SOAS Research Online

Abstract

I have divided my work into three main sections, one for each of the Mughal emperors, AKBAR, JAHANGIR and SHAHJAHAN. The introduction deals with geography of the Deccan and the early history of the Deccan states and their relations with IRAN, with which they were connected by their common Shi'a faith. A detailed justification of my thesis subject is also advanced in the introduction. Section I is divided into three chapters. The first deals with the difficulties of Akbar in subjugating the north, the motives of the emperor in penetrating into the south and inducements offered by Deccan weaknesses. In the second the conquest of AHMADNAGAR by the Mughals is discussed and is shown that the NIZAM SHAHIS were responsible for their own ruin, through their mutual rivalries. In the third the conquest of Asirgarh is discussed. In the Section II, the inefficiency of JAHANGIR and the court intrigues, which encouraged the Deccanis to recapture their territory and which eventually led to the rebellion of SHAHJAHAN have been described. Section III has three chapters. The first deals with the Mughals' permanent annexation of AHMADNAGAR in 1636. In the second the treaty of 1636 with GOLCONDA is discussed revealing that Qutb Shah himself was responsible for the ruin of his state in 1656. The third deals with the devastation of BIJAPUR and the treaty of 1636, which reduced 'ADIL SHAH to a Vassal of the Mughals. A discussion on the legality of the succession of 'ALI 'ADIL SHAH II follows and the Mughal invasion on BIJAPUR in 1657 is Justified. In both the second and third chapters, court intrigues which checked the Mughal progress in the Deccan have been analysed. The conclusion gives my personal views on the subject. Appendix (a) contains a discussion on the respective value of Muslim and Jesuit sources for the capture of Asir-garh, (b) a commentary from the angle of this thesis upon some of the sources and (c) is a bibliography.