Mahmud Gawan, the Unknown Shiite Minister in Deccan

Mahmud Gawan, the prominent minister of Bahmani kings, was born in a plutocrat family in Gilan. Some Gilanian governors intrigued and plotted against him and he was urged to immigrate to Deccan and very soon he entered Bahmani court. Showing his genius in military and political matters, he grasped their attention and earned the position of ministry. Mahmud Gawan did worthy services during his ministry position. His measures during the period of Bahmani kings were successful and efficient in cultural and political developments; in a manner that he changed his period to one of the most brilliant periods of Muslim rulers in Deccan. His military policies caused the frontiers of the Bahmani kingdom to be stabilized and thus his actions not only saved the Bahmani government from an unexpected decline but also caused the establishment of security and economic improvement in this period. He also developed Islamic culture and civilization by supporting Shiism and advocating the Persian language. He influenced his military commanders religiously as well as paved the way for announcing Shiism as the official religion in Deccan.