SSC
Which Bahmani Sultan shifted the capital of the kingdom from Gulbarga to Bidar?
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Answer: Option C — Ahmad Shah I (Ahmad Shah Wali)
Detailed Solution
The Bahmani Sultan Ahmad Shah I (ruled 1422-1436), also known as Ahmad Shah Wali, shifted the capital of the Bahmani kingdom from Gulbarga to Bidar, around 1425-1429.
About Ahmad Shah I:
- He was the brother of Firuz Shah Bahmani, and seized the throne from him in 1422.
- He fought wars against Vijayanagara, Malwa, Gujarat and the Warangal region.
- He was known for his devotion to Sufi saints, which earned him the title "Wali".
- He was a devotee of the Chishti saint Syed Muhammad Gesu Daraz of Gulbarga.
- He invited Sufis from Persia, especially from the order of Shah Nimatullah Wali of Kerman.
Why the capital was moved:
- Bidar was located on a plateau, which was healthier and more central than Gulbarga.
- It was easier to defend.
- It was closer to the regions of Telangana, which the Bahmanis wanted to control.
About Bidar:
- It is in the northern part of present-day Karnataka.
- Ahmad Shah built a strong fort at Bidar, which was later improved by other rulers.
- Bidar became an important centre of art and architecture.
- The famous Madrasa of Mahmud Gawan (1472) was built at Bidar; it was a large centre of learning.
The Bahmani capitals:
- Gulbarga (1347-about 1425): the first capital.
- Bidar (from about 1425): the later capital.
The capital at Gulbarga:
Gulbarga has the Bahmani fort, the Jama Masjid inside the fort (built in 1367, with a unique covered courtyard), and the dargah of Gesu Daraz.
About the Bahmani kingdom:
- It was founded in 1347 by Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah.
- It lasted until the early 16th century, when it broke up into five Sultanates.
Why not the other options?
- ✗Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah was the founder.
- ✗Firuz Shah Bahmani was Ahmad Shah's brother.
- ✗Muhammad Shah III was a later ruler.
Quick tip
Remember: Ahmad Shah I (Wali) shifted the Bahmani capital from Gulbarga to Bidar (about 1425-29); devotee of Gesu Daraz; Madrasa of Mahmud Gawan at Bidar (1472).
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Vijayanagara & Bahmani Kingdoms — Preparation
This question tests your understanding of Vijayanagara & Bahmani Kingdoms, a key topic in the General Knowledge section. The detailed solution above uses a step-by-step approach to show the reasoning, and where available, a shortcut that helps you solve similar questions in under 90 seconds during the actual exam.
This topic covers the Vijayanagara Empire, founded by Harihara and Bukka in 1336, and the Bahmani Sultanate, founded by Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah in 1347, along with the Deccan sultanates that followed. It includes their rulers, administration, architecture and the accounts of foreign travellers. The most tested ruler is Krishnadevaraya of the Tuluva dynasty, a patron of Telugu literature and author of Amuktamalyada. Other common questions cover the Battle of Talikota (1565), the Vijayanagara capital Hampi, and the foreign travellers who visited, such as Nicolo Conti, Abdur Razzaq and Domingo Paes. Practise the Vijayanagara and Bahmani kingdoms questions below, written in the style of the general awareness sections of exams such as SSC, banking, railways, CUET GAT, MAH CET and CLAT. Each question comes with a detailed explanation that adds related facts, so every question helps you revise more than one point.