Medieval History

Medieval History covers the period from approximately 700 CE to 1750 CE in India. For SSC CGL General Awareness, this is one of the most heavily tested areas - every year 2 to 4 questions come directly from Medieval History. The period includes the Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Empire, Vijayanagara Empire, Bhakti and Sufi movements, and several important battles that shaped modern India.

Students who master the key rulers, dates, reforms, monuments and battles of this period gain a decisive edge in competitive exams. The focus areas for SSC are: Alauddin Khilji's reforms, Akbar's administration, Sher Shah Suri's contributions, Mughal monuments and the major battles of Panipat.

1. Delhi Sultanate (1206 CE - 1526 CE)

1.1 Introduction

The Delhi Sultanate was established after Muhammad of Ghor's victory at the Second Battle of Panipat in 1192 CE. When Muhammad of Ghor was assassinated in 1206 CE, his trusted general Qutubuddin Aibak established independent rule at Delhi - marking the formal beginning of the Delhi Sultanate. It lasted for 320 years until Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi at the First Battle of Panipat in 1526 CE.

1.2 Major Dynasties of Delhi Sultanate

2. Slave Dynasty / Mamluk Dynasty (1206-1290 CE)

2.1 Qutubuddin Aibak (1206-1210 CE)

• Founder of the Delhi Sultanate and the Slave Dynasty
• Originally a slave of Muhammad of Ghor - hence the name Slave Dynasty
• Mamluk means "owned" in Arabic - referring to slaves
• Capital: Lahore
• Started the construction of Qutub Minar in Delhi - dedicated to Sufi saint Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki
• Built Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque - the first mosque built in India after Islamic conquest
• Also built Adhai Din ka Jhonpra (mosque) at Ajmer
• Known for his generosity - called Lakh Baksh (giver of lakhs) and Pilu Baksh (giver of pearls)
• Died in 1210 CE while playing polo (Chaugan) in Lahore
• His son-in-law Iltutmish succeeded him

2.2 Iltutmish (1211-1236 CE)

• Son-in-law of Qutubuddin Aibak - considered the real consolidator of the Delhi Sultanate
• Shifted capital from Lahore to Delhi
• Completed the construction of Qutub Minar
• Introduced the silver tanka and copper jital - first proper coins of the Delhi Sultanate
• Organised the Iqta system - assignment of land revenue to nobles and officers
• Received recognition from the Caliph of Baghdad - gave legitimacy to his rule
• Organised the Chahalgani or Turkan-i-Chahalgani - a group of 40 powerful Turkish nobles
• His daughter Razia Sultan succeeded him

2.3 Razia Sultan (1236-1240 CE)

• First and only woman ruler of the Delhi Sultanate
• Appointed by her father Iltutmish against the wishes of the nobles
• Rode elephants without purdah - discarded veil
• Appointed Jamaluddin Yaqut (an Abyssinian) as master of horses - caused resentment among Turkish nobles
• Deposed by Turkish nobles and killed in 1240 CE
• Described by Ibn Battuta as a capable ruler

2.4 Balban (1266-1287 CE)

• Real name: Ghiyasuddin Balban
• Most powerful ruler of the Slave Dynasty
• Destroyed the Chahalgani (group of 40 nobles) to consolidate his own power
• Introduced the Persian court ceremony - Sijda (prostration) and Paibos (kissing of feet)
• Theory of kingship: Zil-i-Ilahi (Shadow of God) - king is God's representative on Earth
• Maintained a powerful spy network - Barids (intelligence officers)
• Reorganised the army - placed trusted officers at important positions
• Crushed revolts with an iron hand - known for being ruthless
• Established the Diwan-i-Arz (military department)
• Died in 1287 CE - after his death the Slave Dynasty declined rapidly

3. Khilji Dynasty (1290-1320 CE)

3.1 Jalaluddin Khilji (1290-1296 CE)

• Founded the Khilji Dynasty - the first Afghan/non-Turk dynasty of Delhi
• Old, mild and tolerant ruler
• Killed by his nephew Alauddin Khilji in 1296 CE

3.2 Alauddin Khilji (1296-1316 CE)

Alauddin Khilji was the most powerful and reformist ruler of the Delhi Sultanate.

Conquests:

• Conquered Gujarat (1299 CE), Ranthambore (1301 CE), Chittor (1303 CE), Malwa (1305 CE)
• First Delhi Sultan to conquer Deccan and South India through his general Malik Kafur
• South Indian campaigns (1306-1312 CE): Devagiri, Warangal, Hoysala, Pandya kingdoms
• Repelled Mongol invasions multiple times (1296, 1299, 1303, 1305 CE)

Market Reforms (4 Markets):

• Established Diwan-i-Riyasat (ministry of market control)
• Appointed Shahna (market controller) and Munhiyan (secret agents)
• Fixed prices for all commodities - called Market Control Policy
• Purpose: To maintain a large army at low cost

Revenue Reforms:

• Increased land tax to 50% of produce
• Abolished grants and free holdings
• Measured land for assessment - Ghaz-i-Sikandari (measuring rod)
• Banned alcohol, gambling and social gatherings of nobles

Military Reforms:

• Introduced Dagh (branding of horses) and Chehra (descriptive rolls of soldiers)
• Paid soldiers in cash from treasury
• Created the largest standing army of the Delhi Sultanate

Important People in His Court:

• Amir Khusrau - greatest poet of the Sultanate period
• Malik Kafur - his military general who conquered South India

3.3 Decline of Khilji Dynasty

• After Alauddin Khilji's death in 1316 CE, Malik Kafur briefly held power
• The dynasty ended when Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq overthrew the last Khilji ruler

4. Tughlaq Dynasty (1320-1414 CE)

4.1 Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq (1320-1325 CE)

• Founded the Tughlaq Dynasty
• Built Tughlaqabad Fort near Delhi
• Died in a building collapse - suspected murder by his son Muhammad Bin Tughlaq

4.2 Muhammad Bin Tughlaq (1325-1351 CE)

Muhammad Bin Tughlaq was the most controversial ruler of the Delhi Sultanate - known for his brilliant but impractical schemes.

Five Controversial Experiments:

1. Transfer of Capital to Daulatabad (1327 CE)
   • Shifted capital from Delhi to Devagiri (renamed Daulatabad) in the Deccan
   • Forced entire population of Delhi to migrate
   • Later abandoned the idea and shifted back - causing massive suffering
   • Reason: To better control the Deccan
2. Token Currency (1329-1330 CE)
   • Introduced bronze/copper coins with the value of gold and silver coins
   • People hoarded real gold/silver coins and forged the token coins
   • Complete failure - had to be withdrawn
   • Called him a "mad king" by later historians
3. Taxation in Doab (1326-1327 CE)
   • Increased taxes in Doab (between Ganga and Yamuna)
   • Led to widespread revolt - poor implementation caused famine
4. Proposed Khorasan and Qarachil Expeditions
   • Planned expeditions to conquer Khorasan (Central Asia) and China
   • Had to be abandoned
5. Agriculture reforms
   • Tried to promote agriculture in drought-affected areas
   • Established Diwan-i-Kohi (agriculture department)
   • Largely unsuccessful

Moroccan traveller Ibn Battuta visited India during his reign and wrote Rihla - important source for this period.

4.3 Firoz Shah Tughlaq (1351-1388 CE)

• Cousin of Muhammad Bin Tughlaq
• Welfare-oriented ruler - called the Welfare State ruler
• Abolished all taxes not sanctioned by Islamic law
• Levied only 4 taxes: Kharaj (land tax), Khams (1/5 of war booty), Jizya (tax on non-Muslims), Zakat (alms tax)
• Made Jizya a separate tax for the first time (previously combined with land tax)
• Built many canals: Rajwaha canal from Yamuna to Hissar - earliest canal irrigation in India
• Founded new cities: Firozabad, Fatehabad, Jaunpur, Hissar
• Established Diwan-i-Khairat (charity department) and Diwan-i-Bundagan (department of slaves)
• Had 1,80,000 slaves
• Repaired Ashoka Pillars and shifted them to Delhi
• Established Dar-ul-Shafa (free hospital)

4.4 Timur's Invasion (1398 CE)

• Timur (Tamerlane) invaded India from Central Asia in 1398 CE
• Defeated the last Tughlaq ruler Nasiru'd-Din Mahmud Shah
• Plundered Delhi completely - massacred thousands of people
• Left India after appointing Khizr Khan as governor of Multan and Punjab
• This ended the Tughlaq Dynasty's effective power

5. Sayyid Dynasty (1414-1451 CE)

• Founded by Khizr Khan - appointed by Timur
• Claimed descent from Prophet Muhammad - hence called Sayyids
• Weak rulers who were essentially subordinates of Timur's successors
• Important rulers: Khizr Khan, Mubarak Shah, Muhammad Shah, Alauddin Alam Shah
• Alauddin Alam Shah voluntarily gave up the throne to Bahlol Lodi in 1451 CE
• Yahya bin Ahmad Sirhindi - court historian, wrote Tarikh-i-Mubarak Shahi
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6. Lodi Dynasty (1451-1526 CE)

6.1 Bahlol Lodi (1451-1489 CE)

• First Afghan ruler of Delhi - founded the Lodi Dynasty
• Treated Afghan nobles as equals - different from earlier sultans
• Annexed Jaunpur to Delhi Sultanate
• Introduced Bahloli coins

6.2 Sikandar Lodi (1489-1517 CE)

• Most capable Lodi ruler
• Founded Agra in 1504 CE - shifted capital from Delhi to Agra
• Promoted agriculture and trade
• Tolerant in administration but intolerant in religion - destroyed many Hindu temples
• Introduced Gaz-i-Sikandari (Sikandar's yard) - standard unit for measuring land
• Patronised Persian and Hindustani literature
• Compiled Lajat-i-Sikandari (music) under the pen name Gulrukhi

6.3 Ibrahim Lodi (1517-1526 CE)

• Last ruler of the Delhi Sultanate
• Arrogant and confrontational with nobles
• Afghan nobles invited Babur (ruler of Kabul) to invade India
• Defeated and killed by Babur at the First Battle of Panipat (21 April 1526 CE)
• First Indian ruler to be killed in battle by gunpowder weapons (artillery)

7. Administration of the Sultanate Period

7.1 Central Administration

• Sultan: Supreme authority - head of state, religion and military
• Wazir: Prime minister - head of revenue and finance department - Diwan-i-Wizarat
• Ariz-i-Mumalik: Military commander - Diwan-i-Arz
• Qazi-ul-Quzat: Chief judge
• Diwan-i-Insha: Department of correspondence - state letters
• Diwan-i-Risalat: Foreign affairs and religious endowments
• Sadr-us-Sudur: Head of religious affairs and charitable grants
• Barid-i-Mumalik: Head of intelligence and postal system

7.2 Revenue System

• Kharaj: Land tax - usually 1/5 to 1/2 of produce
• Jizya: Tax on non-Muslims (Zimmis)
• Zakat: 2.5% tax on income of Muslims for charity
• Khams: 1/5 of war booty to the state
• Iqta: Assignment of land revenue to officers (Iqtadars) in place of salary

7.3 Military System

• Diwan-i-Arz: Military department
• Army consisted of: Infantry, cavalry and war elephants
• Dagh: Branding of horses - introduced by Alauddin Khilji
• Chehra: Descriptive rolls of soldiers

8. Architecture of the Sultanate Period

8.1 Major Monuments

Qutub Minar (Delhi):

• Construction started by Qutubuddin Aibak (first floor)
• Completed by Iltutmish (3 more floors added)
• 5th floor added by Firoz Shah Tughlaq after lightning damage
• Height: 72.5 metres - tallest brick minaret in the world
• UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Named after Sufi saint Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki

Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque:

• Built by Qutubuddin Aibak in 1193 CE
• Literally means Might of Islam
• First mosque built in Delhi after Islamic conquest
• Built using material from demolished Hindu and Jain temples
• Famous for the Iron Pillar (Gupta period) inside its courtyard

Alai Darwaza:

• Built by Alauddin Khilji in 1311 CE
• Gateway to Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque
• First building in India to use true arch and true dome
• Shows high quality of Khilji architecture

Tughlaqabad Fort:

• Built by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
• Rough and massive military-style architecture

8.2 Features of Sultanate Architecture

• Indo-Islamic style - blend of Indian and Islamic elements
• Use of arches, domes and minarets (Islamic elements)
• Use of red sandstone and marble
• Geometric and calligraphic decorations - no human figures (Islamic tradition)
• Trabeate style (Indian) gradually replaced by arcuate style (Islamic arch and dome)

9. Literature of the Sultanate Period

9.1 Amir Khusrau (1253-1325 CE)

• Greatest literary figure of the Sultanate period
• Born at Patiyali, Uttar Pradesh - of mixed Indian and Turkish origin
• Called Tuti-i-Hind (Parrot of India)
• Court poet of several sultans from Balban to Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
• Disciple of Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya
• Invented Qawwali (devotional music form)
• Contributed to development of Hindustani music
• Credited with inventing the sitar and tabla (though disputed)
• Wrote in both Persian and Hindi/Braj Bhasha

Major Works:

• Khazain-ul-Futuh (Treasures of Victory): Account of Alauddin Khilji's conquests
• Tughlaqnama: Account of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq's rise
• Ashiqa (Dewal Rani Khizr Khan): Romance based on historical events
• Nuh Siphir (Nine Skies): Praises India and its culture
• Qiran-us-Sadain: Account of meeting of two rulers
• Miftah-ul-Futuh: Account of Jalaluddin Khilji's conquests

9.2 Ziauddin Barani (1285-1357 CE)

• Court historian of Muhammad Bin Tughlaq
• Wrote Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi - history from Balban to Firoz Shah Tughlaq
• Also wrote Fatawa-i-Jahandari - political theory of governance

9.3 Other Important Works

10. Sufism and Bhakti Movement

10.1 Sufism

Sufism was a mystical Islamic movement that emphasised personal devotion to God, love, music and spiritual experience over rigid religious rituals.

Main Sufi Orders (Silsilas) in India:

Important Sufi Saints:

• Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (1143-1236 CE): Founded Chishti order in India - dargah at Ajmer - most visited Sufi shrine in India
• Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki: Disciple of Moinuddin Chishti - dargah at Delhi - Qutub Minar named after him
• Fariduddin Ganj-i-Shakar (Baba Farid): Chishti saint - dargah at Pakpattan (Pakistan) - his verses included in Guru Granth Sahib
• Nizamuddin Auliya (1238-1325 CE): Most famous Chishti saint - dargah at Delhi - called Sultan-ul-Auliya (King of Saints) - disciple was Amir Khusrau
• Nasiruddin Chirag-i-Dehlvi: Last great Chishti saint of Delhi

10.2 Bhakti Movement

The Bhakti movement was a devotional reform movement in Hinduism that emphasised personal love and devotion to God over rituals, caste distinctions and Brahminical authority.

Key Features:

• Personal devotion to God (Bhakti)
• Rejection of caste system
• Emphasis on equality
• Use of regional languages not Sanskrit
• Singing devotional songs (Bhajans and Kirtans)

Important Bhakti Saints:

Ramananda:

• Disciple of Ramanuja
• Preached in Hindi - made Bhakti accessible to common people
• Accepted disciples irrespective of caste and gender
• Famous disciples: Kabir, Ravidas, Sena

Kabir (1440-1518 CE):

• Born in Varanasi - raised by a Muslim weaver family
• Disciple of Ramananda
• Preached synthesis of Hinduism and Islam
• Criticised idol worship, caste system and religious hypocrisy
• His poems called Dohas (couplets) and collected in Bijak
• His sayings included in Guru Granth Sahib
• Followers called Kabir Panthis

11. Vijayanagara Empire (1336-1646 CE)

11.1 Foundation

• Founded in 1336 CE by brothers Harihara I and Bukka I
• Capital: Vijayanagara (modern Hampi, Karnataka)
• Name means City of Victory
• Founded with the guidance of sage Vidyaranya
• Located near Tungabhadra River

11.2 Four Dynasties of Vijayanagara

11.3 Krishnadevaraya (1509-1529 CE)

• Greatest ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire - belonged to the Tuluva dynasty
• Defeated the Bahmani kingdoms and expanded the empire significantly
• Wrote Amuktamalyada in Telugu - his masterpiece
• His court had Ashtadiggajas - eight great Telugu poets including Allasani Peddana (called Andhra Kavita Pitamaha)
• Built the Vittala Temple at Hampi - famous for its musical pillars
• Portuguese traveller Domingo Paes visited during his reign

11.4 Administration

• Well-organised administration with the king at the top
• Empire divided into Mandalam (provinces), Nadu (districts), Sthalas (sub-districts), Gramas (villages)
• Mahanayakacharya - provincial governor
• Strong trade with Arab and Portuguese merchants - specialised in cotton, spices, horses
• Women held important positions in the court

11.5 Battle of Talikota (1565 CE)

• Also called Battle of Rakshasi Tangadi or Battle of Bannihatti
• Fought between Vijayanagara and the Deccan Sultanates Confederation (Bijapur, Ahmadnagar, Bidar, Golconda)
• Aliya Rama Raya (Vijayanagara ruler) was killed in battle
• Vijayanagara was completely destroyed
• Marked the beginning of the end of the Vijayanagara Empire

12. Bahmani Kingdom (1347-1518 CE)

12.1 Foundation

• Founded in 1347 CE by Alauddin Bahman Shah (Hasan Gangu) - revolted against Muhammad Bin Tughlaq
• Capital: Gulbarga (later shifted to Bidar)
• Located in the Deccan

12.2 Important Rulers

• Firoz Shah Bahmani (1397-1422 CE): Promoted art and literature, tolerant ruler
• Ahmad Shah I: Shifted capital to Bidar
• Muhammad Shah III (Mahmud Gawan's patron): Greatest period

12.3 Mahmud Gawan

• Most important minister of the Bahmani kingdom
• Served under Muhammad Shah III
• Built a magnificent Madrasa (college) at Bidar
• Expanded the empire and reformed administration
• Executed in 1481 CE due to court intrigue

12.4 Decline

• After Mahmud Gawan's execution, the Bahmani Kingdom fragmented into 5 successor states:
  • Bijapur (Adil Shahi), Ahmadnagar (Nizam Shahi), Berar (Imad Shahi), Bidar (Barid Shahi), Golconda (Qutb Shahi)
• These five states together defeated Vijayanagara at Talikota

13. Mughal Empire (1526-1857 CE)

13.1 Introduction

The Mughal Empire was founded by Babur in 1526 CE and lasted officially until 1857 CE when the last Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar was exiled by the British after the 1857 revolt. The Mughals were of Timurid (Turco-Mongol) origin - descendants of both Timur and Genghis Khan.

13.2 Timeline of Mughal Rulers

14. Babur (1526-1530 CE)

14.1 Background

• Full name: Zahiruddin Muhammad Babur
• Born in Fergana (present-day Uzbekistan) in 1483 CE
• Descendant of Timur (father's side) and Genghis Khan (mother's side)
• Ruler of Kabul before invading India

14.2 First Battle of Panipat (21 April 1526 CE)

• Fought between Babur and Ibrahim Lodi (last Sultan of Delhi)
• Babur used artillery (gunpowder weapons) for the first time in India
• Also used the Tulugma (flanking) military strategy
• Ibrahim Lodi was killed - ending the Delhi Sultanate
• Babur became the founder of the Mughal Empire

14.3 Other Important Battles of Babur

14.4 Baburnama

• Autobiography of Babur written in Chagatai Turkish
• Later translated into Persian as Tuzuk-i-Baburi by Abdur Rahim Khan-i-Khana
• Considered one of the greatest autobiographies in world literature
• Gives detailed account of plants, animals and geography of India

15. Humayun (1530-1540 CE and 1555-1556 CE)

15.1 Early Reign

• Full name: Nasiruddin Muhammad Humayun
• Divided the empire among his brothers - Kamran got Punjab, Kabul and Kandahar; Askari got Sambhal; Hindal got Alwar
• This weakened his position significantly

15.2 Conflict with Sher Shah Suri

• Battle of Chausa (1539 CE): Humayun defeated by Sher Shah Suri
• Battle of Kanauj/Bilgram (1540 CE): Humayun defeated again - forced into exile
• Humayun wandered through Sindh, Rajputana and Persia for 15 years
• Married Hamida Banu Begum in 1541 CE in Persia - Akbar born in 1542 CE at Amarkot

15.3 Return to Power

• Got help from Safavid ruler of Persia (Shah Tahmasp)
• Recaptured Kabul and Lahore
• Defeated Sikandar Sur and recaptured Delhi in 1555 CE
• Died in 1556 CE - fell from the stairs of his Sher Mandal library at Delhi

16. Sher Shah Suri (1540-1545 CE)

16.1 Background

• Real name: Farid Khan - given title Sher Shah after killing a tiger
• Born in Sasaram, Bihar
• Belonged to the Sur Afghan clan

16.2 Administrative Reforms

Revenue System:

• Introduced Ryotwari system - direct settlement with peasants
• Land measured using Sikandari Gaz (Sher Shah's measuring rod)
• Divided land into three categories: good, middle and bad quality
• Fixed 1/4 to 1/3 of produce as state demand

Currency:

• Introduced silver rupee (weighing 178 grains) - foundation of Indian monetary system
• Issued gold mohur and copper dam
• The word Rupee comes from this period

Grand Trunk Road:

• Built/repaired the Grand Trunk Road (GT Road) from Sonargaon (Bengal) to Peshawar
• Planted trees on both sides for shade
• Built sarai (rest houses) every 2 kos
• Had 1700 sarais on the route for travellers and postal system

Military:

• Used branding of horses and descriptive rolls of soldiers
• Paid soldiers in cash

16.3 Death

• Died in 1545 CE in an explosion during the siege of Kalinjar Fort (Bundelkhand)
• Buried in a magnificent tomb at Sasaram, Bihar - masterpiece of Indo-Islamic architecture

17. Akbar (1556-1605 CE)

Akbar is considered the greatest Mughal ruler because of his administrative genius, religious tolerance and cultural contributions.

17.1 Early Life and Second Battle of Panipat

• Born in 1542 CE at Amarkot (Sindh)
• Father Humayun died when Akbar was just 13 years old
• Second Battle of Panipat (5 November 1556 CE): Akbar's general Bairam Khan defeated Hemu (Hem Chandra Vikramaditya) - who had briefly recaptured Delhi
• Bairam Khan served as Akbar's regent until 1560 CE

17.2 Expansion

• Conquered Malwa (1561), Gondwana (1564), Rajputana (1562-1576), Gujarat (1572), Bengal (1576), Kabul (1581), Kashmir (1586), Sindh (1591), Orissa (1592), Deccan (1600)
• Rajput Policy: Married Jodha Bai (daughter of Raja Bharmal of Amber) - matrimonial alliances with Rajputs
• Made Raja Man Singh (Rajput general) and Todar Mal important officers

17.3 Mansabdari System

• Introduced a uniform military and civil service rank system
• Every officer was given a Mansab (rank) - expressed in two numbers:
  • Zat: Personal rank and salary
  • Sawar: Number of cavalry to maintain
• Mansabdars were paid either in cash (Naqdi) or through Jagirs
• Ranks ranged from 10 to 10,000 (later 12,000 and more)

17.4 Revenue System - Todar Mal's Reforms

• Raja Todar Mal - Akbar's revenue minister - reformed the revenue system
• Ain-i-Dahsala - 10-year average system
• Measured land using Ilahi Gaz (Akbar's standard yard)
• Classified land into 4 categories: Polaj (cultivated), Parauti (fallow), Chachar (3-4 years fallow), Banjar (uncultivated)
• Zabti system - direct measurement of crop in the field

17.5 Din-i-Ilahi (1582 CE)

• Personal religious order founded by Akbar in 1582 CE
• Literally means Divine Faith
• Combined elements of Islam, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, Christianity and Jainism
• Only about 18 people accepted it - including Birbal
• Abul Fazl was its chief promoter
• Died with Akbar - no followers after him

17.6 Navratnas (Nine Gems) of Akbar's Court

17.7 Religious Policy

• Akbar was tolerant of all religions
• Built Ibadat Khana (House of Worship) in 1575 CE at Fatehpur Sikri for religious discussions
• Abolished Jizya tax (1564 CE) and pilgrimage tax on non-Muslims
• Married Rajput princesses - built temple in his palace
• Held discussions with Hindus, Christians (Jesuits), Jains and Zoroastrians

18. Jahangir (1605-1627 CE)

• Full name: Nuruddin Muhammad Jahangir (meaning World Conqueror)
• Originally named Salim
• Son of Akbar and Jodha Bai (Mariam-uz-Zamani)

Key Facts:

• Chain of Justice (Zanjir-i-Adal): Golden chain hung at Agra Fort - anyone could pull it to seek justice from the emperor
• Married Mehr-un-Nissa (1611 CE) - gave her the title Nur Jahan (Light of the World)
• Nur Jahan's father Itmad-ud-Daula - her tomb built by Jahangir is the first building to use inlay work (pietra dura)
• Nur Jahan effectively controlled the empire - issued farmans (orders) and had coins struck in her name
• Captain William Hawkins (1608) and Sir Thomas Roe (1615) - first British ambassadors to visit Mughal court
• Sir Thomas Roe obtained trading rights for the British East India Company
• Jahangir was a great nature lover and painter
• Wrote his memoirs Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri (Jahangirnama)

19. Shah Jahan (1628-1658 CE)

Shah Jahan's reign is called the Golden Age of Mughal Architecture.

• Full name: Shahbuddin Muhammad Shah Jahan (meaning King of the World)
• Original name: Khurram

19.1 Major Monuments

Taj Mahal (Agra):

• Built in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal (Arjumand Banu Begum)
• Mumtaz died in 1631 CE during childbirth
• Construction: 1632-1653 CE (22 years)
• Main architect: Ustad Ahmad Lahauri
• White marble from Makrana (Rajasthan)
• 20,000 workers employed
• UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Called the jewel of Muslim art in India and Eighth Wonder of the World

Red Fort (Delhi):

• Also called Lal Qila
• Built in 1638-1648 CE - took 10 years
• Built when capital shifted from Agra to Shahjahanabad (Delhi)
• Made of red sandstone
• Contains Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience) and Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience)
• Diwan-i-Khas has the famous inscription: Gar firdaus bar ru-yi zamin ast, Hamin ast o hamin ast o hamin ast (If there is paradise on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here)

Jama Masjid (Delhi):

• Largest mosque in India
• Built 1644-1656 CE
• Can accommodate 25,000 worshippers
• Built of red sandstone and white marble

Other monuments:

• Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) at Agra Fort
• Shalimar Bagh at Lahore and Kashmir

19.2 Aurangzeb's Revolt

• Shah Jahan fell seriously ill in 1657 CE
• War of succession among his four sons: Dara Shikoh, Murad, Shah Shuja, Aurangzeb
• Aurangzeb won after defeating and killing his brothers
• Shah Jahan was imprisoned in Agra Fort by Aurangzeb in 1658 CE
• Died in captivity in 1666 CE - buried next to Mumtaz in Taj Mahal

20. Aurangzeb (1658-1707 CE)

• Full name: Muhi-ud-Din Muhammad Aurangzeb
• Also known as Alamgir (Conqueror of the World)
• Last great Mughal emperor

20.1 Religious Policy

• Re-imposed Jizya tax on non-Muslims (1679 CE)
• Destroyed many Hindu temples
• Banned music and dance at court
• Banned the Hindu festival celebrations at court
• These policies led to revolts by Rajputs, Marathas, Jats, Sikhs

20.2 Military Campaigns

• Conquered Bijapur (1686) and Golconda (1687) - completed Deccan conquests
• Long Deccan campaigns (1682-1707) - spent last 26 years fighting Marathas
• Could not decisively defeat Shivaji and later the Maratha confederacy

20.3 Decline of Mughal Empire

• Aurangzeb's religious intolerance and endless Deccan wars drained the treasury
• Revolts: Jats (1669), Satnamis (1672), Rajputs (1679), Sikhs (1675 - executed Guru Tegh Bahadur), Marathas
• After his death in 1707 CE - rapid decline began
• 12 emperors in 50 years after Aurangzeb - all weak

21. Mughal Administration

21.1 Mansabdari System

• Uniform ranking system for military and civil officials
• Two ranks: Zat (personal) and Sawar (cavalry)
• Mansabdars maintained troops and horses in proportion to their rank
• Salaries paid either in cash (Naqdi) or through Jagir assignment

21.2 Revenue System

• Zabti system: Measurement of crop
• Batai/Ghalla Bakshi: Crop sharing
• Nasaq: Estimate based on past yields
• Kankut: Assessment by inspection
• Ain-i-Dahsala: 10-year average introduced by Todar Mal

21.3 Jagirdari System

• Land granted to Mansabdars to collect revenue instead of salary
• Jagir = Land assignment for revenue collection
• Jagirdars did not own the land - could be transferred
• Different from Zamindari (hereditary land ownership)

22. Medieval Architecture

22.1 Mughal Architecture Features

• Blend of Persian, Central Asian and Indian styles
• Use of red sandstone (early Mughal) and white marble (Shah Jahan period)
• Pietra dura (inlay work with semi-precious stones) - perfected under Shah Jahan
• Bulbous domes, tall minarets, geometric gardens (Charbagh)
• Charbagh (four-garden) layout - symmetrical gardens divided into 4 parts by water channels

22.2 Evolution of Mughal Architecture

22.3 Important Mughal Monuments

23. Mughal Literature

24. Later Mughal Rulers

After Aurangzeb's death in 1707 CE, the Mughal Empire declined rapidly.

Nadir Shah's Invasion (1739 CE):

• Persian ruler Nadir Shah invaded and plundered Delhi
• Took away the Peacock Throne and Kohinoor Diamond from India

25. Sikhism

25.1 Guru Nanak Dev (1469-1539 CE)

• Founder of Sikhism
• Born at Talwandi (now called Nankana Sahib, Pakistan)
• Key teachings: Ik Onkar (One God), equality, rejection of caste, honest work, service (Seva)
• Composed hymns that form part of the Guru Granth Sahib
• Travelled widely - called Udasies (journeys)
• Established Kartarpur (Pakistan) as the first Sikh community

25.2 Ten Sikh Gurus

25.3 Guru Arjun Dev (1581-1606 CE)

• Fifth Sikh Guru
• Compiled the Adi Granth (Guru Granth Sahib) in 1604 CE
• Built the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) at Amritsar
• Executed by Mughal Emperor Jahangir in 1606 CE
• First Sikh martyr

25.4 Guru Gobind Singh (1675-1708 CE)

• Tenth and last human Sikh Guru
• Founded the Khalsa Panth on Baisakhi, 1699 CE
• The Panj Pyaras (Five Beloved) were the first members of Khalsa
• Introduced the 5 Ks: Kesh (uncut hair), Kangha (comb), Kara (steel bracelet), Kachera (underwear), Kirpan (sword)
• Declared Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal, living Guru after him
• Killed at Nanded (Maharashtra) in 1708 CE

26. Important Battles

Battle of Haldighati (1576 CE)

• Fought between Akbar's forces (led by Man Singh) and Maharana Pratap of Mewar
• Maharana Pratap's horse Chetak became famous
• Maharana Pratap escaped and continued guerrilla warfare
• He was never completely defeated by Akbar

27. Important Foreign Travellers

28. SSC CGL Important One-Liners - Medieval History

1. The Delhi Sultanate was founded by Qutubuddin Aibak in 1206 CE
2. Qutubuddin Aibak was called Lakh Baksh for his generosity
3. Iltutmish introduced the silver tanka coin
4. Iltutmish completed the construction of Qutub Minar
5. Razia Sultan was the first and only woman ruler of the Delhi Sultanate
6. Balban introduced the theory of Zil-i-Ilahi (Shadow of God)
7. Alauddin Khilji introduced the Market Control Policy with 4 markets
8. Alauddin Khilji introduced Dagh and Chehra military reforms
9. Malik Kafur was Alauddin Khilji's general who conquered South India
10. Amir Khusrau is called Tuti-i-Hind (Parrot of India)
11. Amir Khusrau invented Qawwali music form
12. Muhammad Bin Tughlaq introduced token currency - it failed completely
13. Muhammad Bin Tughlaq shifted capital from Delhi to Daulatabad
14. Ibn Battuta wrote Rihla based on his visit during Muhammad Bin Tughlaq's reign
15. Firoz Shah Tughlaq built the Rajwaha canal - earliest canal irrigation in India
16. Timur invaded India in 1398 CE and plundered Delhi
17. Sikandar Lodi founded Agra in 1504 CE
18. First Battle of Panipat was fought on 21 April 1526 CE
19. Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi at the First Battle of Panipat
20. Babur used artillery (gunpowder) for the first time in India
21. Baburnama was written by Babur in Chagatai Turkish
22. Sher Shah Suri introduced the silver rupee coin
23. Sher Shah built the Grand Trunk Road from Sonargaon to Peshawar
24. Sher Shah died in the Kalinjar Fort explosion in 1545 CE
25. Second Battle of Panipat was fought on 5 November 1556 CE
26. Akbar defeated Hemu at the Second Battle of Panipat
27. Akbar's Navratnas included Birbal, Todar Mal, Tansen and Abul Fazl
28. Todar Mal reformed the revenue system - Ain-i-Dahsala
29. Akbar founded Din-i-Ilahi in 1582 CE
30. Akbar abolished Jizya in 1564 CE
31. Jahangir introduced the Chain of Justice (Zanjir-i-Adal)
32. Nur Jahan effectively ruled the Mughal Empire during Jahangir's time
33. Sir Thomas Roe obtained trade rights for British East India Company (1615)
34. Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan in memory of Mumtaz Mahal
35. Taj Mahal's chief architect was Ustad Ahmad Lahauri
36. Red Fort (Lal Qila) was built by Shah Jahan in 1638-1648 CE
37. Aurangzeb re-imposed Jizya in 1679 CE
38. Nadir Shah invaded India in 1739 CE and took the Peacock Throne and Kohinoor Diamond
39. Vijayanagara Empire was founded by Harihara I and Bukka I in 1336 CE
40. Krishnadevaraya is the greatest ruler of Vijayanagara Empire
41. Battle of Talikota (1565 CE) destroyed the Vijayanagara Empire
42. Bahmani Kingdom was founded by Alauddin Bahman Shah in 1347 CE
43. Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti's dargah is at Ajmer
44. Nizamuddin Auliya is called Sultan-ul-Auliya (King of Saints)
45. Kabir was a disciple of Ramananda
46. Guru Arjun Dev compiled the Guru Granth Sahib in 1604 CE
47. Guru Tegh Bahadur was executed by Aurangzeb in 1675 CE
48. Guru Gobind Singh founded Khalsa Panth in 1699 CE
49. Qutub Minar is 72.5 metres tall - tallest brick minaret in the world
50. Alai Darwaza built by Alauddin Khilji is the first building in India to use a true arch and true dome

29. Chapter Summary

Medieval History is a high-scoring section for SSC CGL. The most frequently tested areas are:

Top Priority:

• Delhi Sultanate dynasties, their founders and important rulers
• Alauddin Khilji's market and military reforms
• Sher Shah Suri's Grand Trunk Road and silver rupee
• Akbar's Mansabdari, Din-i-Ilahi, Navratnas and Todar Mal's reforms
• Mughal monuments - Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Qutub Minar
• Major battles - Panipat I, II, Talikota, Haldighati, Khanwa
• Bhakti and Sufi saints
• Sikh Gurus

Quick Revision Table: