Overview
This lecture covers the major political, administrative, and cultural developments in Medieval India from the Turkish invasions to the decline of the Mughal and Maratha empires, including key dynasties and important rulers.
Turkish Invasions and Delhi Sultanate
- After the decline of major north Indian powers (Pratihara, Rashtrakuta, Palas), political disunity allowed Turkish invasions (1000-1200 CE).
- Mahmud of Ghazni raided India 17 times, targeting temples but did not establish permanent rule.
- Muhammad Ghori defeated Prithviraj Chauhan in the Second Battle of Tarain (1192), establishing Turkish rule in North India.
- The Delhi Sultanate was founded by Qutbuddin Aibak (Slave/Mamluk Dynasty), followed by dynasties: Khilji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, and Lodi.
Major Dynasties of the Delhi Sultanate
- Slave Dynasty: Qutbuddin Aibak and Iltutmish consolidated Turkish rule; Razia Sultana was the first Muslim woman ruler.
- Khilji Dynasty: Alauddin Khilji expanded territory, reformed market and revenue systems, and resisted Mongols.
- Tughlaq Dynasty: Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s experiments (token currency, new capital) failed; Firoz Shah Tughlaq encouraged public works.
- Sayyid and Lodi Dynasties: Saw further decline and increasing autonomy of regional powers.
Regional Kingdoms: Vijayanagara and Bahmani
- Vijayanagara Empire (1336-1646): Founded by Harihara and Bukka; reached zenith under Krishna Deva Raya; noted for architecture and literature.
- Bahmani Kingdom: Founded by Alauddin Hasan; frequent conflict with Vijayanagara over Deccan dominance; Mahmud Gawan’s reforms notable.
Mughal Empire: Foundation to Zenith
- Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat (1526) and founded the Mughal Empire.
- Humayun lost and regained the throne; Sher Shah Suri’s Sur Empire (1540-1555) reformed administration and revenue systems.
- Akbar (1556-1605): Expanded empire, implemented Mansabdari and land revenue systems, practiced religious tolerance, and promoted art and culture.
- Jahangir and Shah Jahan: Continued expansion; Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal; Mughal painting and architecture peaked.
Aurangzeb and Decline of the Mughals
- Aurangzeb’s reign (1658-1707): Maximum territorial expansion; imposed orthodox Islamic policies and Jaziya; faced multiple rebellions (Sikhs, Marathas, Jats).
- Post-Aurangzeb: Weak successors, regional fragmentation, external invasions (Nadir Shah, Abdali), and growing European (especially British) influence led to empire's decline.
Maratha Empire
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj established the Maratha kingdom using guerrilla tactics and administrative reforms.
- Peshwas expanded Maratha power; reached peak under Bajirao I.
- Declined due to internal conflicts, British wars (Anglo-Maratha Wars), and defeat in the Third Battle of Panipat (1761).
Key Terms & Definitions
- Mamluk (Slave) Dynasty — First dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate, started by military slaves.
- Iqta — Land grant system where revenue was assigned to nobles in exchange for military services.
- Jaziya — Tax imposed on non-Muslims in Islamic states.
- Mansabdari System — Mughal administrative/military grading system assigning ranks to officers.
- Chauth and Sardeshmukhi — Maratha taxes levied on neighboring territories.
- Ashta Pradhan — Council of eight ministers in Maratha administration.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review timelines and rulers of each dynasty.
- Study administrative and revenue reforms under various rulers.
- Prepare for questions on battles, reforms, and causes of the empire's decline.
- Read assigned textbook chapters on the Delhi Sultanate, Mughals, and Marathas.