Joseph II of Austria vs Quli Qutb Shah

Joseph II attempted to exchange the Austrian Netherlands for Bavaria, provoking the War of the Bavarian Succession against Prussia. The conflict was largely bloodless (the 'Potato War') and ended with the Treaty of Teschen, which denied Joseph his territorial ambitions.

Joseph II issued the Serfdom Patent, abolishing personal serfdom in the Habsburg lands. Peasants were granted freedom of movement, marriage, and the right to leave the land. This was a landmark reform of the Enlightenment era, though implementation was resisted by nobles.

Joseph II issued the Edict of Toleration, granting religious freedom to Lutherans, Calvinists, and Greek Orthodox Christians in the Habsburg monarchy. Jews also received limited rights. This ended the monopoly of the Catholic Church and promoted religious pluralism.

Joseph II dissolved hundreds of monasteries not engaged in education or hospital work, using their wealth to fund state-controlled parishes and schools. He also brought the Catholic Church under state control, a policy known as Josephinism, which alienated the papacy.

Joseph II joined Russia in a war against the Ottoman Empire. The campaign was poorly managed, with Austrian forces suffering from disease and logistical failures. Joseph II died in 1790 before the war ended, with the Treaty of Sistova yielding minimal gains.

Quli Qutb Shah declared independence from the Bahmani Sultanate and established the Qutb Shahi dynasty with its capital at Golconda. This marked the beginning of a new sultanate in the Deccan.

Quli Qutb Shah expanded and fortified the Golconda Fort, transforming it into a major military stronghold. The fort's design included advanced water management systems and massive gates.

Quli Qutb Shah fought a war against the Vijayanagara Empire, capturing the fort of Kondapalli. The victory expanded Qutb Shahi territory and established Golconda as a regional power.

Quli Qutb Shah encouraged diamond mining in the Golconda region, which became a major source of wealth for the sultanate. The Golconda diamonds were traded across Asia and Europe.