Khandesh, Sultanate of (Faruqi dynasty)

The Faruqi dynasty is the ruling dynasty of the Khandesh sultanate from its inception in 1382 until its annexation by the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1601.

The founder of the dynasty, Malik Ahmad (also known as Malik Raja) participated in a rebellion against the Bahmani ruler Muhmmad Shah I in his early years.

When he was compelled to flee from Deccan, he established himself in Thalner on the Tapti River (in present day Dhule district in Maharashtra).

After receiving the grant of the fiefdoms of Thalner and Karanda (the present day Karwand, nineteen kilometers north of Thalner) from Firuz Shah Tughluq in 1370, he conquered the region around Thalner, which later became known as Khandesh (the land of the Khans By 1382, he starts ruling independently.

Malik Raja claims his descent from the second Caliph Umar-al-Faruq.

Hence, the dynasty founded by him is known as Faruqi dynasty.

The next ruler, Nasir Khan, conquers the Asirgarh fort and made it his capital.

He founds the new capital Burhanpur in 1399.

The most illustrious ruler of this dynasty is Adil Khan II.

During his long reign, Burhanpur is transformed to a major center for trade and textile production.

In 1599, Akbar’s army occupies Burhanpur and on January 17, 1601 the citadel of Asirgarh also fals after a long siege.

The last ruler Bahadur Shah, surrenders to the Mughals.

Khandesh becoms a Mughal Subah.

The rulers of Faruqi dynasty are known as the Gujjar Dynasty who fight against the Hindus and also the Shia's.