Medieval History - Final Lecture

Overview

• Final class for Medieval History
• Covered from the beginning of the Delhi Sultanate to the end of the Mughal Empire.
• Importance of strategically focusing on high-weightage topics.
• New lecture uploaded on GS preparation and strategy for the next 75 days. Follow it thoroughly and practice extensively.

Key Topics Discussed

Akbar's Campaigns

• Last Campaign: Asirgarh, 1601
• First Campaign: Battle of Panipat, defeated Hemu Vikramaditya in 1556
• Important Battles:
  • Second Battle of Panipat: 1556, victory against Hemu Vikramaditya
  • Haldi Ghati: 1576
  • Annexation of Kashmir: 1586

Books and Authors

• Ain-e-Akbari: Written by Abul Fazl. Part of Akbarnama, which is in three volumes.
• Akbarnama: Biography of Akbar.

Key Figures and Achievements

• Abolition of Taxes:
  • Pilgrimage tax: 1563
  • Jizya tax: 1564
• Jizya: First imposed by Mohammad Qasim.
• Mansabdari System: Introduced by Akbar, included 'zat' and 'sawar' ranks.
• Land Revenue Systems:
  • Dahsal System: Introduced by Akbar with Todar Mal, based on 10-year average crop production.
  • Kankut System: Based on crop estimation.

Architecture and Key Constructions

• Agra Fort: Built by Akbar in 1565
• Lal Qila (Red Fort): Built by Shah Jahan in 1639, completed in 1648
• Taj Mahal: Built by Shah Jahan in 1631
• Jama Masjid: Built by Shah Jahan
• Moti Masjid (Agra): Built by Shah Jahan
• Moti Masjid (Delhi): Built by Aurangzeb
• Bibi ka Maqbara: Built by Aurangzeb in memory of Dilras Banu Begum

Mughal Emperors

• Akbar: Sought unity among religions, abolished taxes, significant campaigns.
• Jahangir: More focused on personal pleasures; rule influenced by Noor Jahan.
• Shah Jahan: Favored architecture; built the Taj Mahal and Red Fort.
• Aurangzeb: Expansionist ruler, known for his strict policies and frugality; battled and executed his brother Dara Shikoh.
• Dara Shikoh: Known for translating Upanishads into Persian (Sirr-e-Akbar)

Important Facts

• Aurangzeb’s Death: 1707
• Dara Shikoh’s Defeats: Battles of Samugarh, Dharmat, and Deorai
• Titles:
  • Aurangzeb: Alamgir, Zinda Pir
  • Dara Shikoh: Favored by Shah Jahan but defeated by Aurangzeb

Tips for Preparation

• Focus on practicing high-yield topics and questions, particularly in Polity and Geography as advised in the GS strategy.
• Aim to practice 500-700 questions per topic thoroughly.

Upcoming Sessions and Announcements

• New Lecture Series: Strategy for the next 75 days, emphasizing targeted preparation for competitive exams.
• Special Session: Scheduled for 9 PM today – focus on comprehensive preparation strategies.

Study Smart, Prepare Well, and Practice Extensively!