Bahamani-kingdom / Bahamani Kingdom / Society of Bahamani Kingdom
The Bahmani social structure exhibited a cosmopolitan nature, encompassing Muslims, Hindus, Iranians, Transoxonians, Iraqis, and Abyssinians (Habshis).
- The arrival of the Portuguese in the early 16th century added to this diversity. Linguistically, Persian, Marathi, Dakhni (early form of Urdu), Kannada, and Telugu were commonly spoken across different regions of the kingdom.
- Society was broadly divided into two classes: the impoverished and the extremely wealthy nobles.
- According to Nikitin, the nobles lived in lavish opulence, with silver beds, golden-trimmed horses, and hundreds of attendants.
- Conversely, the general populace struggled with poverty.
- Although Nikitin mentions only two classes, there existed a merchant class, often referred to as the middle class.
- The Bahmani rulers held great reverence for Sufis, who initially migrated to the Deccan as religious supporters of the Khaljis and Tughluqs.
- The infant Bahmani kingdom relied on Sufis for legitimizing their rule.
- Sufis of the Chishti, Qadiri, and Shattari orders played significant roles, with Bidar emerging as a key center for the Qadiri order.
- The influence of Shia doctrine grew under Fadullah's patronage, particularly evident in Ahmad I's support for Shia causes.
- Hindu traditions also left a mark on the Bahmani court, exemplified by Sultan Feroz's marriage into the royal family of Vijaynagar, fostering Hindu-Muslim cultural harmony.
- Legends even speak of Sultan Feroz disguising himself as a Hindu faqir and participating in Hindu ceremonies.
During important ceremonies like the celebration of urs, Hindu influences were apparent, with rituals performed in a typical Hindu fashion, albeit within a Muslim context, showcasing the unique cultural syncretism of the Bahmani court.
