Rise of Kingdoms

In the wake of decline of the Delhi Sultanate, many provincial kingdoms arose in different parts of India. These include the kingdoms of Gujarat, Malwa, Jaunpur, Bengal, etc.

Introduction

• In the year AD 1398, Taimur's attack on Delhi and the subsequent defeat of the Delhi Sultanate exposed the administrative weakness of the Sultanate. This led to regional provinces asserting their autonomy from the central authority. Bengal in the East, Sindh and Multan in the West, along with subedars in Gujarat, Malwa, and Jaunpur, declared their independence. Additionally, prominent Rajput-dominated provinces like Malwa, Mewar, Amber, and others also chose the path of autonomy.
• Numerous regional powers, both pre-existing and newly emerging, played significant roles in India during the rise and fall of the Delhi Sultanate until the 15th century. 

Gujarat

• In the 13th century, Ulugh Khan and Nusrat Khan, who were generals under Alauddin Khilji, successfully ousted Raja Karna Baghella, the Chalukya ruler, establishing the foundation for sultanate rule in Gujarat.
• Throughout the 14th century, the Delhi Sultans wielded absolute power over Gujarat.
• However, signs of decline started to surface during Firuz Shah's reign.
• In the era of Firuz Tughlaq, Gujarat was governed by Zafar Khan.
• The invasion by Timur in 1398 provided an opportune moment for the governors to break away from the central authority.
• Consequently, both Gujarat and Malwa effectively became independent sultanates.

Significance of Gujarat 

• Gujarat held a pivotal position as one of the wealthiest provinces of the Delhi Sultanate, boasting fertile land, a thriving handicraft industry, and seaports facilitating trade.

Rulers of Gujarat

Key rulers of Gujarat include:

Muzaffar Shah I (AD 1407-1411)

• Zafar Khan (AD 1407-1411), recognized as the independent ruler of Gujarat in 1407, assumed the title Muzaffar Shah, establishing the Muzaffarid Dynasty with Patan as the capital.
• Since its inception, the Kingdom of Gujarat faced ongoing conflicts with neighboring regions like Malwa, Rajputana, Khandesh, and the Bahamani Kingdoms.

Ahmad Shah I (AD 1411-1443)

• Ahmad Shah I, the true architect of the Kingdom of Gujarat, laid the foundations of Ahmedabad in AD 1413, shifting the capital from Patan.
• Grandson of Zafar Khan, he implemented governance reforms, quelled noble rebellions, and both consolidated and expanded the kingdom during his extensive rule.
• He conquered Saurashtra, including the Girnar Fort, ultimately returning it to the Raja after securing a tribute guarantee.
• He launched an attack on the Hindu pilgrimage center of Sidhpur, causing significant destruction to many exquisite temples. Additionally, he instituted the Jizyah tax on Hindus, marking the first occurrence of such a tax in Gujarat.
• A prolific builder, he drew inspiration from the architectural traditions of the Jain style. Notable constructions during his reign include the Jama Masjid in Ahmedabad and the Teen Darwaza.

Mahmud Begada (AD 1458-1511)

• Considered the greatest Sultan of Gujarat, Mahmud Begada, also known as Begada, earned his title through the conquest of Junagarh and Champaner forts. He further captured the forts of Girnar Hills and established a new town named Mustafabat, serving as the second capital of Gujarat.
• He forged a naval alliance with the Sultans of Turkey and Egypt, achieving victory over the Portuguese in the Battle of Chaul (AD 1508). However, he faced defeat the following year in the Battle of Diu.
• His Chief Minister, Malik Ghori, and court poet Udayraja, who composed Raja Vinoda, were notable figures in his administration. Visitors to his court included the Italian traveler Barthema and the Portuguese traveler Barbosa.

Muzaffar Shah II (AD 1511-1537)

• Engaged in conflict with Rana Sanga of Mewar, he played a role in restoring Mahmud Khalji II of Malwa to the throne. Babur considered him one of the great rulers of Hindustan.

Bahadur Shah (AD 1528-1537)

•  Annexing Malwa in AD 1531, Bahadur Shah emerged as the last capable ruler of Gujarat. 

• Emperor Akbar ultimately seized control of Gujarat in AD 1572-1573.

Malwa

• The decline of the sultanate paved the way for the emergence of the independent kingdom of Malwa. Dilawar Khan Ghori, the Tughlaq Governor of Malwa, asserted his independence in the year 1401-1402 and proclaimed himself the King of Malwa. He expanded his kingdom's boundaries by occupying Nimar, Sauyar, Damoh, and Chanderi, and relocated his capital from Dhar to Mandu.

Importance of Malwa

• The Malwa Sultanate, situated around the rivers Narmada and Tapi, served as a buffer between Gujarat, the Bahamani Sultanate, and the Lodi Sultans of Delhi.

Rulers of Malwa

Significant rulers of Malwa include:

Hoshang Shah (AD 1406-1435)

• In 1408, Hoshang Shah (1406-1435) successfully reclaimed control over the Malwa throne. He implemented a policy of religious tolerance, encouraging many Rajputs to settle in Malwa. Swiftly taking over Kherla and Gagraun, Hoshang Shah became the first Deccan ruler to extend patronage to the Jains. Nardeva Soni served as one of his advisors, and the Lalitpur Temple was constructed during his reign.

Mahmud Khalji (AD 1436-1469)

• After the murder of Hoshang Shah's son, Muhammad, Mahmud Khalji ascended to the throne. Engaging in conflicts with neighboring powers, including the Bahamani Sultans, the Sultan of Delhi, the Raja of Gondwana, the Raja of Odisha, and the Ruler of Gujarat, Mahmud Khalji also eyed the expansion of his empire into Mewar. 
• His battles with Rana Kumbha of Mewar resulted in both kingdoms claiming victory.
• Mahmud Khalji erected a seven-storied column in Mandu, while Rana Kumbha raised a victory tower in Chittor.

Ghiyas-ud-din (AD 1469-1500)

• Following Mahmud Khalji, his eldest son, Ghiyas-ud-din, also known as Ghiyath Shah, assumed the throne from 1469 to 1500. Notable for his religious devotion and cultural contributions, he constructed the Jahaz Mahal. Ghiyas-ud-din faced defeat at the hands of Rana Raimal of Chittor.

Mahmud Shah (AD 1510-1531)

• The last Khilji ruler of Malwa, Mahmud Shah, surrendered to Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat, upon losing the Fort of Mandu in AD 1531. After a prolonged struggle for control in AD 1542, Sher Shah Suri took over Malwa. Shujat Khan was appointed Governor, and Baz Bahadur, Sher Shah Suri's son, declared independence in AD 1555.

Baz Bahadur (AD 1555-1561)

• The final Sultan of Malwa, Baz Bahadur, gained fame for his association with Queen Roopmati. In the Battle of Sarangpur in AD 1561, he was defeated by Akbar's army led by Pir Muhammad Khan and Adham Khan. Surrendering to Akbar at Nagpur in AD 1570, Malwa became a province of the Mughal Empire.

Mandu Architecture

• Mandu's architecture exemplifies medieval provincial art and design, featuring official and residential pleasure palaces, mosques, artificial reservoirs, pavilions, baolis, and embattlements. 
• Most structures incorporate arched pavilions, creating a light and airy environment to avoid heat retention. Local stone and marble were the primary construction materials. Notable buildings in the Mandu style include Hindola Mahal, Jahaaz Mahal, Rani Rupamati's double pavilion, and Baz Bahadur's palace.

Mewar

• Mewar, once a modest principality under the Guhila Dynasty with Nagada as its capital, witnessed a significant historical trajectory. Despite Alauddin Khilji's capture of Chittor, Mewar's capital, in AD 1303, Rana Hammir promptly restored it, solidifying the reign of the Sisodiya Dynasty.
• In AD 1335, Rana Hammir (AD 1314-1378) marked the establishment of the second Guhila Dynasty in Chittoor. Following the assassination of Rana Hammir's grandson, Maharana Mokal, his son Rana Kumbha ascended to the throne of Mewar.

Rulers of Mewar

Prominent rulers of the Mewar region include:

Rana Kumbha (AD 1433-1468)

• Also known as Kumbhakarna Singh, Rana Kumbha, the eminent ruler of the Sisodiya Dynasty, engaged in continuous warfare against Gujarat and Malwa. 

• Rana Kumbha expanded his territories, claiming Kota, Bundi, Amber, Narwar, Durgapur, Sambhar, Nagor, Ranthambore, and Ajmer. Contemporary inscriptions and the literary work Ekling Mahatmya document his military achievements.
• He penned commentaries on Jayadeva's Gita-Govinda and Chandi Satakam. The Kirti Stambha, a monumental architectural creation at Chittorgarh, stands as a testament to his reign. Tragically, he was assassinated by his son, Uda, in a bid to ascend the throne.
• To secure his kingdom, Rana Kumbha fortified it by constructing five forts: Achalgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Kolana, Vairat, and Maddan.