Centralised States: Hausa States

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Welcome to class! 

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

Centralised States: Hausa States

The Hausa states include Zaria, Kano, Katsina, Biram, Gobir, Daura and Rano. They are referred to as legitimate sons.

Factors that influenced the formation of states in Hausa land

1. Good leadership
2. Agriculture plus fertile land
3. Minerals like iron ore
4. Cities located along trade routes e.g. kano
5. Walled cities which provided for security
6. Introduction of Islamic.

Political institutions of the Hausa state

1. At the apex of the ladder is the king or Sarkin
2. Assisted by a council of states
3. Madawaki: commander of the army
4. Dongari: chief of the King’s bodyguard
5. Sarki Yau Doka: Police commissioner
6. Qadis and Alkalis: judges

The economy of Hausa land

The Hausa people were agriculturists as well as traders. They produce cereals and vegetable as well as cattle. They traded in Kolanut, hides and skin, craft and leatherwork. They got their revenue from taxes and tributes.

The Nupe

The Nupe State, situated around the confluence of rivers Niger and Kaduna was one of the bastard Hausa States. The Nupe people (12 ethnic groups) made up of twelve but separate ethnic groups a.e famous in brass, silver and glassworks. They are also skilful boat builders. The state was founded by Tosoeda Edegi.

Factors for the rise of Nupe

The state was well-watered by rivers Niger and Kaduna which gave way to farming and fishing.

1. The Nupe people exploited the trade boom along these rivers.
2. Standing army: strong and well-equipped.
3. Dynamic administration.

Socio-political organization

1. The Etsu was the central figure in the government
2. Followed by the Council of minister’s
3. The Nupe kingdom was divided into four zones headed by zonal chiefs, responsible to etsu.
4. Standing army-strong cavalry

Nupe Economy

With its position on the north bank of the Niger at its confluence with river Kaduna. Nupe was at the crossroads of the trade from the north and the south of what is now Nigeria. Apart from trade. Nupe got revenue from taxes and tributes from vassals.

Nupe notable Kings

• Tsoede
• Etsu Jibrin

TSOEDE, son of an Igala prince, was the founder of Nupe state. He was a brave warrior who won many vassal states for Nupe. He also united the kingdom.

ETSU JIBRIN’S reign witnessed the advent of Islam in the kingdom. Jibrin established another capital at Raba about 1795. He improved trade and Nupe and earned more revenue from it.

General evaluation

1. The states that make up the Hausa states.
2. The political structure.
3. The economy of the Hausa states.
4. Discuss the Nupe kingdom.

Assignment

1. What role did Islam play in the development of the Hausa states?

 

In our next class, we will be talking about the Oyo Empire.  We hope you enjoyed the class.

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