The Bahamani Sultanate was a medieval Islamic state in South India, established in the 15th century. It emerged after the decline of the Delhi Sultanate and was known for its rich cultural and architectural contributions. The sultanate was founded by Alladin Bahman Shah and included regions that are now part of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. The Bahamani rulers promoted trade, art, and literature, leading to a flourishing of Deccan culture. They built impressive structures, such as the Gol Gumbaz and Bidar Fort, which reflect a blend of Islamic and local architectural styles. The sultanate eventually fragmented into five smaller states, known as the Deccan Sultanates, by the late 16th century.