1. What measures were adopted by Mahmud Gawan to curb the power of the Bahmani Nobles? (JUNE 2012)

(1) He reduced the size of their estate.
(II) He increased the amount of land classified as royal domain.
(III) He forbade governors from controlling more than a single fort.
(IV) He enhanced the rate of land revenue demand.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(1) I, IV and III
(2) I, II and III
(3) III, IV and II
(4) I, III and IV

Answer: 2

The correct answer is (2) I, II and III.

Mahmud Gawan, the distinguished prime minister of the Bahmani Sultanate under rulers like Muhammad Shah III, introduced a series of administrative and military reforms in the 15th century to curb the growing power of the Bahmani nobles (amirs), who had become increasingly autonomous and posed a threat to central authority. One of his key measures was the reduction in the size of the estates (iqtas) held by nobles (Statement I). By doing this, he limited their economic resources and prevented them from building independent power bases.

He also increased the extent of crown land (khalisa) (Statement II), bringing more revenue directly under the control of the central government. This strengthened the financial position of the state and reduced dependence on powerful nobles. Another important reform was that governors were forbidden from controlling more than one fort (Statement III). Since forts were crucial centers of military power, this measure ensured that no single noble could dominate a large military region or organize rebellion easily.

However, Statement (IV) is incorrect because Mahmud Gawan did not primarily aim to enhance the rate of land revenue demand as a means to curb nobles. His reforms were more focused on administrative restructuring, territorial redistribution, and centralization rather than simply increasing taxation. In fact, he also undertook land measurement and classification to make revenue assessment more systematic and fair.

These reforms were part of a broader attempt to balance the competing factions within the Bahmani nobility, especially between Deccanis and Afaqis (foreign nobles), and to reinforce a strong centralized state. Although his policies were effective, they also created resentment among nobles, eventually leading to his execution on false charges. Nonetheless, Mahmud Gawan remains one of the most capable administrators in Deccan history.

2. Identify the foreign traveler who gives an account of the Bahamani Kingdom. (DEC 2013)

(1) Ralph Fitch
(2) Nicolo Conti
(3) A Nikitin
(4) F Nuniz

Answer: 3

The correct answer is (3) Afanasy Nikitin.

Afanasy Nikitin, a Russian merchant and traveler of the 15th century, is well known for his detailed account of the Deccan region, particularly the Bahamani Kingdom. He visited India around 1469–1472 during the reign of the Bahmani rulers and recorded his experiences in a work often referred to as Journey Beyond Three Seas. His narrative provides valuable firsthand information about the political conditions, military organization, trade practices, and social life in the Deccan. Nikitin described the strength of the Bahmani army, the role of horses in warfare, and the flourishing trade connections, especially in the western coastal regions. He also commented on the wealth of the kingdom and the interactions between different religious communities.

In contrast, Ralph Fitch visited India in the late 16th century, primarily during the Mughal period, and did not give an account of the Bahmani Kingdom. Nicolo Conti did travel in India earlier in the 15th century, but his descriptions were more general and not specifically focused on the Bahmani state. Fernao Nuniz is associated mainly with detailed accounts of the Vijayanagara Empire, not the Bahmani Kingdom.

Nikitin’s observations are particularly significant because they offer an external, non-West European (Russian) perspective on medieval Indian polity and economy. His writings help historians reconstruct the history of the Deccan during a period when indigenous sources are relatively limited, making his account an important source for understanding the Bahmani Kingdom.