The Ahmednagar Sultanate was a prominent state in the Deccan region of India, established in the late 15th century. It was one of the five major Deccan Sultanates, alongside the Bijapur Sultanate, Golconda Sultanate, Berar Sultanate, and Bidar Sultanate. The sultanate was founded by Malik Ahmad Nizam Shah I and became known for its rich cultural heritage and architectural achievements. The Ahmednagar Sultanate played a significant role in the political landscape of southern India, often engaging in conflicts with neighboring states, including the Mughal Empire. The sultanate reached its peak in the 16th century but eventually declined due to internal strife and external pressures, leading to its annexation by the Mughals in the early 17th century.