In this post we shall discuss the origin, expansion and decline of the Kalonga kingdom
During the late 16th century, the power of the Kalonga family began to increase and they began to create a unified chiefdom.
The most powerful of their rulers was Kalonga Masura, who ruled from 1600 – 1650 and made an alliance with the Portuguese.
In 1608, he sent 4000 Malawi soldiers to help the Portuguese defeat Mwenemutapa Gatsi Rusere.
In return, the Portuguese helped Masura to conquer his rival Lundu.
Kalonga Masura then tried to take control of the gold and ivory trade in Mwenemutapa’s Kingdom but in vain.
The Kingdom expanded through conquests. Masura built a powerful army of about 10 000 Malawi soldiers which he used to conquer the Chipeta, Mbo, Zimba and Chewa.
The conquered tribes were made to pay tribute to Kalonga, which he used in the long distance trade.
Masura sold ivory and slaves and obtained guns, gunpowder, beads, cloth and other luxurious goods. Control of trade to the north of the Kingdom helped him to expand his Kingdom.
He used his wealth to reward his warriors and sub-chiefs while guns strengthened the military position of the Kingdom.
Kalonga used his wealth to win the loyalty of his sub – chiefs and subjects. He distributed his wealth among his sub-chiefs who in turn redistributed them to their people.
The religious factor was also important in the development of Kalonga kingdom. The Kalonga family was considered to be semi-divine and was believed to possess rain making powers.
A number of factors have been attributed to the collapse of the Kalonga Kingdom. These
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