Centralised States: Kanem Borno Empire

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In today’s class, we will be talking about centralised states: Kanem Borno empire. Enjoy the class!

Centralised States: Kanem Borno Empire

What are centralised states?

It is the act of consolidating political power under a single political authority. In simple words, it refers to societies under one political control and authority.

The centralized states and Kingdoms which existed between 500 – 1800 A.d. were many, among them were Oyo, Benin, Bormu and the Hausa State, just to mention a few.

Factors that influence the process of state formation

1. Favourable geographical location e.g. Fertile Land
2. Mineral deposits such as gold, salt, iron, tin, oil etc.
3. Strategic commercial location e.g. cities like Kano, Katsina, Ibadan.
4. Dynamic leadership.
5. Suitable political organization e.g. Benin, Oyo, Bornu.
6. Warfare e.g. military competence in case of Oyo, Benin.
7. Religious influences e.g. in the case of Jukun.
8. Migrations: Mass movement of people from one place to another in search of better conditions of life.

Kanem and Bornu empire up to 1800

Kanem Bormu has the longest dynasty in World history, the Sefawa dynasty lasted for about 1000 years. They existed to the West and East of Lake Chad between 700 – 1800 A.D. Her history can be split into two phases – the first and second Kanuri empires. Kanem-Bornu and Kanuri mean that same.

• The 1st Kanuri empire (800 – 1470 A.D.)

The Kanuri migrated to the east of Lake Chad and defeated the original inhabitants (the SO) and absorbed them but retain part of their culture. They established Sefawa dynasty and by 1470 A.D. the empire had declined on account of attacks from the SO and the Bulalas. Two examples of important kings of the empire were Mai dunama I (1097 – 1150) and Mai Dunama II (1221 – 1259). N’Jimi was the capital of the first Kanuri empire.

• The 2^nd Kanuri empire:

Mai Ali Ghaji (1472 – 1504) established and consolidated the second Kanuri empire.

The factor for the rise of second Kanuri empire

1. Good leadership of Mai Ali Ghaji
2. Fertile land for agriculture and cattle rearing.
3. Military Conquests.
4. Highly centralised polity.
5. Religious influence and commercial activities.

Socio-political institutions of Kanem Bornu

1. Hereditary kingship
2. Council of twelve assisted the King
3. Membership of the council was by royal blood
4. Loyal slaves included in the council.
5. Council members were appointed for life.
6. Important councillors were as follows:
7. Kaigama: commander-in-chief
8. Yerima: Commander of the North
9. Galadima: Commander of the West
10. The empire declined in 1812 when the Fulani Jihadists destroyed the capital (Ngazaragamu).

Economy of Bornu

Bornu realized her revenue from taxes and tributes from vassals; trade with the neighbouring states e.g. Hausaland. Bornu exchanged slaves, copper and grains for salt, kolanuts and gold.

General evaluation

1. Define centralization
2. State the factors that influence the formation of states.
3. Explain the origin of Kanem and Borno empire
4. Explain the structure and organization.
5. Factors that led to the rise of the second Kanuri empire.

Assignment

1. Describe the achievements of Mai Idris Alooma, El- kanemi and Shehu Umar of Borno.

 

In our next class, we will be talking about the Centralised States: Hausa States.  We hope you enjoyed the class.

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