| Conventional Long Name: | Nawayath Sultanate |
| Common Name: | Nawayath Sultanate |
| Status: | empire |
| Status Text: | Independent Kingdom until 1340 A.D. Subordinate to Unknown Kingdom of Gersoppa from 1340. |
| Era: | Medieval |
| Government Type: | Monarchy |
| Year Start: | Late 13th century |
| Year End: | 1350s |
| P1: | Alupa Dynasty |
| P2: | Kadambas of Goa |
| S1: | Vijayanagara Empire |
| S2: | Suluva Jain Dynasty |
| Image Map Caption: | Extent of Nawayath Sultanate |
| Capital: | Honnavar |
| Common Languages: | Konkani Kannada Nawayathi |
| Religion: | Islam |
| Title Leader: | Sultan |
| Leader1: | Hasan Nakhuda |
| Year Leader1: | Late 13th Century–Early 14th Century |
| Leader2: | Jamaluddin Nakhuda |
| Year Leader2: | Early 14th century–1350s |
| Today: | India |
Nawayath Sultanate (13th century C.E. to 14th century C.E.) also known as Hunnur Sultanate, was a tiny kingdom on the coast of Karavali, present-day Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. It was probably established by Nawayath merchant Hasan Nakhuda at Hospattan, the village in Honnavar. It remained a sovereign kingdom until 1340, when the Harihara-nripala, the king of the unknown kingdom of Gersoppa, who controls the eastern part of the Sultanate, established his suzerainty over Sultan Jamaluddin. Unlike most of the kingdoms of the Indian Subcontinent, it was capable of marine warfare and possessed two of the most notable ships, namely the Tarida and the Ukairi.
The sultanate has patronized many architectural works, but they are under ruins, uninhabitable, or have vanished from the map of history, including the mosque built by Sultan Hasan Nakhuda, which resembles the grand mosque of Baghdad, the Mirjan Fort,[1] and the Fort of Hospattan in Honnavar.
The Sultan Hasan and Jamaluddin were from the Nawayath community, who are descendants of the Arabs. The term has been given different meanings by different authors, such as Suyuti, who describes Nawayath as the corrupt word of Banu-Wayat; it means children of Wayat who are the descendants of Abdullah-Wayat.[2] Conversely, Jafar Sharif presents an alternative origin, asserting that it comes from the Arabic term 'Nuwa-A-ay-t'hay', which translates to 'newcomer'.[3] Wilk supports the meaning given by Jafar Sharif but he describes the word Nevayet has the indian origin which may be the corruption of Hindustani and Marathi terms.[4] Another opinion is that it is apparently a Konkani word connected with Sanskrit nava (i.e., new) and implying new convert.[5]
Victor D'Souza concluded by not being satisfied with the perspectives provided by various authors. He asserts that it is implausible that the term navayat is the widespread distortion of the expressions for "newcomer" in several languages. Nor is it likely that individuals speaking different languages collectively chose the Sanskrit terms, as if by mutual agreement, to designate these newcomers. Furthermore, other expressions, such as those who arrived by boat or new converts, cannot be deemed as accurate terms. However, he determined that sailors represent a sensible interpretation of Navayats.
Jamaluddin Nakhuda's father, according to Ibn-e Batuta's narrative, erected a huge mosque similar to Grand Mosque of Baghdad after capturing Sindapur and founded a city there.[6] Hasan Nakhuda may have served as governor of Sindapur under Kadambas, like in the 11th century, a Muslim named Sadhan, son of Muhammad of Arabia, who served as governor.[7]
Sultan Jamaluddin Muhammed was pious to his religious duties and was one of the powerful rulers on the coast of Kanara. Tributes were paid to him by the Malabar king on a yearly basis because of his maritime power. In 1338, Vira Ballala III stationed his army at Barkur to check the aggressive activities of Sultan Jamaluddin, who was threatening to overthrow the alupa king, the brother-in-law and vassal of Vira Ballala III.[7] In 1343, a fleet of 52 vessels departed for Sindapur upon receiving a message from the king of Sindapur's son, leading to the capture of Sindapur. Subsequently, in 1344, the king of Sindapur launched a surprise assault while the Sultanate's army was scattered throughout the region, with no available information on the outcome of this conflict.[8]
Hindus and Jains were impacted by the religious and moral code of Muslims. When it comes to the art of fighting, they imitate Muslims, while in the ground force and navy, the majority of officers were Muslim. Conversely, the livelihood of Muslims was shaped by Jains. It was common to use hot water and rice, yet wheat could be readily imported from other nations. Each individual was provided with a separate plate and spoon for dining. Moreover, on a plate with rice, various types of curries were placed, a practice influenced by Hindus that persists to this day.[9]
Mžik says that Shaikh Muhammed Nagauri considered his male and female slaves unclean and did not have his food prepared by them because of his belief in untouchability.[10]
Mahdi Husain rejects Mžik's remark about untouchability. According to him, the aforementioned Shaikh was a saint with strict habits who carefully avoided any chance of contamination or impurity when performing his devotional practice. For this reason, he was concerned about his servants.
There were 13 educational institutions dedicated to the education of female students, while 23 schools catered to the male student population. Furthermore, the female population during that historical period displayed a remarkable proficiency in memorizing the Quran. It is evident that there is a surplus of individuals holding the titles of alim and fazil residing within the specified geographical region.
In the year 1328,[11] a French missionary and explorer embarked on a visit to the kingdom, during which he meticulously documented a detailed and succinct narrative recounting his expedition to Bhatigala, a place also recognized as Bhatkal. Historical records indicate that the ruler of Bhatigala was affiliated with the Saracens, denoting his adherence to the Islamic faith. According to the insights of Yule, it is probable that Jordanus was making a veiled reference to the sovereign of Honnavar, thereby shedding light on the intricate web of political and religious dynamics prevalent during that era.[12]
The Moroccan traveler Ibn Battuta visited the sultanate in 1343. According to Ibn Battuta, "The sultan of Hunnur, Jamal-ud-din Muhammad, son of Hasan, is one of the best and most powerful rulers, but he is subordinate to a heathen raja (Sultan) named Haryab." He met Faqqi Ismail (also known as Faqqi Ismail Sukri) of Bhatkal and the local Qazi Nuruddin Ali, and received hospitality from Shaikh Muhammed Nagauri (an-Naqauri). He speaks about their social, economic, religious, cultural, and administrative factors. He fought a battle of Sindapur alongside them and returned with victory; a year later, under uncertain circumstances, he was unable to return to Hunnur without giving further account.