The Bahmanis had a Persian noble in their court who enjoyed more power than even kings. With his wisdom and skill for administration, Mahmud Gawan helped in managing the Bahmani kingdom.
Gawan’s contributions include improvements in administration, systematization of finances, and the reformation of the revenue system. He also encouraged public education, disciplined the army, and eliminated corruption. During the reign of Muhammad Shah III, Gawan monitored many conquests to expand the Bahmani kingdom.
However, things were not in his favour. The rift between the local Deccani nobles and the nobles of foreign origin ultimately resulted in his death. The Deccanis, who were against Gawan made up stories about him. They even managed to get Mahmud Gawan’s seal stamped on a blank sheet of paper, on which they wrote a letter to the king of Orissa, asking him to invade the Bahmani kingdom and overthrow King Muhammad Shah III. Muhammad Shah III believed that this was written by Gawan. A furious king ordered Gawan to be killed in 1481. However, Muhammad Shah III had Gawan buried with honour after discovering the truth.
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