In the year 1335, which short lived Sultanate was established in India ?

The correct answer is - Madurai

Key Points

• Madurai Sultanate
  • The Madurai Sultanate was established in the year 1335 after the decline of the Pandya dynasty in South India.
  • It was a short-lived Islamic kingdom that ruled the region of Tamil Nadu with Madurai as its capital.
  • It was founded by Jalaluddin Ahsan Khan, who declared independence from the Delhi Sultanate during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
  • The Sultanate lasted for approximately 43 years, from 1335 to 1378.
• Historical Context
  • The establishment of the Madurai Sultanate occurred during a period of political instability in India, following the collapse of centralized authority in various regions.
  • The Sultanate faced significant resistance from local rulers, particularly the Vijayanagara Empire, which eventually ended its rule.

Additional Information

• Other Sultanates in India
  • Delhi Sultanate: The Delhi Sultanate, established in 1206, was the most prominent Islamic kingdom in India, ruling for several centuries.
  • Bahmani Sultanate: Founded in 1347 in the Deccan region, it was a major Islamic kingdom contemporaneous to the Madurai Sultanate.
  • Faruqi Sultanate: A regional kingdom established in Khandesh, Maharashtra, during the late medieval period.
• Role of Regional Dynasties
  • The rise of regional powers like the Vijayanagara Empire and local Hindu rulers significantly impacted the decline of smaller Sultanates such as Madurai.
  • These dynasties worked to restore Hindu rule in South India and repelled Islamic influence in many regions.
• Legacy of the Madurai Sultanate
  • The Sultanate left behind architectural and cultural influences in the region, though its rule was brief.
  • It serves as a historical example of the fragmentation of power following the weakening of centralized empires like the Delhi Sultanate.