Sundiata
The rise of the empire of Mali was due to the madingo people who lived in the Mandinka Plateau between the upper streams of Senegal and Niger. During the rise and height of Ghana’s power, the Madingo people lived in villages scattered around the plateau. The scattered villages became united during a revolt against the oppressive rule of Sumanguru of Susu. Sumanguru conquered the Madingos’ and ruled them from the ancient capital Kumbi.
A noble prince of Kangaba whose name was Sundiata led the people of Madingo in revolt against the rule of Sumanguru. Sundiata soon became a national hero.
Sundiata is believed to be the son of Nare Maghan, the ruler of Kangaba , by his second wife, Sologon born in the year 1217 AD. Though before his birth the seers of Kangaba prophesied that the boy Sundiata will become a great leader, interestingly Sundiata could not walk nor talk for most of his infancy, this disappointed Nare Maghn. Nare Maghn died living his kingdom to Dankaran Touman, the son of his senior wife. Dankaran lacked principles and of a weak character.
The queen mother(mother of Dankaran) had to take up power ruling behind the veil. She hated Sundiata’s mother leading to her humiliation most often. Sundiata’s predicament in childhood became an item of ridicule for the queen mother.
This jest did not last for long for Sundiata slowly regained the ability to walk and talk. The young sundiata grew into a youth of great physical strength. His strength made him and undisputed fighter among his peers and also the greatest hunter alive. Such was his prowess and skills in fighting he became the leader of his mates.
Sundiata’s remarkable turn around drew jealousy from the Queen mother. She feared Sundiata may one day seek to usurp power from his son and thus began to plot the assassination of young Sundiata. When her motives became a reading paper, Sologon brought together her children and fled the land.
Fleeing the land of Kangaba did not bring repose to Sologon and her children. The Queen mother’s threat to her son’s life followed her where ever she and her children sojourned. During the race for safety, Sundiata's development into a full adult of great strength and wisdom occurred. The family reached Mema were they finally settled in peace and away from the piercing eyes of the queen mother. Sundiata at this time bubbled with courage and strength, he became a feared warrior. His physique and commanding personality meant almost none was able to debate any command given by him.
The ruler of Mema placed Sundiata in charge of his cavalry. He was also made the viceroy whenever the ruler was away from his capital. It is believed Sundiata became next in line to the throne of Mema since the ruler of Mema remained childless. During this time Kangaba was under the rule of Sumanguru who ruled Kangaba harshly. A rebellion erupted within Kangaba against Sumanguru’s harsh rulership, a mistake the whole Kangaba paid dearly for. In response to this rebellion Sumanguru invaded Kangaba laying waste its capital Jeriba. He also ensured the princes of Kangaba were killed while he ruled Kangaba directly.
In the commotion of the invasion Dankaran Touman fled Kangaba.
The people of Kangaba did not give up on their wish for an independent state. They sought for an able leader which they found in the exiled Sundiata. In about 1230 AD they sent emissaries to the court of Mema in search of the prince they needed to return to Kangaba.
Sundiata saw an opportuinity to sit on his father’s throne, he mustered a small cavalry in Mema and marched westward in search of more men. He persuaded the rulers of Madingo to join him in war against Susu.
Being a tactical man he avoided
direct conflict with the main Susu army until he deemed his army fit in numbers and strength. In 1235 AD his tactics caught up with him. He finally took up battle formation at Kirina, near Kulikoro in the Niger valley against the main Susu army commanded by Sumanguru himself.
The Susu army was more in number however the great leadership skill Sundiata exhibited brought victory to his army. He made sure his cavalry positioned at the best place on the battle field from where they rained havoc on Sumanguru and his soldiers..
sundiata’s victory was so comprehensive that sumunguru disappeared with his remaining soldiers never to be seen again. To solidified his victory he attacked the well garrisoned city of Susu, capturing the city he burnt it to the ground. Sundiata did not spare the ancient city of Kumbi, in 1240 AD, his army sacked the city of Kumbi the ancient capital of Ghana Empire.
Sundiata also demanded full authority over his allies. At the ruins of Jeriba he became the overlord and the emperor of a unified empire. He restored the territories of his allies to them, though they remained under his overlordship. He allowed these sub-rulers to wield local powers . He also conferred titles and honours to these sub-rulers. Special duties were assigned to each ruler thus the new empire was born.
Sundiata became the first Mansa (emperor) of the Empire of Mali.
To consolidate power he built a new capital at Niani near the confluence of Niger and Sankarani. He then turned his attention to the development of wealth in the empire. He encouraged agriculture especially the growing of cotton, to supply the city’s needs. His soldiers attacked and took the gold-fields of Wangara. The gold captured were moved to the capital city Niani increasing the overall wealth of the kingdom. His excellent laws and formidable military strength made the empire one of great importance.
Sundiata died mysteriously in 1255AD, however vast lands were already conquered before his death. He laid the foundation on which the other Mansa’ built on. Sundiata lived above adversities of his early life to become the first great emperor of the ancient Kingdom of Mali.
No comments:
Post a Comment