting (e.g., Ibrahim Adil Shah II wrote Kitab-i-Nauras).