Gobir External Relations in the 18th Century
By
Professor Aminu Isyaku Yandaki
Department of History,
Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto;
Dr. Sanusi Shehu Gusau
Zamfara State History Bureau; &
Umar Aminu Yandaki
Department of History
Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto
ABSTRACT
Gobir State in 18Ih
Century Hausaland was one dominated by wars and conflicts. Its neighbours
experienced very little peace with Gobir. Many a neighbour had started as friends
and allies with Gobir, albeit suddenly they turned into enemies. From its stay
at Azbin to its strongest hold at Alkalawa, the philosophy of its political
leadership appeared centred on war. It led decades of continuous wars and conflicts
within Hausaland. This tendency of Gobir leaders earned the State the epithet, Gobir
uwarfada, meaning the
aggressive Gobir. But what was the reason behind Gobir's aggression? Certainly,
to a greater extent it was not for booty nor was it for territorial gains. For
Gobir's war with Kabi in the early decades of the 18th century was
not fought against the line of booty. The war fought with Zamfara leading to
fall of Birnin Zamfara in 1764 was clearly not for booty or territorial
expansion. Gobir's wars against Katsina before and after 1764, to an extent
were not for booty or territorial expansion. Reason for Gobir's aggression is
remotely observed in its salient interest; the Azbin route. This factor defined
and shaped 18th century Gobir. For this reason Gobir chose
aggression as a means to an end within the wider gamut of inter-group relations
as no nation can constitute an island unto itself. It is this salient feature
in Gobir that this paper seeks to address.
Keywords: Gobir, External
Relations, 18th Century
Introduction
This
paper discusses conflicts and wars between Gobir and her neighbours. It entails
discussion on the various areas of conflicts and wars which characterised
development among these Hausa states in the 18th century. It gives a
picture of events as they unfolded and affected each state within the period of
peace, conflict and war. In order to have clear picture of developments that
affected the states and cause of action that precede 18th century
Gobir, developments prior to 18th century are discussed. This is
done in order to give sequence of developments that are precursor to state of
relations between or among these states. Furthermore, the paper only discusses
neighbours of Gobir of the 18th century. These are Azbin, Kabi,
Zamfara and Katsina. Finally, the paper
is divided into three sections discussing, (a) Relations Between Gobir and her
Neighbours up to 18th Century (b) The 18th Century Hausaland:
Conflicts and Wars Between Gobir and her Neighbours and (c) Significance of the
Ahir Route to 18th Century Gobir.
(a) Relations between Gobir
and Her Neighbours up to the 18th Century
Prior
to the 18th century relations between Gobir and her neighbours, was
essentially peaceful even though, there were some scores of frictions and wars
between them. This was because Gobir by then was not for long been away from
the persistent pressure of Azbin. Since the settlement of the Tawarig at the
Oasis of Azbin conflicts and wars erupted between Gobir and the new settlers.
Consequently, wars with Azbin took a lot from her time by the 17th century,
it needed what peace it can find in proper Hausaland. However, developments in
Gobir near the Gulbin Maradi region were marked by persistent wars. These wars
were fought in defence against Azbin, so much so that hostilities between them
defined developments in both states in the 17th century.
Azbin-Gobir Relatiosn prior to the 18th
century
The
region of Azbin had been home to five ethnic groups including the last two been
Gobir and Tawarig. According to Gobir traditions, from the Oasis of Azbin
conflict and war, were to lead to their gradual movement westward [1] and establishment
of Birnin Lalle in the 15th century. Even with Gobir s shift of
base, wars between the two states continued relentlessly[2].
Hostilities between Azbin and Gobir were therefore, deeply rooted in their
contact since about the exit of Gobir from Egypt. Details of developments that
led to the exit of Gobir from Egypt have not so far been subjected to adequate
academic scrutiny. However, perhaps to lend some credence to their claim of
stay at Egypt is the discovery of the mention of 'Hausa' in one of the burial
sites along the Nile. A Nigerian Egyptologist, Musa, working in Egypt burial
site discovered the mention of Hausa and description of two pyramids in Niger
Republic.[3] The
Hausa people or the language speakers are said to be distributed not only in
western Sudan, in areas of Mande - Dyula speakers but are to be found from,
Senegal to the Hijaz, from the Congo to the coastal cities of North Africa[4]. Furthermore, small
communities of the speakers are also to be found in the important towns of the
old Ottoman Empire, in what is now Albania to Iraq. The reason for the spread
of the language and the speakers was not far from economic. The Hausa language
is said to be one of the commonest vehicles of communication in Hausaland and
West African commerce. Accordingly, Gobirawa on the other hand are original
native Hausa. Their facial marks are distinctive, six and seven on either
cheek. Perhaps their stay at Egypt wasn't unrelated to commerce even though
their traditions claimed they originated from there[5].
Consequently,
their relation with the Tcnvarig, for the most part is defined by war[6]. Even though Gobir
was known for its war like dispositions, however, Azbin on the other hand had
also led catalogues of wars with its neighbours, including Zamfara. Accounts of
their war with Zamfara is said to occur as early as the 14th
century, during the reign of Queen Argoje. Factors responsible for this war
were not disclosed, however, it is possible that it may not be very far from
economic. For in the 14lh century, contact between the two states
was likely linked from the Trans-Saharan trade route which passed through
Azbin, crossed Zamfara and reached areas like Salga in the western Sudan. This
likely would have been the area of the hostilities that led to war with
Zamfara.
Accordingly,
matters in the external relations of Azbin were for the most part of the
century not very quiet. This situation came about because the 17th
century saw the Sultanate grappling with, Gobir war externally and political
instability at the home front.[7]
However, the reign of Agabba c.
1687 - 1721, came to stabilised the political crisis in the Sultanate. His
reign was also remarkable for improving that state's external relations.
Agabba's efforts in external relations extended to Gobir even unto a coalition
with the state in early decades of the 18thcentury. Generally, the
18th century began in Azbin and also Hausaland with improved
external relations among states. However, impact of relations in the region, were
not restricted to Gobir and Azbin alone, but it extended to some of its
neighbours including Katsina.
Katsina and Gobir Relations
Katsina
by the seventeenth century had already established contact with Gobir. However,
relations between them were wrought by Sarkin Gobir Soba's attack on Maradi
within the century. Even before this attack, oral traditions in Maradi claimed
that the Sarkin Katsina was once too suspicious of Gobir's tendency. He was
said to device cunning means to outwit the Sarkin Gobir into abandoning his
capital, Gobir Tudu. Eventually, from this centre the Gobirawa resettled at
Gwararrame. It was here that Gobir found relative peace. It appeared also to
have furthered away from the dry lands of the Sahara. For much of what was the
strait of Azbin and areas within its confines is but a dry land. Dry conditions
are said to be for ten months in a year[8].
This condition was responsible for most of the migrations south west from the
east. Furthermore, migrations around Birnin Katsina, southwards into the Rima
Valley area was also encouraged by local priest in areas of Katsina-Maradi. At
Bargaja, in the Rima Fadama plains near Isa town, Sokoto state, resides a
family who claimed to have for centuries originated from Katsina9.
The family claimed that, their grandfather had lived" most of his life
without an offspring at Katsina.[9]
Thereupon, he was advised by .the local priest to move south west and he find
riches and heirs. Many people from Katsina-Maradi and beyond have taken this
course. On the side of the Gobirawa, their stay at this capital, Gwararrame,
was marked by a prevailed peace between that state and Katsina, its neighbour
on the south. With prevalence of peace the Gobirawa must have tapped the wealth
obtained in the commerce on the trading routes to and from Hausaland. Its
proximity to Katsina around the Gulbin Maradi area predisposes them for this
accord.
The
Gobirawa long distance traders must have kept inter-group relations alive as
they intermingle with host communities. Although, a considerable number of
Hausa traders were Kolanut merchants to Gonja, there are others whose trade
goes beyond kolanut. At Yandoto in the closing years of the 18th
century were trader-scholars like Malam Musa Bamalle who traded in natron[10] Furthermore, the impact of long distance trade
by Hausa communities is extensively discussed by Adamu.[11] However, the role
of Gobirawa in this regard is not comparable to the dynamics of Katsina visa
viz the Abakwarigas. Much as the foregone is true, Gobir significance is
discernible when one relates significance of Katsina market of the 18th
century and Gobirawa's establishment of Mara Zamfarawa.
The
considerable role they must have played in the long distance trade or fataitci
certainly established some good relations at Katsina markets. Relations
between Gobir and Katsina led to peaceful emergence of Gobir settlements in
Katsina like the aforementioned, Mara Zamfarawa[12].
This town has risen to become one of the prosperous rising semi urban
settlements in Katsina, even today. This is symbolic of the nature of good
relations that emanated since the 18th century between Gobirawa and
Katsinawa. Over time, peace to a certain extent prevailed between these two
important states in Hausaland up to closing years of the 17th
century.
Zamfara and Gobir Relations
There
is no contention to assert that, the level of socio-religious and political relations
between Gobir and Zamfara prior to 1764 were second to none in Hausaland.
Relations between these two states was so intertwined that it was almost
impossible to discuss their history separately. In their traditions of origin,
there abound stories that ascribed primogeniture of the Zamfarawa to Gobirawa.
In one of these traditions Zamfarawa were said to be an offspring of a union
between a Gobir woman and a Katsina father. Even though these traditions were
disputed for war propaganda no belittle Zamfara, they indicated a deeper
connectivity, historically, between Gobir and Zamfara.[13] Over time,
developments in this region of Hausaland and beyond, between the two states,
significantly increased the level of contact and relations between them before
the 18th century. For instance, the Zamfarawa were said to have
fought in support of Gobir when it was besieged by enemy forces in the reign of
Sarkin Gobir Soba. This indicated depth of political relations between them
before 18th century. In contrast to the aforementioned, relations
were not always peaceful between Zamfara and Gobir. As early as the 14th century,
under Queen Argoje 1350 - 1400, Zamfara was said to have engaged Gobir in war.
Although, causes, course and aftermath of the war was not mentioned, this
incidence significantly) indicated centuries old existence of tension between
them. Religiously, there were also significant relations between them. The
Gobirawa are said to attend annual Budin Daji ceremonies at Dutsi, first
religious and political centre of Zamfara[14].
Even in the contemporary times these practices still persist with Gobirawa in
attendance. Furthermore, in the Zamfara pre-Islamic spirit worship there
is the existence of a pantheon known as Bagobiri.[15]
Accordingly,
relations in Hausaland are intertwined, but are more easily discerned and
distinguished in peculiar states relations. The Zamfara and Gobir relations are
symbolic in this respect. Their histories are well accounted for in their oral
traditions and some written records. This perhaps is related to intense contact
between the two states. But this particular situation is not always available
in historical developments of some states in Hausaland. For instance, Kabi was
a state in Hausaland where some important historical developments in that,
state were not accounted for[16].
This is the reason why accounts of relations between Gobir and Kabi are
limited. Another reason could be that the territory of Kabi, before the rise of
Kanta in the 16th century was under Songhai. But even in this there
existed contact between the Kabawa under Songhai and Gobirawa. This is
discernible in trading relations along the trade routes. The many arteries of
trading routes that crossed Hausaland. Especially in the Trans-Saharan Trade
and Kola trade significantly created contact between caravan and host
communities[17]. Many Gobirawa
were said to have made contact with the people of Kabi through Kola trade. This
came about as they ferry goods from Gobir and Zamfara to areas in Ghana.
Conflict
and war were discernible in Kabi and Gobir relations before 18th
century. The rise of Kanta in the 16th century placed Kabi in a
position of power detested by most states in Hausaland. This placed the
successors of Kanta on a hot seat constantly watched by hostile neighbours.
Therefore, tension between Kabi and Gobir existed because of the preeminent
military power of Kabi. Kabi borders in the north eastern frontiers were shared
between it and Gobir and Zamfara on the southern axis. As later events revealed
existence of these border lines did not augur well for Kabi.[18] Consequently, by
the early decades of the 18thcentury unfolding events saw Hausa
states and beyond, in an all out war against that state.
(b) War and Peace in the 18th Century
By
the beginning of the 18th century Hausaland, wars, between states were to a large extent minimal. Most
of the states were either engaged in consolidation of their positions or
ensuring stability in their domains. For instance, relations among the many
kingdoms were at best described, cordial. Perhaps this emanates from their
perception of the Kabi threat on their political positions within their states
and among their external relations. For by this period Kabi remained militarily
and politically stronger than most kingdoms in Hausaland. Rising powers among
the states such as Zamfara sees its position militated against by the Kabi
hegemony. Gobir at Birnin Lale was denied expansion into the more agriculturally
viable areas around its south western axis; bordering Kabi. Even the more
distant states of the Tawarig like Azbin felt the threat of Kabi on the
continued independence of their state. This was because under Kanta Kabi
engaged Azbin in a war outcome of which led to the death of Kanta. The Azbin
state seemed not to have forgotten this war by the 18th century. For
this apparent reason and others like the ensuring of peace in the region
appeared preeminent to this state. By 1722, the fear of Kabi by its neighbours
can no longer be tolerated and for this Zamfara, Gobir and Azbin engaged in a
joint attack against Kabi.
The Coalition of Gobir, Zamfara and Azbin against Kabi in 1722
As
early as the 1720s, nature of relations in Hausaland and beyond took a new
dimension. This was when the looming threat of Kabi became ever more imminent
to some major Hausa states like Zamfara and Gobir. Both states shared
borders with Kabi. Tendency of an-imminent war between them with their powerful
neighbour was only a matter of time. By 1722, the last straw that broke the
camel's back ensued. The war with Kabi marked the beginning of wars between
Gobir and her neighbours in the 18th century.
Each of the wars
fought by Gobir appeared to have, different causes on the first look, while
others have salient features whose underlining tones were similar. For instance
the war with Kabi to some extent appeared to have been fought against the Kabi
hegemony. The combined force of Gobir under Sarkin Gobir Muhammadu Mai Gicci,
Sarkin Azbin Agabba and Sarkin Zamfara Yakubu conquered the major towns of Kabi
which included, Surame, Gungu and Leka. Sarkin Kabi Ahmadu was killed between
the lakes of Kyamuri[19].
The Kabi territory was then divided between Gobir and Zamfara. The Gobir
portion was the area lying to the north- east of Surame while Zamfara took the
more northerly portion of the land. Azbin's share of spoils was the destruction
of Kabi's cavalry and its position in Hausaland. The equilibrium of states was
to change in Hausaland. After this war Zamfara rose to occupy the most powerful
state in Hausaland.
Gradually,
development in the region remained to a large extent peaceful after the war
with Kabi. This peaceful times improved prosperity and encouraged migrations in
some of these states. Zamfara soon attracted immigrants from Gobir and Borno.
The Tanzawa from Borno soon settled at Birnin Zamfara. The Gobirawa also
began their peaceful penetration of Zamfara. They settled at Alkalawa after
some opposition against this by Sarkin Zamfara Yakubu dan Babba. The Sarkin
Zamfara feared harbouring of the Gobirawa was an evil omen that will bring an
end to his rule. His council entertained a different opinion. As matters soon
unfolded the Gobirawa at Alkalawa soon became a menace not only to Zamfara but
to the region as a whole. The tendency of the Gobir settlement at Alkalawa
began to rear its head under Sarkin Zamfara Malo, (1741 - 1748) These
developments at Alkalawa soon ignited conflict and wars between Gobir and her
neighbours in the 18th century.
More
than two decades into Gobir settlement at Alkalawa, skirmishes between the Gobirawa
and the Zamfarawa residents of Alkalawa started. The causes of these
skirmishes were multifaceted. For instance, one of the causes of the skirmishes
was a long Hausa tradition known as Shara. This is a token of fees paid
by male offspring to female offspring of a brother and sister of one family. As
a result of the intermarriages that took place between the Gobirawa and Zamfarcnva,
this cousinship relationship known as "Taubasantaka" in which Shara
is paid came up. This relationship involved not only payment of Shara but
also include jesting of each other between cousins[20]. This cultural practice
is embodied in Hausa culture and it extended to non Hausa ethnic groups. The Gobirawa
practiced this taubasantaka with the Yoruba. This emanated from the Sarkin
Gobir Soba's campaign in the Yoruba country by the sixteenth century[21]. Some Gobir forces
were left behind in Yorubaland. It was these Gobirawa that intermarried
with the Yoruba. Descendants of this marriage bond established the taubasantaka[22],
cousinship relationship. This practice is obtainable even today.
Through
these jests between cousins, things went out of hand between Zamfarmva and
Gobirmva at Alkalawa. Gradually, the trouble escalated and the adults
got drawn into it. Soon it turned into physical combat and then use of arms.
The Gobirawa were able to overpower the Zamfarawa of Alkalawa.
From Alkalawa the conflict escalated to villages and hamlets of Zamfarawa located
around the centre of conflict, Alkalawa. The Gobirawa destroyed some of
these Zamfara villages. A lot of damage was done to these settlements before
news got to the Sarkin Zamfara. Sarkin Zamfara, Malo, 1741 –
1748, sent one of his lieutenants to put a stop to the pillaging by the Gobirawa[23].
The conflict was brought under control, or so it seemed. However, the real
cause of the fight was not Shara incidence. It was much more than it and
older also.
The
real cause of the crisis was an old wound that the Gobirawa have been nursing.
This was the refusal of Sarkin Zamfara Yakubu dan Babba to agree to their
settling at Alkalawa in 1720. This coupled with his son's refusal. Sarkin
Zamfara Malo, to allow them build a Ganuwa, or city wall around Alkalawa
during his reign, (1741 – 1748) this had aggravated the Gobirawa. It was
possible that the Gobirawa perceived that there was no love lost between
them and Malos' family since the time of Yakubu dan Babba. For this reason they
became infuriated not so for the Shara incidence but their perceived
hate from 1720s action. The Shara incidence was thus a smoke screen to
cover the real cause of the crisis. As would be observed later, this reason
will resurface in 1764. However, if the cause of conflict between Zamfara and
Gobir emanated out of cultural practice, or a long nursed wound, that of Kabi
that soon ensued was perhaps for booty.
The Kabi and Gobir Conflict in the 18th Century
Accounts
in the Tarihin Zamfara attest that after Alkalawa Shara incidence,
the Gobirawa launched an all war effort against Kabi. They were said to unleash
terror on some Kabi settlements. Killing, pillaging and maiming in a spree of
wanton destruction. They destroyed a lot of Kabi settlements and carted away a
lot of booty. On their return to Alkalawa, they began piling up arms in secret.
These attacks were said to have taken them so close to Argungu. Another attack
on Kabi was again launched with the same intensity as the previous. They
obtained a lot of booty. This included many horses, arms and lots of wealth.
From the surface it appeared to the Zamfara rulers that Alkalawa Gobirawa, are
only in a quest for booty. Or that from experience on the war front, fighting
as mercenary soldiers for Zamfara, the Gobirawa were aware of the riches in
Kabi. However, this was' not the case. Secretly they were gathering more
weapons and improving their fighting capability. This factor soon revealed
itself as their fighting capability was strong enough to undertake long
distance assaults. They launched an attack against Adar and were victorious.
They came back with a great number of horses, a stockade of weapons and lots of
other booties.
The
pockets of victories over Kabi and Adar elevated the status of the Gobirawa and
on their return they sent to the Sarkin Zamfara a request to increase
the size of Alkalawa and sent some of the Adar booty to him. Their request was
granted but they were again denied the building of a city wall and the
expansion of their settlement. They agreed to use stockades[24] of
sticks to fence Alkalawa. Following this they prepared for another military
expedition against Kabi. They entered into Kabi territory ferociously. The
onslaught was so overwhelming that their forces were able to reach Sarkin Kabi.
This battle is said to have been very devastating to the Kabawa. The Gobirawa
again were able to get many horses and enormous booty. Despite these
military expeditions the Gobirawa had no king at Alkalawa but
nonetheless they had a leader who adjucated on all matters concerning them. All
correspondences from Sarkin Zamfara were sent to him. It seemed that the
Gobirawa attacks were done in order to acquire an arsenal to equip their
fighting force. And this they did. The Alkalawa cavalry and stockade of weapons
was so strong that they took on attacks proactively against Kabi and Ahir. Not
a state on its own or a Gobir capital, but a mercenary centre with insurgency
capability. However, doings of Alkalawa were with the consent of Gwarararame
the Gobir capital, only some 60 kilometres away.[25]
Therefore,
building up of the Alkalawa force was a salient interest of Gobir nursed since
the reign of Sarkin Gobir Muhammadu Mai Gicci. For instance, it was observed
that as early as the 16th century, rise of the long distance trade
became very significant in Hausaland. The rulers were said to have benefitted
considerably from the trade. The trade -on the Azbin route has also become very
important in Hausaland. Its linkage with the Trans-Saharan trade made it ever
more significant. Consequently, Gobir must have nursed the growing ambition to
have to itself, an advantage of more revenues to finance its growing war
demands and to service its growing population. During the reign of Sarkin Gobir
Muhammadu Mai Gicci, Gobir began making moves to secure rich potentials of
Azbin trading route. Gobir was able to access the importance of the Azbin
trading route that initially led to Surame and then into hinterlands of Kabi.
For this reason, Kabi capital at Surame was conquered. One of the important
commodities of trade on this route was horses from Azbin. These were strong
Arabian stallions knoun for their agility, strength and speed. They were an
important if not indispensable asset to the cavalry. This interest became
preeminent to Gobir. For this interest Gobir needed a launching pad. a
strategic position close to its interest.
Alkalawa
not only served this interest but another quest for Gobir. This was its search
for fertile agricultural land. This was provided for in the Rima Basin with its
enormous Fadama lands. When all these were happening, Sarkin Zamfara Malo
died. Before the death of Malo, Birnin Zamfara had developed in size and
prosperity in the city was overwhelming. This was owing to one of the
trans-Saharan trade route that passed through it. The composition of the city
became cosmopolitan as many people from diverse ethnic groups were found within
the Birni, as traders, merchants, itinerant Mallams and scholars.[26]
From
the general state of events in 18th century Hausaland and beyond it
would be observed that Gobir was the most warring state in the region. It led
decades of wars with Kabi but did not expand into its territories. It led a
forty year old war with Zamfara, (1764 – 1804) not conquering one fifth of that
state. Its war with Katsina, other than the death of its two rulers, Bawa and
Yakuba was nothing to write home about. Its wars with Azbin also earned it the
death of its king, Sarkin Gobir Dan Gude. Other wars were less consequential
like that of Gurma and Kano. All these catalogues of failures, one would
wonder, what really was Gobir's interest.
(c)
Significance of the Azbin/Route Trade
As
early as the sixteenth century events in the central Sudan had shown the
importance of commerce to states. The importance of the Trans Saharan trade had
opened up new frontiers in state relations. In Borno diplomatic relations had
opened up with the Arab world[27].
Trade had come to be pre-eminent in this relation. Not more than a century
back, the Wangarawa Arab merchant-scholars had fanned embers of spiritual
belief in the region[28].
Therefore, the Gobiravva who had stayed at Azbin in the fifteenth century had
most likely benefitted from this commerce. Their shift of base to Birnin Lalle
and Gobir Tudu placed them further away from the Azbin trade route and ever
more closely to the Katsina market. The caravans of merchants passing to the
markets of Birnin Zamfara and eventually to markets in Western Sudan like, Mali
for gold, also passed closely Gobir. This clearly would have given Gobir a clear
picture of the economic importance of the trade routes of this commerce and a
reason to develop interest on it.
Furthermore,
development after Gobir's 1764 sack of Birnin Zamfara clearly defined its real
focus in the Rima Basin. One reason in discerning this was Gobir's refusal to
put an all out force and put to the drawers Zamfara and the Dakkawa as part of
history. Interestingly, Gobir failed to conquer Birnin Zamfara suburbs
like, Dan Zanke, Mowodachi, Biyuri and Lugu. This would not be so much for
Gobir's lack of military might but for its salient interest in the Rima Basin.
It's source of military power, Gobir earned its place over the century in
Hausaland for its fighting machine. Its epithet; “Gobir uwar fada”, meaning
Gobir the mother of wars, said it all. Consequently, Gobir was revealed to have
persistently pursued hostilities in its external relations with its neighbors.
Apparently, it was guarding its interest in the western expansion of its
territory tapping into the rich Rima valley area. Through consolidating its
hold on the areas adjacent to territories it conquered in 1722, like Surame,
Gobir placed itself along the Azbin trade route. Thus, safeguarding its hold on
the strategic horse supply route of Azbin; for its cavalry, this had all along
been pre eminent to Gobir. This was what seemed to concern Gobir in the 18th
century and beyond; its face in the comity of Hausa states which came about
through its military strength. This aspect super imposed itself on Gobir
rulers. This was why the Tawarig state proactively attacked Gobir after
the sack of Birnin Zamfara, to cut them off the Azbin route. As matters turned
out the war led to the death of Sarkin Gobir Dan Gude at Bobo in Mafara, a
Zamfara territory. Therefore, the reason for Gobir's apparent non zeal in
putting an end to its war with Sarakunan Zamfara was because it had a mission.
To get hold of Birnin Zamfara link with the Azbin route for its economic gains.
Although the wars undertaken by Gobir, especially those against Zamfara and
Kabi could lend credence to our argument, certainly that of Katsina in concert
with the Sarakunan Zamfara wouldn't. This war could only be interpreted on two
perspectives i.e. Katsina safeguarding its territorial integrity and protecting
the continued existence of a friendly neighbor, Zamfara.
Conclusion
Developments
in Hausaland of the 18th century can be fully appreciated when
viewed from perspective of an economic and strategic importance. This is true
against the back drop of Gobir's failure to conquer Zamfara. Although
reason for Gobir's failure, could also have been in the Zamfara military
tactics and strategy. The Gobirawa were well aware of Zamfara's military edge
over Gobir army. They had fought as mercenaries for Zamfara, attacking Kabi
relentlessly for the Azbin route[29].
Now that they had gained control of the route and fully aware that they could
be fighting a lost war against the Dakkawa29 the Sarakunan Gobir
confined themselves with preventing a full recoup of Zamfara forces. To
this end Gobir fought pitch battles and ensured furthering away of Sarakunan
Zamfara from Alkalawa and the Azbin route. Consequently, some Zamfara towns
were let live by Gobir militarily to a certain extent but resorting to using
intrigues to persuade them to accept Gobir’s over lordship. This was what
defined 18th century Gobir; its interest in the Azbin route.
References
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Muhammad, age 57 Emir's Palace, Anka 22/12/2015.
Group Interview, Bargaja, Zurmi LGA, on
various dates in 2015
Harris, P.G, - Sokoto Provincial
Gazzetteer, 1938
Hausa Studies and the Historian in A. H,
John Lavaers Collection Nos. 1/16/175
Trans Saharan Trade Circa 1500 - 1800; A
Survey of Sources, in A. H Collection, Nos. AH/PJS/1/8/79
Lavers, J.,- Tarihin Daular Gobir, in
Collection. Arewa House Collections Nos. DT.53.3 S.Shehu, History of Zamfara
Kingdom From Early Times Unpublished Papers.
Alkali, M.B - "A Hausa Community in
Crisis Kebbi in the 19th Century'VM.A (History) Dissertation, A.B.U,
Zaria, 1977
Augie, A.R, - 'The Gobir Factor in the
Social and Political History of the Rima Basin C. 1650 - 1808", Ph.D
(History) ABU, Zaria, 1984
Alkali, M.B, - "A Hausa Community
in Crisis Kebbi in the 19lh Century", M.A (History)
Dissertation, ABU, Zaria, 1977
Gusau, S.S, - "A History of
Zamfara, 1764 To 2013", Ph.D (History), UDU, Sokoto. 2017.
Gusau, S.S. "The Yandoto Factor In
The History of Hausaland To 1806". M.A (History), Dissertation, 2009
Nadama, Garba, - "The Rise and
Collapse of a Hausa State; a Social and Political History of Zamfara",
Ph.D(History), ABU, Zaria, 1977.
Fuglested, F. A Reconsideration of Hausa
History Before the Jihad in The Journal of African History. 19, No. 3,
1978
Bello, Muhammadu, Infaqul Maisuri, nd.
Clarke, P. -Islam in West Africa, Oxford
University Press, London Hopkins, A.G. -An Economic History of West Africa, Longman,
London
Lovejoy, Paul, W- Caravans of Kola:
The Hausa Kola Trade 1700 -1800, University Press, A.B.U Zaria, 1980,
S.J, Hogben and H.S.N, Kirk-Green - The
Emirates of Northern Nigeria, Longman Krieger, K, - Geschicte Von
Zamfara, Dietrch, Berlin, 1958.
[1] Tarihin Doular
Gobir, in John Lavaers Collection, A. H Nos. DT.53.3, P. 6.
[2] Ibid, p.7.
[3] See, Gusau, S.S, A
History of Zamfara 1764-2013, Ph. D (History) Thesis, Usmanu Dan Fodio
University, Sokoto, 2017.
[4] Hausa Studies And The
Historian in A. H, John Lavaers Collection Nos. 1/16/175, p.1.
[5] Bello, M. Infaqul-Maisuri,
PP. 39-43.
[6] Ibid, p.7.
[7] Augie, A.R. The Gobir
Factor…, p. 447.
[8] See Bello, M. Infaqul
Maisuri, pp. 39 – 43.
[9] Interview with Malam
Haruna Dan Katsina, 79 years old, at Bargaja, 13/11/2015.
[10] See, Gusau, S.S.
"The Yandoto Factor In The History Of Hausaland To 1806", M.A(History),
Dissertation, 2009.
[11] M. Adamu, The Hausa Factor in West African History, ABU
Press, 1975. Reference could be made to
it for more details.
[12] Ibid, Gusau, S.S,
"A History of Zamfara 1764 – 2013.
[13] Interview with Sarkin
Zamfara Alhaji Attahiru Muhammad Ahmad, 57 years, on various dates in 2015.
[14] Interview with Sale,
Wakilin Darma, approx, age 67 at Dutsi on various dates in 2013, 2014 and 2015.
[15] Garba, N. "The
Rise and Collapse of A Hausa State............", various pages.
[16] See, Lovejoy, P. Caravans
of Kola: The Hausa Kola Trade 1700 -1800, University Press, A.B.U Zaria,
1980, several pages.
[17] See, Krieger, K. Geschicte
Von Zamfara,.....
[18] Ibid.
[19] See, Harris, P.G. -
Sokoto Provincial Gazzetteer, 1938.
[20] Ibid, K.Krieger,
Geschicle Von Zamfara and, P.O. Harris. Sokolo Provincial......
on this and many more of this kind of relation among Hausa and other ethnic
groups in Nigeria
[21] Interview with Zauren
Tarih\. Abou Magaji. at Maradi in Niger Republic on 30/1/2014.
[22] Ibid, on
30/1/2014.
[23] Tarihin Zamfara…,
[24] See, S.Shehu,
"History of Zamfara Kingdom..............." unpublished papers
[25] Fuglested, F. A
Reconsideration of Hausa History Before the Jihad in The Journal of African
History, Vol. 19, No. 3, 1978 P. 320.
[26] Hogben, The Emirates
of Northern Nigeria......P. 375.
[27] See, Hopkins, A. G. -An
Economic History of West Africa, Longman, London.
[28] See, Clarke, P. - Islam
in West Africa, Longman.
[29] 28.
See, Alkali, M.B - "A Hausa Community in Crisis Kcbbi in the 19"'
Century". M.A (History) Dissertation, A.B.U, Zaria. 1977.
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