Rise and Expansion — Prelims Strategy

Prelims Strategy

For Prelims, the strategy for the Bahmani Kingdom should focus on meticulous factual recall. Key areas to master include: the founder (Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah/Zafar Khan) and founding year (1347 CE); the sequence of capitals (Gulbarga first, then Bidar under Ahmad Shah Wali); major rulers and their significant contributions (e.

g., Muhammad Shah I's administrative consolidation, Firoz Shah's cultural patronage, Mahmud Gawan's reforms and conquests); the names of the five successor Deccan Sultanates; the primary rival (Vijayanagara Empire) and the contested region (Raichur Doab); and the key internal factions (Afaqis vs.

Deccanis). Pay attention to architectural landmarks like the Gulbarga Jama Masjid and Mahmud Gawan's Madrasa in Bidar, identifying their unique features. Create flashcards for names, dates, and places.

Practice MCQs that test specific details, often involving matching pairs or identifying incorrect statements. Vyyuha's advice: Memorize the 'BAGGAGE' mnemonic to quickly recall core facts. Focus on 'who, what, when, where' aspects, as these are the bedrock of Prelims questions.