Expansion of Shiism in Deccan in the Tenth and Eleventh Centuries (AD)

Shiism, throughout its history, has always experienced pinnacles upon which it has spread variously and increased the number of its followers. The tenth and eleventh centuries (AD) are among these flourishing periods. During this time, the Safavid state was founded, and with its official support, Shiism began to proliferate in Iran. Concurrent with the Safavid state in Iran, in Deccan (a region in southern India) some other events took place which in turn played significant roles in promoting and disseminating Shiism there. Despite the significance of these occurred events, few history researchers have made them subject to study. This research seeks to investigate the impact of the Shiite local governments established in Deccan on the expansion of Shiism there. The research is based on this hypothesis that despite the governor's support of Shiism, a large number of people in the area did not embrace this religion. Such attempts, however, paved the way for familiarizing the people with Shiism and prepared the grounds for its embracement in the later periods. The current research was conducted through library-oriented method and comparative analysis of sources. It starts with a brief introduction to the life history of Shiites in Deccan, and then reviews the attempts made by its local governors in supporting and expanding Shiism there, and the extent to which this religion was embraced by the people; which eventually confirms the hypothesis.