Malik Ambar
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Malik Ambar (1550-1626) was an Ethiopian who was captured in Harar during the epic battles between Christian Ethiopia and the Muslim Adal, in the course of raiding villages, during the reign of Emperor Gelawdewos. Subsequently he was sent to India. Once there his education provided opportunities for him, but he remained a slave. Nevertheless in time he created an independent army that had up to 1500 men. This army resided in the Deccan region and was hired by many local kings. He also founded the city of Aurangabad Maharashtra[1] on the site of a previous village. He eventually rose to become a very popular Prime Minister of Ahmadnagar, showing his administrative acumen in various fields. Malik is also regarded as a pioneer in Guerilla warfare in the Deccan region. He is credited with having carried out a systematic revenue settlement of major portions of the Deccan, which formed the basis for many subsequent settlements. He died in 1626 and was never defeated in battle. He is a figure of veneration to the Siddis of Gujarat.[2]
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[edit] His career
Malik Ambar was the regent of the Nizam Shah from 1607 to 1626. During this period he increased the strength and power of Murtaza Mizam Shah and raised a large army. He changed the capital from Paranda to Junar and founded a new city, Khadki which was later on changed to Aurangabad by the Emperor Aurangzeb when he invaded the Deccan (1658 to 1707).
[edit] Conflict with Mughals
Malik Amber thrust defeats on the Moghul General Khan Khanan many times and attacked Ahmednagar often. Lakhuji Jdhavrao, Maloji Bhosale, Shahaji Bhosale and other Maratha chiefs had gained great prominence during this period. With the help of these Maratha Chiefs, Malik Ambar had captured Ahmednagar fort and town from the Mughals. But in one of the battles Malik Ambar was defeated by the Mughals and had to lose the fort of Ahmednagar. Many Maratha Chiefs and especially Lakhuji Jadhavrao joined the Moghals. Shah Jahan once again laid a crushing blow to Malik Ambar in one of the battles and further decreased his power. Malik Ambar was a great statesman and soldier. He humbled the might of the Mughal and Adil Shah of Bijapur and raised the falling status of the Nizam Shah. Though defeated by the Mughals he was never cowed down by their might.
[edit] Death
He died in 1626 at the age of 80 (eighty).Malik Ambar had two sons, Fatteh Khan and Changiz Khan. Fatteh Khan succeeded his father as the regent of Mizam Shah.
[edit] Comments of Historians
A noted historain Dr. Beni Prasad notes: The chief importance of the Deccan campaigns of the Mughals lies in the opportunities of military training and political power which they afforded to the Marathas. Malik Ambar, who was a great master of the art of guerilla warfare as Shivaji himself, stands as the head of the builders of the Maratha nationality. His primary object was to serve the interest of his own master, but unconsciously he nourished into strength a power which more than avenged the injuries of the South on the Northern power.
[edit] Foundation of Aurangabad
He founded/inhabited Aurangabad on the site of the Khirki/Khadke("Big Rock") village in 1610. After his death in 1626, the name was change to Fatehpur by his son Fatehkhan. When Aurangzeb, the mughal emperor invaded Deccan in the year 1653, he made Fatehpur his capital and renamed it as Aurangabad. Since then it is known as Aurangabad. Two capital cities Viz. ‘Pratisthan’ (Paithan) i.e. the capital of Satvahanas (2nd B. C. to 3rd A. D.) and Devagiri (Daulatabad) the capital of Yadavas are located within the limits of Aurangabad. Aurangabad is known for the world famous caves at Ellora and Ajantha, the Jyotirlinga of Ghrishneshwar, and the Sant Dnyaneshwar udyan near the Nathsagar dam at Jayakwadi.
[edit] External links
Malik Ambar: A remarkable life, B.N. Goswamy [The Tribune, Chandigarh,13 August 2006, web edn., <http://www.tribuneindia.com/2006/20060813/spectrum/art.htm>]
