Bahmani Kingdom MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Bahmani Kingdom - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is - Mahmud Gawan

Key Points

• Mahmud Gawan
  • Mahmud Gawan was a prominent minister in the Bahmani Sultanate, serving under Sultan Muhammad Shah III.
  • He is known for his contributions to the cultural and artistic development of the region, including the promotion of Bidriware.
  • Bidriware is a type of intricate metal handicraft that combines zinc and copper with fine silver inlay work, which flourished under his patronage.
  • His administrative reforms and establishment of institutions such as madrasas (Islamic schools) further supported the growth of arts and crafts.
  • The craft of Bidriware became a symbol of the rich Deccan cultural heritage, thanks to the facilities and encouragement provided by Mahmud Gawan.

Additional Information

• Bidriware
  • Bidriware originated in the town of Bidar, Karnataka, and is renowned for its unique craftsmanship.
  • The process involves:
    • Preparing an alloy of zinc and copper as the base material.
    • Engraving intricate patterns on the surface.
    • Inlaying pure silver or gold into the designs.
    • Oxidizing the surface to give it a striking black finish, which contrasts with the shimmering silver or gold inlay.
  • It is recognized as a Geographical Indication (GI) product of India.
• Bahmani Sultanate
  • The Bahmani Sultanate was a prominent medieval Indian kingdom that ruled over the Deccan region from 1347 to 1527 CE.
  • It fostered the development of Indo-Islamic art, architecture, and handicrafts, including Bidriware.
  • Prominent rulers and officials like Mahmud Gawan played a key role in advancing the region’s cultural legacy.
• Other Notable Figures in the Bahmani Sultanate
  • Feroz Shah Bahmani: Known for his interest in literature and architecture, but not directly linked to Bidriware.
  • Ibrahim Adil Shah: A ruler of the Adil Shahi dynasty, which succeeded the Bahmani Sultanate, and a patron of the arts in Bijapur.
  • Malik Ambar: A general in the Deccan region, notable for his military strategies, but not associated with Bidriware.

The correct answer is - Bijapur, Golconda and Bidar

Key Points

• Afaqi nobles
  • The term Afaqi refers to foreign nobles who migrated to the Deccan region, primarily from Persia, Central Asia, and other regions.
  • They played a significant role in founding the Deccani Sultanates, bringing their administrative expertise and cultural influences.
• Bijapur, Golconda, and Bidar
  • These three Sultanates were established with the support of Afaqi nobles, who were influential in shaping their political and administrative structures.
  • Bijapur was founded by Yusuf Adil Shah, Golconda by Sultan Quli Qutb-ul-Mulk, and Bidar by Ali Barid Shah.
• Ahmednagar and Berar
  • While Ahmednagar and Berar were part of the Deccani Sultanates, their foundation was not predominantly influenced by Afaqi nobles.
  • Ahmednagar was founded by Malik Ahmad Nizam Shah, and Berar was established by Fathullah Imad-ul-Mulk.

Additional Information

• Deccani Sultanates
  • The Deccani Sultanates were five Muslim-ruled kingdoms located in the Deccan region of India: Bijapur, Golconda, Bidar, Ahmednagar, and Berar.
  • They emerged following the fragmentation of the Bahamani Sultanate in the late 15th century.
  • Each kingdom had its unique administrative systems, cultural contributions, and strategic alliances.
• Role of Afaqi and Deccani Nobles
  • Within the Deccani Sultanates, two major factions existed: the Afaqi (foreign) nobles and the Deccani (local) nobles.
  • The tension between these groups often influenced political developments in the region.
  • Afaqi nobles were instrumental in introducing Persian cultural and administrative practices, while Deccani nobles represented the local traditions.
• Cultural Contributions of the Sultanates
  • The Deccani Sultanates were renowned for their contributions to architecture, art, and literature.
  • Iconic structures such as the Gol Gumbaz in Bijapur and the Charminar in Golconda are examples of their architectural achievements.
  • Persian and regional influences blended to create a unique cultural identity in the Deccan region.

The correct answer is - Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah

Key Points

• Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah
  • Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah, also known as Zafar Khan, was the founder of the Bahmani Sultanate.
  • He established the Bahmani Sultanate in 1347 CE after revolting against the Delhi Sultanate.
  • The Char Minar at Daulatabad was one of his notable architectural contributions, reflecting his legacy as a ruler.
  • He is credited with strengthening his kingdom through strategic alliances and cultural patronage.

Additional Information

• Bahmani Sultanate
  • The Bahmani Sultanate was one of the first Islamic kingdoms in South India, established in 1347 CE.
  • Its capital was initially located at Gulbarga and later shifted to Bidar.
  • The sultanate played a significant role in the development of Deccan architecture, art, and culture.
• Daulatabad
  • Daulatabad, originally known as Devagiri, was a prominent city in the Deccan region.
  • It was briefly the capital of the Delhi Sultanate during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
  • The city is known for its fortifications, which were considered nearly impregnable.
• Architectural Contributions
  • Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah and his successors were patrons of Persian and Indo-Islamic architecture.
  • The Char Minar at Daulatabad is an example of the fusion of Persian and Indian architectural styles.
  • Other notable structures from the Bahmani period include mosques, palaces, and tombs that highlight the rich cultural heritage of the region.

The correct answer is Taraph.

Key Points

• The Bahmani kingdom, established in the Deccan region, was divided into administrative units for effective governance.
• These administrative units were called "Taraphs" or provinces.
• Each Taraph was governed by a Tarafdar, who was responsible for the administration and military management of the province.
• The division into Taraphs helped in maintaining control over the vast territory of the Bahmani kingdom and ensured efficient tax collection and law enforcement.

Additional Information

• Bahmani Kingdom:
  • It was one of the major medieval Indian kingdoms, founded by Ala-ud-Din Bahman Shah in 1347.
  • The kingdom was located in the Deccan region and was one of the first Islamic states in South India.
  • The Bahmani kingdom played a crucial role in the history and culture of the Deccan region before it was divided into smaller sultanates.
• Tarafdar:
  • Tarafdar was the title given to the governors of the Taraphs.
  • They were responsible for both the civil administration and military defense of their respective provinces.
  • Tarafdars collected taxes, maintained law and order, and ensured the implementation of the king's directives.
• Governance in Medieval India:
  • Medieval Indian kingdoms were often divided into smaller administrative units for better management.
  • These divisions helped in efficient tax collection, law enforcement, and military organization.
  • Governors or regional administrators were appointed to oversee these units and report directly to the central authority.
• Deccan Region:
  • The Deccan region refers to the plateau in South India that extends over eight Indian states.
  • Historically, it has been a region of significant cultural and political importance, hosting several powerful kingdoms and empires.
  • The region is known for its unique blend of cultures, languages, and architectural styles.

The Correct answer is Hasan Gangu.

Key Points

• Hasan Gangu was the founder of the Bahmani Kingdom, which was established in the Deccan region of India in 1347 CE.
• He assumed the title 'Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah' after founding the kingdom.
• He was originally a Brahmin named Gangu, who later converted to Islam and served in the military under the Delhi Sultanate.
• The Bahmani Kingdom was established to oppose the authority of the Tughlaq dynasty of Delhi and to consolidate power in the Deccan region.
• The kingdom had its capital first at Gulbarga, which was later shifted to Bidar.
• The Bahmani kingdom played a significant role in shaping the political and cultural landscape of the Deccan region.
• Hasan Gangu's reign marked the beginning of a period of regional autonomy, and the kingdom flourished through its patronage of art, culture, and architecture.
• It was known for its Persian influence in administration and cultural practices.

Additional Information

• Feroz Shah Bahmani
  • Feroz Shah Bahmani was a ruler of the Bahmani Kingdom, but he was not its founder.
  • He is known for his contributions to education and architecture, including the building of colleges and mosques.
  • He ruled during the later years of the Bahmani dynasty and was known for his patronage of scholars and poets.
• Muhammad Shah
  • Muhammad Shah was a ruler in the Bahmani dynasty, but he was not the founder.
  • His reign was marked by internal conflicts and struggles within the kingdom.
  • He focused on maintaining the kingdom's stability amidst various challenges.
• Ahmad Shah
  • Ahmad Shah was another ruler of the Bahmani dynasty, known for his military campaigns.
  • He shifted the capital from Gulbarga to Bidar to strengthen the kingdom's defenses.
  • Ahmad Shah was also known for his religious tolerance and efforts to bring harmony among different communities.

The correct answer is Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah.

Key Points

• The Bahmani Sultanate, or the Bahmani empire, was established in 1347 by a Turkish general named Alauddin Bahman Shah.
  • He had revolted against Mohammed bin Tughlaq of the Delhi Sultanate.
  • Bahman Shah made Kalaburgi (or Gulbarga) his capital in Karnataka.
  • He set up an empire that would rule the Deccan for nearly 200 years.
  • The Kingdom later split into five successor states that were collectively known as the Deccan sultanates.​

​Additional Information

• Mahmud Gavan​
  • He was the prime minister of Muhammad Shah Bahmani II.
  • He was given the title of Malik-ul-Tujjar.
  • He opened several Madarsas for Islamic learning in Bidar.
• Muhammmad Shah​
  • Muhammad Shah was given the title of ‘Rangeela’ due to his luxurious life-style.
  • In 1739, Nadir Shah defeated the Mughals in the Battle of Karnal and later imprisoned Muhammad Shah and annexed areas west of the Indus into the Persian empire.
  • Muhammad Shah ruled from year 1719 to 1748.
• Mohammad bin Tughlaq
  • Muhammad bin Tughluq was the Sultan of Delhi from 1325 to 1351.
  • He was the eldest son of Ghiyas -ud -Din -Tughlaq, the founder of the Tughluq dynasty. 
  • Ibn Battuta, the famous traveller, and jurist from Morocco was a guest at his court and wrote about his empire in his book. 

The correct answer is Ahsanabad.

Key Points

• Ahsanabad became the capital of the Bahamani sultanate immediately after its foundation.
• The Bahmani Sultanate was a Muslim state of the Deccan Plateau in southern India between 1347 and 1527.
• This kingdom occupied the Northern area Deccan region to the river Krishna.
• The Bahmani capital was Ahsanabad (Gulbarga) between 1347 and 1425 later on it became Muhammadabad (Bidar).
• The sultanate reached the zenith of its power during the reign of Mahmud Gawan.

The correct answer is Deccan.

Key Points

• The Bahmani monuments at Gulbarga, Karnataka, predominantly represent the Deccan style of architecture.
• The Deccan style was prominent during the period of the Bahmani Sultanate which existed from 1347 to 1527 in the Deccan region.
• This architectural style incorporates elements from Persian and local Deccan architecture, illustrating the diverse influences of that era.
• Gulbarga, the first capital of the Bahmani Sultanate, houses many important monuments such as the Gulbarga fort and the Jama Masjid within it, which are prime examples of the Deccan architectural style.
• The Deccan style can be seen in the simplicity of design, use of arches, and distinct decorative elements.

Additional Information

• Mameluke: This style pertains to the Mamluk Sultanate (Cairo), known for its architectural and cultural contributions, particularly in Egypt and the Levant. However, it is not directly connected to the Bahmani Sultanate.
• Sikh: Sikh architecture, known for its unique blend of Islamic and Hindu elements, primarily pertains to Sikh religious structures. It's not related to the Bahmani architectural style.
• Nagara: The Nagara style is a traditional Hindu architectural style that originated in northern India. It is characterized by beehive-shaped towers (shikharas) made up of layered horizontal sections, but is not associated with the Bahmani Sultanate's architectural style.

The Correct Answer is Option 2 i.e Firoz Shah Bahmani.

• Alauddin Bahman Shah (1347-1358):
  • The Bahmani kingdom was established by Alauddin Bahman Shah in 1347 AD.
  • He was also known as Hasan Gangu.
  • He was succeeded by his son Muhammad Shah I.
• Firoz Shah Bahmani (1397-1422):
  • He was the most remarkable ruler of the Bahmani kingdom.
  • He built an observatory near Daulatabad.
  • He inducted Hindus in the administration on a large scale.
• Ahmad Shah (1422-1436):
  • He was known as Wali(the saint) due to his association with Sufi Gesu Daraz.
  • He shifted his capital from Gulbarga to Bidar.
• Mahmud Gawan (1463-1482):
  • He was the prime minister of Muhammad Shah Bahmani II (1463-1518).
  • He was given the title of Malik-ul-Tujjar.
  • He opened several Madarsas for Islamic learning in Bidar.
  • The Bahmani state was the most powerful under the rule of Mahmud Gawan.
  • He was involved in a series of battles against Mahmud Khalji of Malwa over Berar.

The correct answer is Ahmednagar.

• Ahmednagar Sultanate was ruled by the Nizam Shahi Dynasty.

Key Points

• Ahmednagar Sultanate also known as the Nizam Shahi dynasty.
• The Ahmadnagar Sultanate was established by Malik Ahmed Shah Bahri after defeating the Bahmani Army led by Jahangir Khan on May 28, 1490.
• The territory of the Ahmadnagar Sultanate was situated between the sultanates of Gujarat and Bijapur in the north-western part of the Deccan plateau.
• Initially, Junnar was the capital of the Nizam Shahi dynasty but later in the year 1494, Bahri laid the foundation for the new capital Ahmednagar.
• Berar was annexed in the year 1574 by Murtaza Shah. Later in the year 1596, Chand Bibi defended the Nizam Shahi dynasty against the Mughal invasion but was later again defeated in the year 1599 after the death of Chand Bibi.
• In the year 1600, Murtaza Shah II was declared as the sultan and later Khadki became the new capital of the dynasty.
• The Ahmadnagar sultanate was finally conquered by Aurangzeb in 1636 AD, who was then the Mughal viceroy of Deccan.

Additional Information

• The Deccan Sultanates were the five different Muslim-ruled dynasties of the medieval period that ruled in Golconda, Bijapur, Bidar, Ahmednagar, and Berar of South-Central India.
• These 5 kingdoms were situated between the Vindhya Ranges and the Krishna River in the Deccan Plateau which later became independent states during the disintegration of the Bahmani Sultanates. 

The correct answer is Gulbarga.

Gulbarga:

• The Bahmani Sultanate was a Muslim state of the Deccan Plateau in southern India between 1347 and 1527.
• This kingdom occupied the Northern area Deccan region to the river Krishna.
• The Bahmani capital was Ahsanabad (Gulbarga) between 1347 and 1425 later on it became Muhammadabad (Bidar).
• The sultanate reached the zenith of its power during the reign of Mahmud Gawan.

Additional Information

Bijapur:

• Bijapur, also known as Vijayapura.
• It is the district headquarters of Bijapur District of Karnataka state of India. 
• This city is well known for its historical monuments of architectural importance built during the rule of the Adil Shahi dynasty.
• The Kalyani Chalukyas established this city in the 10th-11th centuries.
• Later on, the city was passed to Yadavas after Chalukya's demise. 
• The area was conquered by the Bahmani Sultanate, in 1347.

Belgaum:

• It is a city in the southwestern region of Karnataka. 
• The large Belgaum Fort contains ancient mosques and the famous  Kamal Basti, a Jain temple. 
•  The ancient Kapileshwara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva 

Raichur:

• Raichur is situated between Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers, in Karnataka.
• It has a rich history, having been a part of various empires, such as the Bahmanis sultan's Vijayanagara, Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur, and Nizam of Hyderabad.
• The famous Raichur Fort is in this city.

The correct answer is Hasan Gangu.

Key Points

• Alauddin Bahman Shah (1347-1358):
  • The Bahmani kingdom was established by Alauddin Bahman Shah in 1347 AD.
  • He was also known as Hasan Gangu.
  • He was succeeded by his son Muhammad Shah I.
• Firoz Shah Bahmani (1397-1422):
  • He was the most remarkable ruler of the Bahmani kingdom.
  • He built an observatory near Daulatabad.
  • He inducted Hindus into the administration on a large scale.
• Ahmad Shah (1422-1436):
  • He was known as Wali(the saint) due to his association with Sufi Gesu Daraz.
  • He shifted his capital from Gulbarga to Bidar.
• Mahmud Gawan (1463-1482):
  • He was the prime minister of Muhammad Shah Bahmani II (1463-1518).
  • He was given the title of Malik-ul-Tujjar.
  • He opened several Madarsas for Islamic learning in Bidar.
  • The Bahmani state was the most powerful under the rule of Mahmud Gawan.
  • He was involved in a series of battles against Mahmud Khalji of Malwa over Berar.

The correct answer is Berar.

Key Points

• Berar Sultanate:-
  • It was one of the Deccan sultanates, which was founded by an Indian Muslim.
  • It was established in 1490 following the disintegration of the Bahmani Sultanate.
  • The Imadshahi family ruled Berar for over a century, until it was conquered by the Mughal Empire in 1595. (Hence option 1 is correct)

Additional Information

• Bidar Sultanate:-
  • It is also known as the Barid Shahi dynasty, and was one of the Deccan sultanates of late medieval southern India.
  • The sultanate emerged under the rule of Qasim Barid I in 1492 and leadership passed to his sons.
• Ahmednagar Sultanate:-
  • It was also known as the Nizam Shahi Sultanate.
  • It was a late medieval Indian Muslim kingdom located in the northwestern Deccan, between the sultanates of Gujarat and Bijapur, ruled by the Nizam Shahi or Bahri dynasty.
• Golconda Sultanate:-
  • It is also known as the Qutb Shahi dynasty.
  • It was a medieval South Indian Muslim sultanate founded in 1518.
  • It is located near the city of Hyderabad in the present-day state of Telangana, India.

The correct answer is Bahmani.

• Bahmani Empire was founded by Hasan Gangu in 1347.

Key Points

• The Bahmani Sultanate was a Persianized Muslim kingdom of the Deccan in southern India and one of the major medieval Indian states.
  • Hasan Gangu was the founder of the Bahmani Bahmani kingdom.
  • He was a Turkish officer of Devagiri.
  • His kingdom extended from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal, which included the entire Deccan up to the Krishna River with his capital at Gulbarga.​ 

Additional Information

• Sangma:
  • The Sangama dynasty was founded by Harihara I and Bukka. Their father had been taken prisoner in 1327 by Muhammad bin Tughluq. They founded Vijayanagara in 1336.
• Kakatiya​:
  • ​Kakatiyas is an Andhra dynasty that flourished in the 12th century CE. The Kakatiya dynasty ruled from Warangal (Telangana) from CE 1083-1323.
  • Golconda Fort in Hyderabad (Telangana) was also constructed by the Kakatiya rulers.
• Vijayanagar:
  • It was established in 1336 by the brothers Harihara I and Bukka Raya I of the Sangama dynasty, members of a pastoralist cowherd community that claimed Yadava lineage.​​ 

The correct answer is Copper and Silver.

Key Points

• The town of Bidar is situated in the modern Indian state of Karnataka.
• Bidar became known as Bidri because the artisans there were so well known for their inlay work in copper and silver.​