9.1 Introduction
Founder: Sultan Quli Qutb-ul-Mulk.
Origin: Declared independence after the disintegration of the Bahmani kingdom.
Kingdom: Golconda Kingdom, Capital at Golconda.
Period: Ruled from 1512 to 1687 AD (approx. 175 years).
Context: Fought with contemporary powers (Vijayanagar, Bijapur, Berar, Bidar, Ahmadnagar). Faced gradual Mughal expansion and eventual supremacy in the Deccan.
Legacy: Encouraged agriculture, irrigation, industry, trade, literature, and architecture. Held a prominent place in Deccan history.
9.2 Sources
Inscriptions: Ghazinagar (Ibrahim Quli), Badshah-e-Ashurkhana, Darus Shifa (Muhammad Quli), Miyan Misq (Abul Hasan Tanisha), Pangal, Koilkonda.
Literary:
Basatin-us-Salatin (Dastur-ul-Amal) by Mirza-Ibrahim-Zubari (contemporary of Abdullah Qutb Shah): Authentic information on Qutb Shahi polity, nature, structure (in 13 pages).
Modeled on Siasat Nama by Nizam-ul-Mulk-Tusi (court scholar of Sultan Malik-Shah-Seljuki).
Qutb Shahi Sultans followed Siasat Nama guidelines but also honored local customs and laws.
9.3 Political History
Rulers: Sultan Quli, Jamsheed Quli, Ibrahim Quli, Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, Sultan Mohammad Qutb Shah, Abdullah Qutb Shah, Abul Hasan Tanisha.
Duration: Nearly 175 years.
Activities: Kingdom expansion, conflicts with surrounding dynasties.
9.3.1 Sultan Quli Qutb-ul-Mulk (1512-1543)
Origin: From Hamdan, survivor of Qara Quyunlu (Black Sheep) tribe of Turkistan; fled rival Aq Quyunlu. Came to Deccan during Muhammad Shah Bahmani's reign.
Rise: Joined royal bodyguard, received Warangal as Jagir, title 'Khawas Khan' (1487) for saving Sultan, title 'Qutb-ul-Mulk' for suppressing Konkan rebellion, appointed tarafdar (governor) of Telangana with Golconda fort.
Independence: Declared in 1512 AD after Bahmani decline.
Consolidation: Strengthened Golconda fort, suppressed local chiefs, defeated Sitapati (captured Bellamkonda, won battle of Khammamet), defeated Vijayanagar-Devarakonda forces at Pangal, captured Ghanpur, Koilkonda. Defeated Bahmani noble Qiwam-ul-Mulk.
Expansion: Attacked and seized Kondavidu, Kondapalli, Bellamkonda from Achyuta Raya (Vijayanagar), forced treaty (3 lakh hons tribute). Suppressed Harichand (Nalgonda fort). Gained Medak from Bidar.
Reign: 24 years as governor, 26 years as sovereign. Exceptional military leader and strategist.
Death: Killed in 1543 by his third son, Jamsheed, while praying.
9.3.2 Jamsheed Quli Qutb Shah (1543-1550)
Reign: 7 years, considered an "ugliest chapter". Murdered his father's assassin.
Internal Conflict: Younger brother Ibrahim fled to Bidar, then Vijayanagar.
Alliances/Wars: Allied with Ahmadnagar against Bidar & Ibrahim. Aided Ahmadnagar against Bijapur (Sholapur dispute). Allied with Bijapur & Ahmadnagar to capture Kandahar (Bidar fort). Complex shifting alliances involving Bidar, Bijapur, Ahmadnagar, and Vijayanagar (Ramaraj).
Death: Died of cancer in 1550 AD, leading to a power struggle.
9.3.3 Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah (1550-1580)
Accession: Returned from 7-year refuge in Vijayanagar (helped by Ramaraj) after Jamsheed's death, deposing the young Subhan Quli.
Diplomacy: Contemporary of Mughal Emperor Akbar, maintained friendly relations. Relied more on craft than valour in inter-state relations.
Alliances/Wars: Complex alliances (Ahmadnagar, Bijapur, Vijayanagar). Supported Ramaraj initially.
Battle of Rakshasi-Tangidi (Talikota) (1565 AD): Joined the Deccan Sultanates (Bijapur, Ahmadnagar, Golconda, Bidar) against Vijayanagar, leading to Vijayanagar's defeat.
Expansion: Post-Talikota, captured Rajahmundry, Kasimkota, Southern Orissa (Potnur), Udayagiri, Vinukonda, Kocharlakota, Cumbum, Kondavidu (1579). Supported Ahmadnagar against Bijapur.
Legacy: Called 'Malikiba Rama' by Telugu people. Enhanced Golconda's glory.
Death: 1580 AD.
9.3.4 Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah (1580-1612)
Conflicts: Continued conflict with Bijapur. Suppressed local revolts. Expanded territory (Muslimadugu - diamond mines, Nandyal, Velgode, etc.).
Mughal Threat: Joined Deccan coalition against Mughals in Ahmadnagar. Ahmadnagar city fell (1595), fort held by Chand Bibi, treaty ceded Berar. Defeat at Sonapet (1597). Ahmadnagar fort fell (1600), Chand Bibi murdered.
Later Actions: Quelled Kondavidu revolt, besieged Penukonda (Vijayanagar capital), forced to surrender Gandikota.
Diplomacy: Received Akbar's envoy; friendship later damaged by Jahangir's attacks.
Architecture: Founded Hyderabad city (1591 AD), built Charminar (1592 AD).
Death: 1612 AD.
9.3.5 Sultan Muhammad Qutb Shah (1612-1626)
Succession: Nephew and son-in-law of Muhammad Quli. Ruled 14 years.
Mughal Relations: Signed treaty with Mughals (Jahangir) along with Bijapur, agreeing to pay peshkash (Golconda: 20 lakh rupees). Aided rebel Shah Jahan secretly.
Trade: Encouraged Dutch and English trade centers on the east coast (Machilipatnam, Pulicat, etc.).
Death: January 1626 AD. His death, along with Malik Ambar's and Jahangir's soon after, facilitated Mughal subjugation attempts.
9.3.6 Abdullah Qutb Shah (1626-1672)
Accession: Son of Sultan Muhammad, ascended at 15. Mother Hayat Baksh Begum influential initially.
Mughal Submission (1636): Shah Jahan forced a "deed of submission": pay peshkash, acknowledge Mughal suzerainty (recite Sunni Caliphs' names, omit Shah of Iran, issue coins in Emperor's name, align foreign policy).
Mir Jumla's Revolt: Prime Minister Mir Jumla rebelled, joined Mughals, instigated Aurangzeb's invasion.
Mughal Invasion (1656): Aurangzeb besieged Golconda. Abdullah submitted: married daughter to Prince Muhammad (Aurangzeb's son), ceded Ramgir, paid indemnity (10 lakh hons).
Shivaji: Permitted Shivaji to collect Chauth and Sardeshmukhi (1669).
European Traders: Granted concessions. Madras established (1639), Fort St. George built. Complex lease negotiations and conflicts with local governors (Neknam Khan).
Death: 1672 AD.
9.3.7 Abul Hasan Tanisha (1672-1687)
Accession: Last ruler, inherited a rich treasury.
Administration: Appointed Hindu brothers Madanna (Prime Minister) and Akkanna (Minister of Armed Forces). Nephew Gopanna (Ramadas) funded Bhadrachalam temple with state money.
Shivaji/Mughals: Paid Shivaji heavily. Allied with Shivaji briefly. Later joined Mughals against Bijapur.
Aurangzeb's Invasion: Charges included employing Hindus (Madanna), un-Islamic rule, alliance with Marathas. Demanded arrears, peshkash, removal of Madanna/Akkanna. Hasan refused.
Fall of Golconda: Madanna and Akkanna murdered. Siege began Jan 1687, lasted 8 months. Ended due to treachery by Golconda generals.
End: Hasan captured, imprisoned in Daulatabad, died 1700. End of the dynasty.
9.4 Administration
Nature: Unique, sound, popular.
Central:
Sultan: Head of State ('Zillullah'), supreme power (legislative, judicial, executive, military). Lived grandly.
Council of Ministers (Majlis-i-Diwandari): Key advisory body, met daily under Abdullah.
Peshwa/Vakil (Prime Minister): Head of administration (post later became Diwan - Madanna was the last).
Meer Jumla: Finance Minister (tax collection, allocation, accounts).
Ain-ul-Mulk: Military Affairs Minister.
Nazir: Minister for ethics, law & order.
Majumdar: Accountant General (often Hindus).
Dabir (Diwan-e-Insha): Head of Secretariat (drafting/issuing farmans).
Kotwal: Police Commissioner (maintained security, judged city cases). Praised by European travelers.
Sarkhel: Chief Revenue Officer at Capital, supervised foreign trade on coast.
Hawaldar: Incharge of government stores, stables.
Provincial:
Tarafs (Provinces): Ruled by Tarafdar (Governor). (6 under Abdullah).
Sarkars/Simts (Districts): Headed by Fauzdars. (37 under Abul Hasan).
Parganas (Sub-districts): (517 under Abul Hasan).
Port Head: Shah Bandhar.
Revenue Farmers: Mustagirs (collected revenue via auction).
Local (Village):
Foundation of administration. Officials: Muqaddam (Headman), Kulkarni (Accountant), Deshpande (Pargana Accountant), Deshmukh, etc.
Ayagar System (Balutiyan): 12 hereditary village functionaries.
9.5 Military System
Model: Based on Bahmani system.
Structure: Strong, efficient standing army under Sultan's control. Headed by Ain-ul-Mulk.
Funding: Jagirs for Tarafdars to maintain troops; large treasury allocations.
Composition: Hindus, Muslims, Iranis.
Forts: Well-built, strategically garrisoned under Fort Commanders.
Campaign Leader: Srilaskhar.
9.6 Judicial System
Laws: Honored both Hindu (local) and Islamic laws.
Structure: Village-level justice. Qazis, Moulvis, Pandits involved.
Special Courts: Dadmahal (Muhammad Quli), Aman-Mahal (Abdullah). Sultan attended weekly.
Reputation: Known for impartiality (praised by Tavernier, Bernier).
9.7 Land Revenue System
Measurement: Standard rope used.
Tenure: Mostly Mirasi (hereditary). Ayagar system prevalent.
Private Ownership: Recognized.
Source: Chief source of state income. Agriculture encouraged via irrigation.
Tax Burden: Considered normal.
Revenue: Significant income from land tax and diamond mines (leased). Total revenue estimated at 5 crores/year (Siddiqui).
9.8 Socio-Religious Conditions
Society: Attempted Hindu-Muslim unity. Caste system (Brahmins, Vaishyas, Sudras) and sub-castes existed. Social evils: child marriage, sati, prostitution, devadasi system.
Women: Generally low status, restricted freedom, purdah. Widows faced hardship. Royal women (Hayat Bakshi Begum, Chand Bibi) influential. Polygamy permitted, Monogamy the norm. Courtesans patronized; Devadasis held a privileged position.
Religion: Policy of toleration. Sultans patronized Hindu temples (donations by Abul Hasan) and participated in Hindu festivals. Muslim festivals celebrated. Muharram observed by both communities.
9.9 Economic Conditions
Wealth: Rich kingdom due to diamond mines, fertile land, trade.
Agriculture: Primary occupation. Encouraged via construction/repair of tanks/canals (Hussain Sagar, Ibrahimpatnam tank, etc.). Shared produce system mentioned. Cotton, indigo, fruits, flowers grown.
Industries:
Diamonds: World-famous mines (Kollur, etc.), skilled cutting/polishing. Source of famous gems (Kohinoor, Hope).
Textiles: High demand (Europe). Famous for Calicoes, Muslins, Chintz, Kalamkari (Masulipatnam, Palakollu).
Carpets: High quality, esp. Warangal.
Ship Building: Narsapuram, Machilipatnam, etc. (used by English/Dutch).
Saltpeter: For gunpowder (Masulipatnam, Narsapuram).
Iron/Steel: Nirmal, Indur famous for swords.
9.10 Trade and Commerce
Scale: Flourishing internal and external trade.
Traders: Vaishyas (Komatis), Arabs, Portuguese, Europeans active.
Centers: Masulipatnam (chief port), Golconda, Hyderabad, Madras, etc. Weekly fairs (angadis).
Transport: Bullock-carts, oxen, etc. Perikas carried goods.
State Support: Encouraged trade, provided security, checked weights/measures.
Currency: Honnu ('Pagoda' - gold), Panam, Thaar, Kasu.
Exports: Textiles, diamonds, carpets, indigo, swords.
Imports: Horses, spices, gold, lead, dates, crockery.
9.11 Cultural Conditions
Patronage: Rulers were educated patrons of language and literature.
Languages: Persian (official), Arabic, Urdu, Telugu flourished.
Urdu Literature: 'Golden Age' under Abdullah. Patronized poets like Gawasi (Maina Satwanti), Ibn-e-Nishati (Phool Bun). Muhammad Quli was a major Urdu poet ('MAANI'). Vajihi (Qutub-e-Mushtari, Subras).
Telugu Literature: Patronized. Ibrahim ('Malikiba Rama') patronized Addanki Gangadhar (Tapti Samharnopakyanam), Kandukuri Rudra (Niramkushopakyanam). Sarang Tammaiah (Vaijayanthi Vilasam). Ponnaganti Telaganarya (Yayati Charitra - first original Telugu work). Kshetrayya visited Abdullah's court. Gopanna (Ramadas) composed devotional songs.
Architecture:
Golconda Fort: Rebuilt and massively fortified. Includes Safa Mosque, palaces (Dawlatkhana), Mecca Darwaza, Musa Khan Burj. Qutb Shahi Tombs nearby.
Hyderabad: Founded by Muhammad Quli (1591). Gridiron plan.
Charminar (1592): Iconic monument in Hyderabad, built by Muhammad Quli.
Charkaman (1592): Four arches around Charminar.
Mecca Masjid (Started 1617): Large mosque in Hyderabad, completed under Aurangzeb.
Purana Pul: Bridge over Musi river (Ibrahim Quli).
Badshahi Ashurkhana (1596): Royal house for Muharram alams.
Daru'sh Shifa (1595): Hospital and Unani college.
Palaces: Numerous palaces built (Dad Mahal, Khuda Mahal, etc.).
Tanks: Hussain Sagar, Mahsaheba Tank, etc.
9.12 Summary
Qutb Shahis ruled Golconda for ~175 years.
Encouraged agriculture, trade, industry, literature (Telugu, Urdu), architecture.
Patronized both Hindu and Muslim institutions.
Built major monuments: Golconda Fort improvements, Hyderabad city, Charminar, Mecca Masjid, Daru-us-Shifa, Ashurkhana.
Ended with Mughal conquest under Aurangzeb in 1687.
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