Learning Outcomes:

1. Understand the reasons behind the fragmentation of the Delhi Sultanate.
2. Recognize the significance of regional powers in balancing political authority.
3. Analyze the impact of the Lodi dynasty on North Indian politics.

The weakness of the Delhi Sultanat and the attack of Timur on Delhi in 1398 led to the fragmentation of power. The Tughlaq king’s flight from the capital encouraged provincial governors and autonomous rulers to declare independence. Key regions to break away included Bengal in the east, Sindh, and Multan in the west. Gujarat, Malwa, and Jaunpur soon followed, asserting their autonomy. In Rajputana, the expulsion of the Muslim governor from Ajmer enabled local states to claim independence.

1. In the west, a balance of power emerged among Gujarat, Malwa, and Mewar, each counterbalancing the others.
2. Bengal faced resistance from the Gajapati rulers of Orissa and Jaunpur.
3. The rise of the Lodi dynasty in Delhi around the mid-15th century led to a prolonged conflict with Jaunpur for control of the Ganga-Yamuna valley.
4. The situation shifted when Jaunpur was absorbed by the Lodis in the late 15th century. The Lodis then expanded into eastern Rajasthan and Malwa.
5. Internal strife in Malwa heightened the rivalry between Gujarat, Mewar, and the Lodis, with Malwa becoming the battleground for the struggle for dominance in North India.

Important Note: The struggle for domination in Malwa was crucial in determining the power dynamics in North India, with Rana Sanga’s invitation to Babur marking a turning point in the region’s history.

Eastern India—Bengal, Assam, and Orissa

Bengal’s independence from Delhi was recurrent, attributed to its distance, climate, and reliance on waterways unfamiliar to the Turkish rulers. In 1338, Bengal broke away again, with Ilyas Khan capturing Lakhnauti and Sonargaon, ascending the throne as Sultan Shamsuddin Ilyas Khan. His expansion forced Firuz Tughlaq to campaign against him, leading to a treaty fixing the river Kosi as the boundary between Bengal and Delhi. Despite this, Bengal retained its autonomy.

1. Firuz Tughlaq’s second invasion of Bengal occurred after Ilyas’s death, but his son Sikandar successfully defended the kingdom, retreating to Ekdala.
2. Bengal enjoyed two centuries of peace until Sher Shah’s invasion in 1538. During this time, several dynasties flourished, with Ghiyasuddin Azam Shah being the most notable.
3. Azam Shah’s reign (1389-1409) was marked by a love for justice and close relations with scholars, including the Persian poet Hafiz of Shiraz.
4. The revival of trade with China during his reign boosted Bengal’s economy, with Chittagong becoming a major port.

Under the enlightened rule of Alauddin Hussain Shah (1493–1519), Bengal experienced a period of prosperity. The sultan adopted a liberal policy, offering high offices to Hindus, and fostering Bengali language and literature. Raja Ganesh’s brief Hindu rule in Bengal transitioned back to Muslim rule under his sons, who preferred to rule as Muslims.

Alauddin Hussain Shah restored law and order, respected the famous Vaishnavite saint, Chaitanya, and tried to extend control over Assam and Kamata. Despite Ilyas Shah’s invasion of Kamta and penetration to Gauhati, the region remained out of Bengal’s control. The Ahom kingdom in Assam, though briefly threatened, remained powerful, with Suhungmung (Svarga Narayana) expanding his territory. The sultans of Bengal also contested control over Chittagong and parts of Arakan and faced resistance from Orissa’s Ganga rulers. Despite occasional successes, Bengal’s rulers could not dislodge Orissa from its territory beyond the river Saraswati.

Western India—Gujarat, Malwa, and Mewar

Gujarat’s wealth was due to its handicrafts, seaports, and fertile lands. After Timur’s invasion of Delhi, Gujarat and Malwa became independent. Ahmad Shah I (1411–43) is credited as the real founder of the Gujarat kingdom. His reign saw the consolidation of power, the establishment of Ahmedabad as the capital, and the development of a distinct architectural style drawing from Jain traditions. Ahmad Shah’s policies included:

1. Controlling the Rajput states in Saurashtra, capturing the fort of Girnar, and imposing jizyah on Hindus.
2. Maintaining rivalry with Malwa, which weakened both kingdoms, preventing them from playing a significant role in North Indian politics.

Mahmud Begarha (1459–1511), the most famous ruler of Gujarat, ruled for over 50 years, expanding his kingdom by capturing the forts of Girnar and Champaner. He also dealt with the Portuguese, albeit unsuccessfully, in an attempt to protect Gujarat’s trade routes. His reign marked the peak of Gujarat’s power, with trade and commerce flourishing.

Malwa played a crucial role in controlling the trunk routes between Gujarat and Northern India. The kingdom reached its zenith in the 15th century under rulers like Hushang Shah, who adopted a broad policy of religious tolerance. Despite internal dissensions and factionalism, Malwa’s strategic location made it a valuable prize for neighboring states like Gujarat and Mewar.

MCQ:

Which ruler is credited with consolidating the Gujarat kingdom and establishing Ahmedabad as its capital?

• A) Mahmud Begarha
• B) Ahmad Shah I
• C) Firuz Tughlaq
• D) Ilyas Khan

Answer: B) Ahmad Shah I