Taqali (also spelled Tegali) was a state of Nuba peoples which existed in the Nuba Mountains, in modern-day central Sudan. It is believed to have been founded in the eighteenth century, though oral traditions suggest its formation two centuries earlier. Due in part to its geographic position on a plateau surrounded by desert, Taqali was able to maintain its independence for some 130 years despite the presence of hostile neighbors. It was conquered by Sudanese Mahdists in 1884 and restored as a British client state in 1889. Its administrative power ended with the 1969 Sudanese coup, though the Makk of Taqali, its traditional leader, retains ceremonial power in the region. History Early history The Taqali state was centered upon the Taqali Massif, the highest part of the Nuba Hills in the Kordofan region (of what is now central Sudan). Its early history is unclear. Oral traditions state that it was founded in the early sixteenth century when the Kingdom of Sennar was established. However, some scholars believe the state did not exist until the late eighteenth century (between 1750 and 1780) and that the early rulers (noted on the list of monarchs) are semi-mythological. Independent state Historian Janet J. Ewald argued that the first true ruler of Taqali was Muhammad Wad Jayli. Ewald proposed that Wad Jayli, along with his son, Ismail of Qaqali, founded the state. Ewald contends the state of Taqali was formed during a period of disorder in the Kordofan when the Kingdom of Sennar was in decline and Darfur was growing in power. Muhammad Wad Jayli began uniting the region and was succeeded as Makk by his brother Umar. Umar was overthrown by Ajaid, the queen mother, and Muhammad's son, Ismail. The state was further expanded by Ismail who took control of the "99 hills" of the region. His son Abakr peacefully succeeded him in 1800. Despite its relatively small size and powerful neighbors, the Taqali state remained independent. The state was centered on the Taqali Massif and spread to encompass all of the Nuba Mountains. These highlands were well-suited to agriculture while the surrounding Kordofan plain was dry and inhospitable, which made it difficult to support an invading army. The rocky terrain also served as a natural fortification. The neighboring Kingdom of Sennar posed the greatest threat and was appeased by annual payments from Taqali. Sennar adhered to this arrangement until the Egyptian invasion of