Which of the following Sultans sent an embassy to the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman ?

The correct answer is - Sultan Bahadur Shah of Gujarat

Key Points

• Sultan Bahadur Shah of Gujarat sent an embassy to the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman.
• This diplomatic move was made during the early 16th century when the Gujarat Sultanate was under pressure from the Portuguese in India.
• Sultan Bahadur Shah sought Ottoman naval support to counter the growing Portuguese influence in the Indian Ocean region.
• The embassy to Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent highlights the global nature of diplomacy and the alliances formed by Indian rulers to protect their sovereignty.
• The Gujarat Sultanate was strategically located on the western coast of India, making it a vital player in Indian Ocean trade.
• The embassy reflects the importance of maritime power during this period, as control over sea routes was essential for economic and military strength.

Additional Information

• Ottoman Empire's Role in the Indian Ocean
  • The Ottoman Empire, under Sultan Suleiman, was a major global power with a strong naval presence.
  • It had ambitions to extend its influence into the Indian Ocean to counter Portuguese dominance.
  • The Ottomans provided military and naval assistance to several Muslim rulers in India and the Arabian Peninsula.
• Portuguese Threat in the Indian Ocean
  • By the early 16th century, the Portuguese had established themselves as a dominant naval power in the Indian Ocean, disrupting traditional trade routes.
  • The Portuguese used their naval superiority to extract concessions from local rulers and monopolize trade.
  • Indian rulers like Sultan Bahadur Shah sought external alliances to resist these aggressions.
• Significance of Diplomatic Alliances
  • The embassy to the Ottoman Sultan reflects the interconnected political and economic interests of Indian and Middle Eastern powers.
  • It underscores the use of diplomacy as a tool to counterbalance military threats and protect trade interests.