Medieval History Overview

Early Medieval Period (Post-Gupta era, 6th–12th Century CE)

• Regional Kingdoms emerge after Gupta decline.
• Tripartite Struggle (Pratiharas, Palas, Rashtrakutas).
• South India: Chola, Pallava, Chalukya, Hoysala dynasties.
• North India: Rajput states, Paramaras, Chandellas.
• Growth of Temple Architecture, Bhakti movement starts.

Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526 CE)

• Five Dynasties: Mamluk, Khalji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, Lodi.
• Administration: Iqta system (land grants for governance).
• Alauddin Khalji’s Economic Reforms (Market control, Revenue reforms).
• Tughlaqs’ ambitious but flawed experiments (Daulatabad shift, Token currency).
• Lodi Dynasty defeated by Babur (1526) in First Battle of Panipat.

Mughal Empire (1526–1707 CE)

• Babur (Founder) – Introduced gunpowder warfare.
• Akbar the Great (1556–1605) – Mansabdari system, Religious tolerance (Sulh-i-Kul).
• Jahangir & Shah Jahan – Cultural Zenith (Taj Mahal, Red Fort).
• Aurangzeb (1658–1707) – Long Deccan campaigns, strict Islamic policies.
• Decline after Aurangzeb – Rise of regional powers (Marathas, Rajputs, Sikhs, Nizams).

Regional Kingdoms (Post-Mughal, 17th–18th Century)

• Vijayanagara Empire (1336–1565) – Talikota Battle (1565) leads to collapse.
• Bahmani Sultanate & Deccan Sultanates (Bidar, Bijapur, Golconda).
• Marathas under Shivaji (Guerrilla warfare, Swaraj).
• Rajput & Sikh States emerge.
• European powers (British, French) gain foothold.

Cultural Developments