Three Centuries of African Sovereignty in India

​These sources examine the historical political agency of the Siddis, an African-origin diaspora that rose to elite status in South Asia between the 15th and 20th centuries. By analyzing Persian administrative records, material culture, and numismatic evidence, the texts reveal how these figures transitioned from military slaves to sovereign rulers and naval admirals. Significant emphasis is placed on the maritime state of Janjira, the regency of Malik Ambar in the Deccan, and the short-lived Habshi dynasty in Bengal. The authors argue that while British colonial narratives often minimized these achievements by labeling the Siddis as mere mercenaries, contemporary archives prove they were central institutional actors who utilized Persianate court culture to legitimize their authority. Ultimately, the documentation highlights a sophisticated African maritime sovereignty that maintained diplomatic parity with major world powers for centuries.