Vijayanagara and Bahamani Kingdoms
The Muslim conquest of South India has opened
the way for the emergence of Vijayanagar and Bahamani kingdoms,
which fought continuously with each other for dominance of
Raichur doab region. Hasan Gangu Bahmani created the Bahamani
kingdom that lasted nearly 175 years. The most famous personality
Bahamani kingdom was Mahmud Gawan that led many wars and extended
the frontiers of the kingdom. Bahamis had control over northern
areas of the river Krishna river Narmada. Gawan known for
its impressive financial administration, public education,
income from the system, and disciplined guerrilla army.
The Vijayanagar kingdom drew attention under Krishna Deva Raya,
whose reign marked a golden age in the history of South India.
He stifled the risk of Bijapur and Golconda. Its contribution
to the South Indian culture in the form of patronage extended
to poets and scholars called Astadiggajas. He is a great poet
and musician, author Amuktamalyada in old Telugu.
The empire of Vijayanagar ended during the rule of Rama Raya,
including the fight against Muslim rule fostered unity among
divided Bahamani rulers. In the historic Battle of Tallikota
to 1565 AD, which has fought between Vijayanagar and Bahamani
rulers, Rama Raya facing a crushing defeat. Vijayanagar been
looted and razed. Tirumala Raya left Vijayanagar and established
his reign at Penugonda, with the greatness and glory earlier
never to be repeated.
Bhakti and Sufi movements
Along with the war that was underway between the leaders
Muslims and Hindus, it became apparent movements in Hinduism
and Islam, which aimed to spread the essential oneness of God,
and calling for religious tolerance and peace. For starters,
the seeds of Bhakti movement were sown by Shankaracharya, who
has preached pure monoism [Advaita], which was beyond the understanding
of man. It was Ramanuja who gave his interpretation of Hinduism,
the definition of Hinduism mainly as a means of salvation. He
preached Vishishtadvaita or qualified monoism, meaning devotion
to God. His followers came to be called as Vaishnavas.
Ramananda, Chaitanya, Kabir Nanak and provided the necessary
impetus to the movement Bhakti later in the day. Ramananda focuses
on northern India, where he has raised his voice against the
formalism of the increase in Orthodox worship. He preached the
gospel of love and dedication. Chaitanya of Bengal is a great
Vaishnavite saint who stressed universal love and brotherhood.
Kabir, who was one of the disciples of Ramananda advocated Hindu
Muslim unity. He boldly pointed out that it can not be separated
god for Hindus and Muslims. Nanak, the founder of the Sikh religion
preached tolerance universal. He preached unity of God and sentenced
formalism and ritualism of Islam and Hinduism.
Sufi Saints also preached the essential oneness of God and that
all men and women are equal in the eyes of God. They practiced
the exercises ascetics, contemplation, renunciation and self-denial.
The philosophy advocated by them came to be known as Sufism.
It is a philosophy of goodwill, faith in God and love of fellow
humans. The Sufi Saints evolved into 'Silsilahs'. Abul Fazal
in the Ain-i-Akbari refers to the existence of 14 Silsilahs,
Chistis, Suhrawardis, Qadiriyahs and Naqshbandis are considered
to be reputable.
Although Bhakti and Sufi movements could not eliminate the gap
between Hindus and Muslims, they have certainly achieved the
necessary harmony between different religious groups. These
movements have fostered an agreement between Hinduism and Islam,
and respect for others. Impact important was that the high and
low between Hindus and Muslims have overcome their differences
and prejudices, and start to believe in the equality of all
human beings. |
