Sample Material of Our IAS Mains History Study Kit
Subject: History (Optional)
Topic: Regional Centres of Power
Kamarupa
In the fifteenth century, the Khens established their rule over Kamarupa. The initial attacks of the Bengal rulers on Kamta yielded mixed results and it was only in the time of Alauddin Hussain Shah that the kingdom was annexed to Bengal. The Sultan nominated his son as governor of the newly conquered territory. Some time later, Vishasinha of the Koch tribe emerged as the ruler of Kamarupa. In the reign of Nara Narayan, a subsequent ruler of the tribe, the kingdom was divided into two parts known as Kuch Bihar and Koch Hajo.
The Ahoms, who belonged to the Shah tribe, had established their hold on Assam by the beginning of the thirteenth century. The reigning Ahom king, Suhungmung, was the most outstanding ruler of the dynasty. On adopting Hindu customs and ways, he changed his name to Svarga Narayana. Vaishnavism made great strides in the region due to the efforts of Sankaradeva, the great reformer. The Ahoms conquered Kamarupa and retained their hold over it and Assam throughout the period of the Delhi Sultanate.
Gujarat
Though Gujarat had for all practical purposes assumed independence soon after Timur’s invasion, it was only in 1407 that Zafar Khan (son of a Rajput convert to Islam) formally, proclaimed himself ruler with the title of Muzaffar Shah. Muzaffar Shah’s grandson, Ahmad Shah I (1411-43), considerably expanded the kingdom, reorganised the administration and founded the new capital city of Ahmedabad on the site of the old town of Asawal. He was successful in wresting the fort of Girnar (in Saurashtra), but restored its ruler on the promise of indemnity. He also subjugated the Rajput states of Jhalawar and Dungarpur.
Ahmad Shah devastated the famous Hindu pilgrimage centre of Sidhpur and destroyed several of its beautiful temples. He was the first Sultan to levy jaziya on the Hindus of Gujarat. Gujarat’s most famous Sultan was Mahmud Begarha (1459-1511), so called because he had subdued, two formidable forts (garhs), Girnar in Saurashtra and Champaner in South Gujarat. Mahmud Begarha effected the final annexation of the rich and prosperous region of Saurashtra into his realm. His victory at Girnar has been attributed to treason by the defending raja’s minister. The Sultan founded the town of Mustafabad near the fort.
