Ultimate Guide to Muslim Rule in Medieval Bihar History Notes for Competitive Exams 2025

Ultimate Guide to Muslim Rule in Medieval Bihar History Notes for Competitive Exams 2025

History of Bihar-7

Here is a detailed account of the Muslim rule in Medieval Bihar and its influence, specially tailored for BPSC preparation, but also relevant for other Competitive exams with focus on political events, administration, culture, art, education, and religious influence:

Muslim Rule in Medieval Bihar (c. 1200–1750 CE)

Overview:

The Muslim rule in Bihar began with the Turko-Afghan conquest in the early 13th century and continued through the Delhi Sultanate, Sharqi rulers of Jaunpur, Sur Empire, and Mughal Empire. During this period, Bihar saw:

• Islamic cultural influence
• Growth of Persian language and literature
• Spread of Sufi mysticism
• Changes in administration, architecture, and education

I. Beginning of Muslim Rule

Bakhtiyar Khilji’s Conquest (c. 1193 CE)

• Muhammad Bakhtiyar Khilji, a general of the Ghurid dynasty, invaded Bihar.
• Destroyed Nalanda, Odantapuri and Vikramashila universities, marking the decline of classical Buddhist education in Bihar.
• Established control over Bihar and Bengal.
• His capital was at Lakhnauti (Gaur) but Bihar served as a strategic outpost.

II. Under Delhi Sultanate (13th–16th Century)

Administrative Integration

• Bihar was made a province (suba) under Delhi Sultanate.
• Important governors appointed from Delhi like Malik Ibrahim, Malik Baya, and Zafar Khan.
• Heavy taxation was imposed on Hindu peasantry.
• Military garrisons were established for political control.

Cultural Influence

• Persian became the official language.
• Spread of Islamic culture, law (Sharia), and court traditions.
• Rise of Islamic madrasas and maktabs in urban centers.

Sufi Influence

• Sufi saints like Hazrat Makhdoom Yahya Maneri (Sufi saint of Bihar Sharif, Nalanda district) gained popularity.
• Their khankahs (spiritual lodges) became centers of faith, learning, and community.
• Makhdoom Sharfuddin Yahya Maneri and later Makhdoom Syed Shah Daulat (Phulwari Sharif, Patna) played important spiritual roles.

III. Sharqi Rule of Jaunpur (15th Century)

• Bihar intermittently came under the rule of Sharqi rulers of Jaunpur (Uttar Pradesh).
• Continued promotion of Islamic art and architecture.
• Development of mosques and tombs in Jaunpur style.
• Tension and rivalry with Delhi-based rulers.

IV. Sur Dynasty (1540–1555 CE)

Founded by Sher Shah Suri, an Afghan from Sasaram, Bihar.

• Bihar served as his native land and political base.
• He defeated Humayun and established rule from Delhi.

Contributions:

V. Mughal Rule in Bihar (1576–1707 CE)

• Bihar was annexed to the Mughal Empire after Battle of Ghagra (1529) and consolidated by Akbar.
• Became part of the Subah of Bengal (later separate Subah of Bihar under Shah Jahan).
• Mansabdari system was implemented.
• Akbar’s governor Todar Mal reformed land revenue assessment in Bihar.
• Bihar became a center for trade and learning under Mughal peace.

VI. Later Phase (Post-Aurangzeb, 1707–1750s)

• Mughal power declined; Bihar fell into political instability.
• Emergence of local zamindars, Afghan chieftains, and Nawabs of Bengal who had control over Bihar.
• In the mid-18th century, Bihar came under the increasing control of the British East India Company, especially after Battle of Buxar (1764).

Cultural and Religious Influence

Art & Architecture

• Mosques, tombs, forts, and madrasas built in Indo-Islamic style.
• Key sites:
  • Sher Shah’s Tomb (Sasaram)
  • Rohtas Fort
  • Khanqah Maner Sharif
  • Pathar ki Masjid, Choti Dargah (Phulwari Sharif)

Education

• Shift from Buddhist and Hindu centers to Islamic education:
  • Madrasas in Bihar Sharif, Patna, and Gaya.
• Persian and Arabic became main literary languages.
• Local Hindus also learned Persian for jobs under Muslim rulers.

Religion

• Spread of Islam, especially Sufi Islam, through peaceful preaching.
• Emergence of composite Ganga-Jamuni culture.
• Syncretic traditions developed where Hindus visited Sufi dargahs.

BPSC-Oriented Summary Table