Medieval India History Notes

Notes on Medieval India are an essential part of the UPSC civil services examination from the Prelims as well as UPSC Mains Point of view. The goal of studying Medieval Indian History is to acquaint the students with trends and developments in India's and the world's history during Medieval times. It also entails promoting a better understanding of India's cultural heritage, opposing superstition and obscurantism, and cultivating a secular, humane, and forward-thinking mindset. Medieval India History focuses on the forces and events that shaped Indian society and culture during the Medieval Era.

Basically, the History Notes for the Indian Civil Services examination can be divided into three parts:

1. Ancient India History
2. Medieval India History
3. Modern India History

Prepp.in provides a one-stop solution for all Major subjects which are inscribed in the UPSC Civil services syllabus and are essential for all the three stages of the examination. These notes are also useful for State PSCs Examination. 

India and the World

• India and the World During Medieval Times
• India and Europe During Medieval Times
• Arab World During Medieval Times
• India and Africa During Medieval Times

Dynasties of Early Medieval India

• Major Dynasties (750-1200)

(a) Pratiharas

1.Political Administrative History

• The Pratiharas (8th to 10th Century)
• Features of Pratiharas
• Important Rulers of Pratiharas
• Nagabhata Ⅰ (730 – 760 CE)
• Vatsaraja (780 – 800 CE)
• Nagabhata Ⅱ (800 – 833 CE)
• Bhoja Ⅰ/Mihir Bhoja (836 – 885 CE)
• Mahendrapala (885 – 910 CE)
• Mahipala Ⅰ (913 – 944 CE)
• Rajyapala (960 – 1018 CE)
• Yashpala (1024 – 1036 CE)
• Administration of Pratiharas

2.Religion

• Religion of Pratiharas

3.Art and Architecture

• Major Literary Works of Pratiharas
• Art & Architectures of Pratiharas

4.Decline of Pratiharas

• Decline of Pratiharas

(b) Palas

1.Political Administrative History

• The Palas (8th to 11th Century)
• Pala Dynasty
• Features of Palas
• Important Rulers of Palas
• Gopala (750 CE)
• Dharmapala (770 – 810 CE)
• Devapala (810 – 850 CE)
• Mahapala Ⅰ (977 – 1027 CE)
• Ramapala (1072 – 1126 CE)
• Administration of Palas

2.Religion

• Religion of Palas

3.Art and Architecture

• Literary Works of Palas
• Art & Architectures of Palas

4.Decline of Palas

• Decline of Palas

(c) Rashtrakutas

1.Political and Administrative History

• Rashtrakutas (750 C.E - 900 C.E)
• Origin of Rashtrakutas
• Important Rulers of Rashtrakutas
• Krishna I (756 - 774)
• Govinda II (774 - 780)
• Dhruva Dharavarsha (780 - 793)
• Govinda III (793 - 814)
• Amoghavarsha I (814- 878 A.D.)
• Krishna II (878 - 914)
• Indra III (914 -929)
• Krishna III (939 – 967)
• Karka (972 – 973)
• Administration of Rashtrakutas

2.Society and Culture

• Art and Architecture of Rashtrakutas
• Literature of Rashtrakutas
• Society and Culture of Rashtrakutas
• Kailasanatha Temple
• Elephanta

3.Decline of Rashtrakutas

• Decline of Rashtrakutas

(d) Tripartite Struggle Between Pratiharas,Palas and Rashtrakutas

• The Tripartite struggle
• Kannauj Tripartite Struggle

(e) Senas(11th to 12th Century)

1.Political and Administrative History

• The Senas (11th to 12th Century)
• Features of Senas
• Important Rulers of Senas
• Vijaya Sena (1095 – 1158 CE)
• Ballal Sena (1158 – 1179 CE)
• Lakshmana Sena (1178 – 1207 CE)
• Administration of Senas

2.Society and Culture

• Major Literary Works of Senas
• Art & Architectures of Senas
• Religion of Senas

3.Decline of Senas

• Decline of Senas

(f) The Rajput states

1.Political and Administrative History

• The Rajaputas(647 A.D- 1200 A.D)
• Time Period of the Rajputs
• Rajput Clans
• Tomars of Delhi
• Chauhans of Delhi & Ajmer
• Rathors of Kanauj
• Chandellas of Bundelkhand
• Sisodiyas of Mewar
• Parmaras of Malwa
• Nature of Rajputs
• Religion of Rajputs
• Administration of Rajputs

2.Society and Culture

• Major Literary Works of Rajputs
• Art & Architectures of Rajputs

3.Religion

• Religion of Rajputs

4.Decline of Rajputs

• Decline of Rajputs

(g) Pallavas

1.Political and Administrative History

• Pallavas(275C.E - 897C.E)
• Political History of Pallava Dynasty
• Extent of the Pallava Dynasty
• Rulers of the Pallava Empire
• Sivaskanda Varman (4th century AD)
• Simhavarman/Simhavishnu (575 AD – 600 AD)
• Mahendravarman (600 AD – 630 AD)
• Narasimhavarman I (630 AD – 668 AD)

2.Art and Architecture

• Major Literary Works of Pallava Dynasty
• Art & Architectures of Pallava Dynasty

3.Decline of Pallavas

• Decline of Pallavas

(h) Chalukyas

1.Political and Administrative History

• Chalukyas(6th Century to 12th Century)
• Three Chalukyas
• Badami Chalukyas
• Eastern Chalukyas
• Western Chalukyas
• Extent of the Chalukya Dynasty
• Important Rulers of Chalukyas
• Pulakesin I (543 AD – 566 AD)
• Kirtivarman I (566 AD – 597 AD)
• Mangalesha (597 AD – 609 AD)
• Pulakesin II (609 AD – 642 AD)
• Vikramaditya I (655 AD – 680 AD)
• Kirtivarman II (746 AD – 753 AD)
• Administration and Society of Chalukyas

2.Art and Architecture

• Art and Architecture of Chalukyas

3.Decline of Chalukyas

• Decline of Chalukyas

(i) The Chola Empire

1.Political and Administrative History

• Cholas and other South Indian Kingdoms
• Cholas (300 CE to 1300 CE)
• Rulers of Cholas
• Vijayalaya (850 CE)
• Aditya (871 – 907 CE)
• Parantaka Ⅰ (907 – 955 CE)
• Parantaka Ⅱ/ Sundara Chola (957 – 973 CE)
• Uttama Chola (973 – 985 CE)
• Rajaraja Ⅰ/Arumolivarman (985 – 1014 CE)
• Rajendra Ⅰ (1014 – 1044 CE)
• Rajadhiraja (1044 – 1052 CE)
• Rajendra Ⅱ (1054 – 1063 CE)
• Virarajendra (1063 – 1067 CE)
• Athirajendra (1067 – 1070 CE)
• Kulottunga Ⅰ (1070 – 1122 CE)
• Administration of Cholas

2.Society and Economy of Cholas

• Society and Economy of Cholas

3.Art and Architecture

• Art and Architecture of Cholas
• Education and Literature of Cholas

4.Decline of Cholas

• Decline of Cholas

(j) Cheras

1.Political and Administrative History

• The Cheras (9th to 12th Century)
• Rulers of Cheras
• Uthiyan Cheralathan(1st to 3rd century AD)
• Kulashekhara Alwar (800 AD)
• Administration of Cheras

2.Society and Economy of Cheras

• Society and Economy of Cheras
• Art and Literature of Cheras

4.Decline of Cheras

• Decline of Cheras

(k) Yadavas

1.Political and Administrative History

• The Yadavas (12th to 13th Century)
• Rulers of Yadavas
• Bhillama (1173-1191 AD)
• Singhana II (1200-1246 AD)
• Raja Ramchandra (1291-1309 AD)
• Administration of Yadavas

2.Society and Economy of Yadavas

• Society and Economy of Yadavas

3.Art and Architecture

• Art and Literature of Yadavas

4.Decline of Yadavs

• Decline of Yadavas

Early Muslim Invasions in India

• Early Muslim Invasion

1.Arab Invasion in India

• Arab Invasion in India
• Muhammad-bin-Qasim
• Battle of Rewar
• Administrative System
• End of Muhammad-bin-Qasim
• Effects of Arab Conquest

2.Turkish Invasion in India

• The Turkish Invasion in India
• Mahmud of Ghazni (971 to 1030)
• Muhammad of Ghori (1149 – 1206)
• First Battle of Tarain (1191 A.D.)
• Second Battle of Tarain (1192 A.D.)
• Rajput Uprisings
• Battle of Chandawar (1194 A.D.)

Economic and Social Life, Education and Religious Beliefs(800-1200AD)

(a) Economy

• Economic and Social Life, Education and Religious Beliefs (800–1200)
• Trade and Commerce (800–1200)

(b) Social Life

• Nature of Society (800–1200)
• The Caste System (800–1200)
• Condition of Women (800–1200)
• Dress, Food and Amusements (800–1200)

(c) Education and Religious Beliefs

• Education, Science and Religious Learning (800–1200)
• Religious Movements and Beliefs (800–1200)

Delhi Sultanate(1206-1526)

• The Delhi Sultanate (1206-1526 AD)
• Expansion of the Delhi Sultanate
• Internal Reforms and Experiments

(a) Mamluk Dynasty(1206-1287)

• Mamluk Dynasty (1206-1287)
• Qutb ud-Din Aibak (1206 – 1210 AD)
• Iltutmish (1211 – 1236 AD)
• Razia Sultana (1236 – 1240 AD)
• Ghiyas ud din Balban (1266 – 1287 AD)
• Administration of Mamluk Dynasty
• Decline of Mamluk Dynasty

(b) Khilji Dynasty(1290-1320)

• Khilji Dynasty (1290-1320 AD)
• Jalal-ud-din Firoz Khilji (1290-1296 A.D.)
• Ala-ud-din Khilji (1296-1316 A.D.)
• Alauddin Khilji’s Invasions in the North
• Alauddin Khilji’s Invasions in the South
• Mongol Invasion
• Domestic Policies of Ala-ud-din Khilji
• Marketing System of Ala-ud-din Khilji
• Successors of Ala-ud-din Khilji
• End of the Khilji Dynasty

(c) Tughluq Dynasty(1320-1414)

• Tughlaq Dynasty (1320-1414 AD)
• Ghiyas-ud-din Tughluq or Ghazi Malik (1320 – 1325 A.D.)
• Domestic and Foreign Policies of Tughlaq Dynasty
• Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq (1325-1351A.D.)
• Muhammad Tughlaq’s Experiments
• Firoz Tughlaq (1351-1388 A.D.)
• Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq Shah II
• Abu Bakr Shah
• Nasir-ud-din Mohammed Tughlaq
• End of Tughlaq Dynasty

(d) Timur’s Invasion

• Timur’s Invasion (1398 A.D.)

(e) Sayyid Dynasty(1414-1451)

• The Sayyid Dynasty (1414-1451 A.D.)
• Rulers of Sayyid Dynasty
• Khizr Khan (1414- 1421 A.D.)
• Mubarak Shah (1421-1434 A.D.)
• Muhammad Shah (1434-1445 A.D.)
• Ala-ud-din Shah (1445-1457 A.D.)
• Administration of Sayyid Dynasty
• Economy of Sayyid Dynasty
• Reason for Decline of Sayyid Dynasty

(f) Lodi Dynasty(1451-1526)

• Lodi Dynasty (1451 to 1526)
• Rulers of Lodi Dynasty
• Bahlul Lodi (1451 -1489 A.D.)
• Sikandar Shahi (1489-1517 A.D.)
• Administration of Lodi Dynasty
• Economy of Lodi Dynasty
• Decline of Lodi Dynasty

(h) Administration of Delhi Sultanate

• Administration of Delhi Sultanate
• Iqta System

(i) Economic and Religious life

• Economic and Social Life of Delhi Sultanate
• Religious Freedom under the Sultanate

(h) Decline of Delhi Sultanate

• Decline of Delhi Sultanate
• Challenges Leading to the Decline of the Sultanate
• Successors of the Delhi Sultanate

Provincial Kingdoms of Medieval India

• Provincial Kingdoms of Medieval India

Provincial Kingdoms of Deccan and Southern India

• Provincial Kingdoms of Deccan and Southern India

(a) Vijayanagara Kingdom

1.Political and Administrative History

• Vijayanagar Empire
• Vijayanagara Kingdom (1336 – 1672 CE)
• Vijayanagara Kingdom
• Political History of Vijayanagar Empire
• Sangama Dynasty
• Harihara and Bukka (1336 – 1377 CE)
• Harihara Ⅱ (1377 – 1406 CE)
• Deva Raya Ⅰ (1406 – 1422 CE)
• Deva Raya Ⅱ (1425 – 1446 CE)
• Tuluva Dynasty
• Vira Narasimha Raya (1505 – 1509 CE)
• Krishna Deva Raya (1509 – 1529 CE)
• Achyuta Deva Raya (1529 – 1542 CE)
• Sada Siva Raya (1542 – 1570 CE)
• Administration of Vijayanagar Empire

2.Army and Military Organisation

• Army and Military Organisation of Vijayanagara Kingdom

3.Society and Economy

• Social and Cultural Life
• Social Life of Vijayanagara Kingdom
• The Economy of Vijayanagara Kingdom
• Economic Condition of Vijayanagar Empire

4.Art and Architecture

• Cultural Contributions of Vijayanagara Kingdom

5.Conflicts with the Bahmani Kingdom

• Conflicts with the Bahmani Kingdom

(b) Bahmani Kingdom

1.Political and Administrative History

• Bahmani
• Bahmani Kingdom
• Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah (1347 – 1358 CE)
• Muhammad Shah Ⅰ (1358 – 1377 CE)
• Taj-ud-din Firoz Shah (1397 – 1422 CE)
• Ahmad Shah Wali (1422 – 1435 CE)
• Humayun Shah (1458 – 1461 CE)
• Mahmud Gawan (1461 – 1481 CE)
• Administration of Bahmani Kingdom

Political Kingdoms of Western India

• Provincial Kingdoms of Western India

(a) Muzaffarid Dynasty

• Muzaffarid Dynasty

1.Muzaffarid Dynasty in Gujarat

• Muzaffarid Dynasty in Gujarat
• Zafar Khan/Muzaffar Shah (1407 – 1411 CE)
• Ahmed Shah Ⅰ (1411 – 1441)
• Mahmud Begarha (1459 – 1511 CE)

2.Muzaffarid Dynasty in Malwa

• Muzaffarid Dynasty in Malwa
• Hoshang Shah (1406 – 1435 CE)
• Mahmud Khalji (1436 – 1469 CE)
• Ghiyas-ud-Din (1469 – 1500 CE)
• Mahmud Shah Ⅱ (1510 – 1531 CE)
• Baz Bahadur (1551- 1561 CE)

3.Muzaffarid Dynasty in Mewar

• Muzaffarid Dynasty in Mewar
• Rana Kumbha (1433 – 1468 CE)
• Rana Sanga (1508 – 1528 CE)

Political Kingdoms of Northern India(Kashmir)

• Provincial Kingdoms of Northern India

(a) Shah Mir Dynasty

• Shah Mir Dynasty (c. 1339 – 1555 CE)
• Shamsuddin Shah Mir (1339 – 1342 CE)
• Sultan Shihab-ud-din (1354 – 1373 CE)
• Sikander Shah (1389 – 1413 CE)
• Zain-ul-Abideen (1420 – 1470 CE)

(b) Chak Dynasty

• Chak Dynasty (c. 1555 – 1586 CE)
• Muhammad Ghazi Shah Chak 1555 CE
• Yusuf Shah Chak (1579 – 1586 CE)

Political Kingdoms of Eastern India

• Provincial Kingdoms of Eastern India

(a) Jaunpur

• Provincial Kingdoms of Eastern India in Jaunpur
• Malik Sarwar (1394 – 1399 CE)
• Mubarak Shah (1399 – 1402 CE)
• Ibrahim Shah (1402 – 1440 CE)
• Mahmud Shah (1440 – 1457 CE)
• Muhammad Shah (1457 – 1458 CE)
• Hussain Shah Sharqi (1458 – 1505 CE)

(b) Bengal

1.Ilyas Shah Dynasty

• Ilyas Shah Dynasty
• Haji Shamsuddin Ilyas Khan (1342 – 1357 CE)
• Ghiyasuddin Azam (1390 – 1411 CE)
• Alauddin Hussain Shah (1494 – 1519 CE)
• Nasiruddin Nasrat Shah (1518 – 1533 CE)
• Ghiyasuddin Mahmud Shah (1533 – 1538 CE)

(c) Odisha

1.Gajapati Dynasty

• Gajapati Dynasty
• Kapilendra Deva (1435 – 1466 CE)
• Purushottama Deva (1466 – 1497 CE)
• Prataparudra Deva (1497 – 1540 CE)

Cultural Development in India(1200-1500)

• Cultural Development in India (1200–1500)
• Architecture (1200–1500)
• Religious Ideas and Beliefs (1200–1500)
• The Sufi Movement (1200–1500)
• The Chishti and Suharwardi Silsilahs (1200–1500)
• The Bhakti Movement (1200–1500)
• The Vaishnavite Movement (1200–1500)
• Literature and Fine Arts (1200–1500)

Mughals and the Afghans

• Struggle for Empire in North India Mughals and Afghans(1525–1555)

(a) Struggle Between Ibrahim Lodi and Babur

• Struggle between Ibrahim Lodi and Babur
• The Battle of Panipat
• Babur’s Problems after the Battle of Panipat

(b) Struggle with Rana Sangha

• Struggle with Rana Sanga
• Rana Sanga (1508 – 1528 CE)

(c) Problems of Eastern Areas and the Afghans

• Problems of the Eastern Areas and the Afghans

(d) Babur’s Contribution

• Babur’s Contribution and Significance of His Advent into India

(e) Humayun and Afghans

• Humayun and the Afghans
• Early Activities of Humayun, and the Tussle with Bahadur Shah
• The Gujarat Campaign
• The Bengal Campaign, and Struggle with Sher Khan

Sher Shah and the Sur Empire

• Sher Shah and the Sur Empire (1540–1555)

Consolidation of the Mughal Empire(Age of Akbar)

(a) Early Phase

• Early Phase of Mughal Empire Age of Akbar
• Consolidation of the Mughal Empire Age of Akbar

(b) Administration of Mughal Empire

• Administration of Mughal Empire of Akbar
• Mansabdari System of Mughal Empire of Akbar
• Organization of Government of Mughal Empire of Akbar
• Land-Revenue System of Mughal Empire of Akbar
• Dahsala System of Mughal Empire of Akbar

(c) Army of Mughal Empire of Akbar

• Army of Mughal Empire of Akbar

(d) Relations with Rajputs

• Relations of Mughals with the Rajputs

(e) Rebellion and Further Expansion of the Mughal Empire

• Rebellions and Further Expansion of the Mughal Empire
• Integration of State During Mughals

(f) State,Religion and Social Reforms

• Integration of Religion During Mughals
• Integration of Social Reforms During Mughals

(g) Foreign Policy of Mughals

• Foreign Policy of Mughals
• Akbar and the Uzbeks
• The Question of Qandahar and Relations with Iran
• Shah Jahan’s Balkh Campaign
• Mughal - Persian Relations - the Last Phase

(h) India in the First Half of 17th Century

• India in the First Half of the Seventeenth Century
• Political and Administrative Developments in India (First Half of the Seventeenth Century)
• Nur Jahan
• Shah Jahan
• Mahabat Khan

(i) Mughal Advance Towards the Deccan

• Mughal Advance Towards the Deccan
• Conquest of Berar, Ahmadnagar and Khandesh
• Rise of Malik Ambar
• Extinction of Ahmednagar and Acceptance of Mughal Suzerainty by Bijapur and Golconda
• Aurangzeb and the Deccani States (1658–87)
• Aurangzeb and the Deccani States - The First Phase (1658–68)
• Aurangzeb and the Deccani States - The Second Phase (1668–84)
• Aurangzeb and the Deccani States - The Third Phase (1684–87)
• Aurangzeb, the Marathas and the Deccan - The Last Phase (1687–1707)

(j) Economic and Social Life During Mughals

• Economic and Social Life under the Mughals
• Economic and Social Conditions under Mughals
• The Ruling Classes: The Nobles and Zaimindars
• Foreign Trade and the European Traders under Mughals

(k) Cultural and Religious Development During Mughals

• Cultural and Religious Developments
• Architecture of Mughal Empire
• Paintings of Mughal Empire
• Language, Literature and Music in Mughal Empire
• Religious Ideas and Beliefs During Mughal Empire

Climax and Disintegration of the Mughal Empire

(a) Disintegration of Mughal Empire

• Climax and Disintegration of the Mughal Empire
• Problems of Succession in Mughal Empire
• Aurangzeb’s Reign
• Religious Policy of Aurangzeb
• Popular Revolts and Movements for Regional Independence
• Revolt of jats
• Afghans and Sikhs revolt
• Mughal Relations with the Rajputs
• Decline of the Mughal Empire

The Maratha and Other Indian States and Society in the 18th Century

• Regional States in the Medieval Period
• Regional States of North and South India

(a) Rise of Marathas

• The Maratha and Other Indian States and Society in the 18th Century
• The Marathas
• Rise of the Marathas
• First Phase (1741-52)
• Second Phase (1752-61)
• Shivaji (1627-1680)
• Shivaji’s Administration
• Early Career of Shivaji
• Treaty of Purandar
• Administration of Shivaji
• Successors of Shivaji
• The Peshwas (1713-1818)
• Other Indian States Under Peshwas
• The Bhonsles
• The Gaikwads
• Holkars and Sindhias
• Policy of Expansion
• The Marathas and Nizam-ul-Mulk
• The Maratha Advance into Gujarat and Malwa
• The Maratha Advance into Doab and Punjab
• Achievements of Marathas

(b) Rise of Other Regional Powers

• Bengal
• Avadh
• The Sikhs
• Rajput States-Jats Hyderabad Mysore

(c) Economic and Social life(18th Century)

• Economic Condition in 18th Century
• Trend of India’s Economy and Prospects during the First Half of the Eighteenth Century
• Social and Cultural Life in 18th Century

Medieval Period(Theme Wise)

(a) Social and Cultural Conditions in the Medieval Period

• Social and Cultural Conditions in the Medieval Period
• Society-Structure and Growth in the Medieval Period
• Rural Society in the Medieval Period
• Towns and Town Life in the Medieval Period
• Artisans and Master-Craftsmen in the Medieval Period
• Women in the Medieval Period
• Servants and Slaves in the Medieval Period
• Standard of Living in the Medieval Period
• The Ruling Classes - Nobility, Rural Gentry in the Medieval Period
• The Middle Strata in the Medieval Period
• The Commercial Classes in the Medieval Period

(b) Military Conditions in the Medieval Period

• Military Conditions in the Medieval Period

(c) Economic Conditions During Medieval Period

• Economic Life-Patterns and Prospects in the Medieval Period
• Economic Conditions in the Medieval Period
• Inland Trade in the Medieval Period
• Overseas Trade - Role of Foreign Trading
• Companies - Position of Indian Merchants Over-land Trade
• The Mughal State and Commerce in the Medieval Period
• The Commercial Classes in the Medieval Period