Indian History - Medieval India
Description
This subject covers key political, cultural, and social transformations in India from the decline of the ancient empires to the emergence of Mughal dominance and early modern states.
Learning Objectives
Learners will be able to describe and evaluate major events, institutions, and social developments of Medieval India, focusing on continuity and change from earlier times.
Topics (12)
Founders and rulers, administrative system, cultural developments, art and architecture, economy, decline and legacy.
Kingdoms like Vijayanagara, Bahmani, Marathas, Rajputs, Kingdoms of Deccan and Bengal, their administration, contributions, relations with Mughals.
Philosophy, key saints (Kabir, Tulsidas, Chaitanya, Guru Nanak, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti), regional variations, influence on society and literature.
Delhi Sultanate's Qutb Minar, Mughal forts/palaces (Red Fort, Fatehpur Sikri), tombs (Humayun, Taj Mahal), Persian/Turkish influences, secular architecture.
Miniature and Mughal painting, literary works (Baburnama, Akbarnama), music (Hindustani, Dhrupad), court patronage of arts.
Structure and evolution from Delhi Sultanate to Mughal period, revenue and military administration.
Class and caste dynamics, evolving role of women, rural-urban divide, slavery, rise of new social groups.
Language, art, music, literature, architecture; role of Persian, emergence of Urdu; impact on society and state.
Internal and external factors, succession issues, rise of regional states, European interference.
Shivaji’s role, administration, expansion and decline, relations with the Mughals, eventual fall to British.
Origin and expansion, major dynasties (Slave, Khilji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, Lodi), administrative innovations, religious and social policies, decline.
Growth of cities, economic life, crafts and industries, agriculture, internal and external trade; coinage systems.