SOAS Research Online

Abstract

Chapter I discusses the scope of the thesis; the paucity of material rendered it impossible to study the five Sultanates of the Deccan, only Bijapur and Golconda were picked up. The origin of the latter states and the genealogy of their founders has been traced out. Chapter II discusses the Isna 'Ashariya theory of Imamate and its impact on the Deccan. Section on the Shah of Bijapur discusses the sectarian nature of the monarchy, its position, powers and functions. The misunderstanding that Nawab is inferior to Shah is removed. Generous treatment of the Hindus and the fallacy concerning Jizya exploded. Section on the Shah of Golconda establishes Shi'ism as the state religion and also brings out the Indian and "National" character of the monarchy. Chapter III brings out the position, composition, economic position and the bitter animosity of the Umara among themselves Chapter IV. Owing to the early death of several rulers of Bijapur and the extreme youth of their successors, regency as an institution had come into being. Its role has been discussed. Chapter V. The administration of these states was far inferior to that of the Mughals. The Peshwa, Vakil or sometimes known as Vazir was the most important officer and the rest were his creatures and generally his henchmen. I.H.Qureshi's assertion that privy purse and state treasury were distinct from one another in the Deccan has been disproved. Chapter VI discusses the nature and composition of the army and the reasons why the Muslims were forced to employ Hindus in large numbers. A recently discovered document from Haidarabad has brought to light some features of the military organisation of Golconda. Chapter VII. The Muslim rulers were not interested in the local administration and generally left it alone. The fallacy that an Indian village was a self-sufficing unit has been exposed.