In Brief

Yousef Adil Shah was the son of Murad II, the Sultan of Turkey. After the Sultan's death and succession to throne by the crown prince, all other sons were executed. However, Yusuf's mother secretly replaced him with a slave boy and sent him to Persia. After many romantic adventures, Yusuf reached the court of the Bidar Sultanate. His bravery and personality raised him rapidly in Sultan's favor, resulting in his appointment as the Governor of Bijapur. He built the Citadel or Arkilla and the Faroukh Mahal. Yusuf was a man of culture. He invited poets and artisans from Persia, Turkey and Rome to his court. He married Punji, the sister of a Maratha warrior.

Lack of material does not enable us to give a detailed account of the first Queen Punji Khatoon. She is a Marathi lady from a noble Maratha Warrior family. Yousef got her as the war bouty. She adopted a new role as first queen of Adil Shahi Dynesty. She was beautiful, wise and brave. She played a major role in politics and administration of Adil Shahi Dynesty. She was queen of Yousef Adil Shah the founder King. Mother of second King Ismail Adil Shah. She played the role of regent of Ismail Adil Shah after the death of Yousef Adil Shah. When Ismail Adil Shah died, she is being a grand mother of Mallu Adil Shah ( who 3rd became King of Adil Shahi Kingdom) who was been arrested and sacked on the orders of Punji Khatoon.Adil Shah the Prince became King. As Asad Khan fullfilled the last wishes and orders of his King Ismail Adil Shah. As Mallu Adil Shah was having Bohemian life style. He became King and went away from Bijapur and started living in Belgum. Due to his bad behaiur with Ministers, and general public he lost the repsect and faith from them.

The grand mother Punji Khatoon (Wife of Yousef Adil Shah) came to know about the situation and realized the grim future of the Kingdom. Atlast the grand mother Punji Khatoon adviced Asad Khan the Minister to empower Ibrahim Adil Shah, by taking the power off from Mallu Adil Khan. He agreed to Puni Khatoons advice. Yousef Turk arrested Maullu Khan immedialtey upon Asad Khan's orders.His rule lasted for mere six months only. There was no significant development during his short regime. Not only was he forced to live the seat of Adil Shahi Kingdom but also, Mallu Adil and his youner brother Allu Khan were impressioned. His youngest brother Ibrahim Adil Shah took over the charge. He became fourth King of the Adil Shah Dynesty.

Peace and tranqutely prevailed with the crowning of Ibrahim Adil Shah 1. Within a few days the new King became the Apple of the public eye. Like his father, Ibrahim Adil Shah too was brave and chivalorous. Many wars were fought during his reign. He was always alert and well prepared for any Foreign attack. Punji Khatoon always played a important role during his regime.

He brought about great changes in Administration, and financial matters. He indcuted both the Deccanis and the Habshees to the impotrant offices including Miltary.