Migration of Iranians to India during the 16th–18th centuries

Iranian migration to the Indian subcontinent increased significantly after Muslim governments were established, especially during the Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526) and more prominently from the second half of the 16th century under the Mughal Empire and the Deccan sultanates (Ahmadnagar, Bijapur, and Golconda). Iranian immigrants—including administrators, officials, scholars, poets, Sufis, craftsmen, artisans, artists, and traders—were attracted by the Persian language and cultural influence at these royal courts, which welcomed them and granted important positions. Most Iranian immigrants came from elite backgrounds rather than nomadic or rural ones. They were generally divided into two groups: those forced to relocate due to religious persecution, war, or oppression, who sought refuge in India permanently; and those who voluntarily moved seeking better opportunities, often maintaining ties with Iran and sometimes relocating between Indian courts. The Mughal courts, especially under rulers like Humayun, Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan, featured Iranians in key administrative and cultural roles, with many Iranian poets and officials playing a dominant role in court life.

Of the three main Deccan sultanates, Iranian supremacy at the Golconda court turned out to be the most enduring. As several notable Telugu Niyogi Brahmin families rose to importance in the 1670s, their influence started to somewhat decline. Regardless, as long as the Deccan sultanates existed, the Iranian influence persisted in some manner. During the late 18th century, when neither the Deccan sultanates nor the Safavid dynasty existed anymore, the Iranians still continued to play an important part in the Hyderabad State (1724–1948) ruled by the Sunni Asaf Jahi dynasty.