Why this matters now
The Bahmanis are tested alongside Vijayanagara as the two great Deccan powers — Mahmud Gawan’s reforms, the constant rivalry, and the kingdom’s break-up into five sultanates are common prelims items.
Founding and Mahmud Gawan
Founded by Alauddin Bahman Shah in 1347 (capital first at Gulbarga, later Bidar), the Bahmani kingdom reached its height under the Persian minister Mahmud Gawan — a brilliant administrator who reformed revenue and the provinces (tarafs), expanded the kingdom and built the famous Madrasa at Bidar. His execution on false charges hastened the decline.
Vijayanagara rivalry and break-up
The Bahmanis were locked in constant warfare with Vijayanagara (over the Raichur doab and Krishna-Tungabhadra region). Internal strife between “Deccani” and “Afaqi (foreign)” nobles weakened it, and by the early 16th century it fragmented into the five Deccan Sultanates — Bijapur, Golconda, Ahmadnagar, Bidar and Berar.
UPSC angle
Know Alauddin Bahman Shah (1347), Mahmud Gawan (reforms, Bidar madrasa, execution), the Vijayanagara rivalry (Raichur doab), the Deccani–Afaqi conflict, and the split into five sultanates.
Frequently asked questions
When was the Bahmani kingdom founded?
In 1347 by Alauddin Bahman Shah, with its capital first at Gulbarga and later Bidar.
Who was Mahmud Gawan?
A Persian minister and brilliant administrator who reformed and expanded the Bahmani kingdom but was executed on false charges.
Who were the Bahmanis’ main rivals?
The Vijayanagara Empire, with whom they fought repeatedly over the Raichur doab.
What happened to the Bahmani kingdom?
It broke up into the five Deccan Sultanates — Bijapur, Golconda, Ahmadnagar, Bidar and Berar.