MEDIEVAL

HISTORY
 DELHI SULTANATE (1206-1526)
1.Slave dynasty ( 1206 - 1290 )
2.Khilji dynasty ( 1290 - 1320 )
3.Tughlaq dyansty ( 1320 - 1414 )
4.Sayyed dynasty ( 1414 - 1451 )
5.Lodi dynasty ( 1451 - 1526 )

Khiljis ruled for shortest , Tughlaq for longest .

Slave dynasty has maximum number of Sultans , and Lodis has least
Slaves and Tughlaq were Turks
Khiljis and Lodis were Afghans
Sayyids were Persians

Arab Conquest of Sindh

Calipha declared ‘Jihad’ on Sindh . Dahir was King of Sindh , a brahmin and majority people were
Buddhist . MOHD BIN QASIM led the army , destroyed Multan and killed Dahir in 712 AD .

TURKISH INVASION
Mohammed Ghazni , actual name Abu Qasim , belonged to Yamini dynasty . Attacked India as
many as 17 times . In 1025 , he looted Somnath temple , which was richest in India .
AL-BERUNI visited along with him . He wrote KITAB-UL-HIND
He wrote JAWAHIR-UL-JAWAHIR on minerology
He wrote QANUN-I-MASUDI dealt with astronomy
SHAHNAMEH written by Phirdausi , known as Odyssey of Persian literature .

Slave Dynasty
This dynasty is called Memulak Dynasty
Founded by Qutubuddin Aibak . Known as Lakh Baksh , also called Akshar Baksh for
his patronage to poets .
Laid foundation of Qutub minar , built 1st mosque Quwat-ul-Islam, Delhi and Adhai
Din ki Jhumpra , Ajmer
Died in Lahore playing CHOGM ( polo )
ILTUTMISH
otherwise Altamash , son in law of Aibak
His reforms :
1 . Iqtadari system : land assignment given to Sardars , members of royal families and
great scholars . Type of land revenue .
2 . Introduced silver coins called Tankas and copper coins called Jittal
3 . Founded an army of 40 sardars called Chihalgani .
4 . Constructed resthouses called Sarais in Delhi .
It was during his time Mongolian invasion started .

RAZIA SULTAN
Only woman ruler in history of Delhi , daughter of Iltutmish
Minaz-us-Shiraz wrote famous Tabaqath-i-Naisiri , on administration of Nasiruddin who took
over throne after Razia

GHIASUDDIN BALBAN
Greatest of Slave Dynasty , actual name was ULUGH .
Introduced theory of divine origin of kingship , declared himself as Zil-i-Ilahi ( shadow of God )
Abolished Chihalgani system .
Reorganised Iqta system , created seprate military dept called Diwan-i-Araz
Introduced royal customs of Sijda : prostration and Paibos : touching feet
Introduced persian new year calendar : Navaroz .
He succeeed in breaking the power of Turkan-i-Chihalgani ( gp of 40 who administered Delhi
Sultanate under Iltutmish )
Mongols attacked for 2nd time . Son of Balban , Mohammad died in fight and Balban died of
Shock

KAIQUBAD
Last of slave dynasty , grandson of Balban .
Was physically handicapped , 1st sultan to come to power when his father was alive
Removed by Khiljis , who revolted under leadership of Jalluddin Khilji .

Khilji Dynasty
Founded by Jalluddin Khijli.
Was most ddemocratic of all sultans.
Mongols invaded under leadership of ULAGU. Jalal defeated them and converted to Islam.
Called Naya Musalmans. Ulagu became 2nd son-in-law of Jalaluddin Khilji.
His 1st son-in-law , Allaudin Khilji , Governer of Kara.
In 1295 AD Allaudin attacked Devgiri , defeated Ramchandra Deva of Yadava Dynasty. 1st
victory of Muslims in South
Allaudin refused to share looted wealth of Devgiri under tax collected Khams ( 1/5th ) and
murdered Jalaluddin
Allaudin Khilji
Greatest of Delhi sultans.
His ambition : either to conquer world like Alexander or found a new religion like Prophet
Mohammad.
He took title SIKANDER-I-SAHANI.

EXPEDITIONS
1296 , Rana Karnadeva of Gujrat defeated . Allaudin captured his wife Kamla Devi and Malik
Kafur ( Hindu converted to Islam ), who later became chief Commander.
1299 , Rana Hammir Dev of Ranthambore was defeated
1303 , Rana Ratan Singh of Chittor defeated . Acc to Malik Mohammad Jayasi who wrote
PADMAVATH , it was for sake of Rani Padmini . Text was written in 1510 in Awadhi language
1305 , Rana Mahalakdev of Malwa defeated , with this Allaudin became master of entire north
India .

Malik Kafur conducted South India campaigns.

1309 , Devgiri attacked for 2nd time .
1310 , Pratap Rudra Dev of Kakatiya dynasty of Warangal was defeated.
In his 2nd expedition , 1312 , he defeated Veer Ballala III of Hoysala dynasty of
Dawarasamudra.
1312 , he declared Sundar Pandya as ruler of Madurai against Veer Pandya and looted the city
Madurai. Installed victory pillar at Rameshwaram.

Empire extended upto Malwa , Southern states weretributary ones .

Allaudin’s Reforms :
To control nobles and Sardars , stopped Iqta system.
Appointed secret agents called Mohitsibs as spys on activities of nobles. Actually Mohitsibs
were royal sensor officers.
Banned public drinking of nobles and marriage b/w noble families became part of state
regulatory policy.

MILITARY REFORMS
1st sultan to have permanent standing army , personally recruited them . Paid them
salaries ( 238 tankas per annum ). Practice of paying salary in cash is called Italaq
system.
Introduced service registers called Chehras
Dagh System : system of branding horses to avoid duplication
To maintain army , he decided to control market prices. Appointed Controller of
Market : Sahana-i-Mandi and secret agents : Dabirs .

REVENUE REFORMS
New assesment method called Kankhut system ( grain estimation method ) introduced , 50%
collected as land tax . Highest by any Indian ruler in Indian history.
Sanctioned emergency loans called TACCAVI to land cultivators .
Founded dept for collection of revenue arrears called Diwan-i-Mustakharin
IN RELIGION
Secular
Promoted non-muslims in administration , never recognised Calipha .

Allaudin Khilji was killed and poisoned to death by Malik Khafur . Khafur created rein of terror .
Killed 2 sons of Allaudin .

QUTUBUDDIN MUBARAK KHILJI

Took title Khalifa.
Last of Khijli dynasty
Killed by his wazir KHUSRAU ( hindu converted to Islam )
Khusrau ordered installing idols in mosque , was killed by Ghiyazuddin Tughlaq

Tughlaq Dynasty
Founded by Ghiyazuddin Tughlaq
1st to introduce postal service by employing horse service (uluq) , also had foot service
(Dawa) , both at distance of 4 miles
Founded the city : Tughlaqabad

MOHAMMAD-BIN-TUGHLAQ
Actual name was Jaauna Khan
Great scholar in Persian , Arab languages , Theology , Mathematics and natural sciences
He was a lexicographer .
Secular , 1st sultan to perform Hindu festival Diwali and Holi .
Shifted capital from Delhi to Daulatabad ( Devagiri ) 1st census conducted in Delhi , banned
Sati
Founded sept dept. for agriculture called Diwan-i-Kohi and granted Sandbar loans for
expansion of agriculture .
Started minting currency , but failed because of large scale minting of fake coins.
During his time Sultanate expanded maximum and declined at same time . In 1336 Vijayanagra
Empire was formed . In 1346 Bahamani Empire was formed.
Traveller from Morraco IBN BATUTA visited his court . He wrote KITAB-I-REHLA on Sultan’s
adminstration and contemporary society .

FEROZ SHAH TUGHLAQ

Born to a Hindu mother

REFORMS
Abolished all additional taxes Abwab and collected 4 taxes
KHAMS : 1/5th of war booty
KHARAZ : Land tax paid by non - muslims ( Usshr : land tax paid by muslims )
ZAKATH : Charity tax ( 2% to 2.5% of annual income )
ZIZIYA : Religious tax on all non-muslims in Islamic state , exempted from Brahmins .
 Developed irrigation systems . Collected irrigation tax called Haqishrib ( 1/10th of land )
Founded employment bureau called DIWAN-I-KHAIRAT
Founded public hospitals called DAR-UL-SHAFAS
Beautified delhi with 1200 gardens
Revived Iqta system .

Ziyauddin Barani and Shams Siraj Afif were court poets in Persian language . Both wrote 2 diff
textbooks with same title : TAREEK-I-FEROZ SHAHI
Firoz wrote his autobiography : FUTUHATH-I-FIROZ SHAHI
He destroyed Lingaraj Temple , Bhumneshwar and Jawalamukhi Temple , Nagarkot

MOHAMMAD SHAH TUGHLAQ

Last of Tughlaq dynasty
During his time , Timur attacked Delhi in 1398 .
He took shelter in Gujrat
In 1398 , 3 independent kingdoms were formed : JANPUR , MALWA and GUJRAT .

Sayyid Dynasty
Founded by Khizra Khan , representative of Taimur .
Mubarak Shah was the greatest .
Great persian poet Yahaya bin Ahamad wrote TAREEK-E-MUBARAKSAHI .

Lodi Dynasty
Founded by BAHLAL LODI

SIKANDAR LODI
Was the greatest
Shifted capital from Delhi to Agra .
In 1503 , he founded city Agra .
Punished Sant Kabirdas for preaching Hindu-Muslim unity .
He composed gazhal under his pen name Gul Rukhi

IBARAHIM LODI
He was last Sultan .
Killed by Babar in 1st Battle of Panipat 1526 .
1st Battle Of Panipat
b/w Babur and Ibrahim Lodi
Governer of Punjab , Daulat Khan invited Babur to invade .
Babur was descendant of both Taimur and Chengiz Khan
He was 1st to use artillery in north India , and it became reason for his victory .

REGIONAL KINGDOMS
BENGAL
Ruled by Iliyaz Shahi dynasty , with capital city Pondwa in Bengal
Allauddin Hussain Shah was greatest
Under influence of Bhakti reformer Chaitanya Prabhu , he declared himself as an avatar of
Lord Krishna .
Took title “Jagat Bhusan” and “Nrupati Tilak”

JAUNPUR
City Jaunpur was founded by Firoz Shah Tughlaq on banks of river Gomati .
Became independent in 1398 , under leadership of Malik Sawvar Khwaja Jahan . He took title
Shah-us-Sharq ( King of East )
Dynasty became popular as SHARQI DYNASTY
Hussain Shah was expert on Hindustani music , organised 1st conference at Jaunpur and
introduced form of Hindustani music : KHAYAL

MALWA
Ruled by Khilji Dynasty with capital Mandu , MP .
Mohammad Khilji was greatest .
Had various Battles with Bahadur Shah of Gujrat and Rana Kumbha of Mewar. He was
defeated by Rana Kumbha
IN 1564 , Akbar occupied Malwa .

GUJRAT
Ruled by Bahadur Shahi Dynasty with capital city Ahemdabad .
Sultan Ahmed Shah I founded city Ahemdabad
Mohammad Shah I or Mohammad Begara was greatest . He was 1st Indian to challenge the
Portuguese , but was defeated in battle of Diu in 1509 by Portuguese governer Francisco de
Almedia .
Akbar conquered Gujrat in 1572
MEWAR
Was ruled by Sisodia dynasty . Founded by Rana Hammir .
Rana Kumba built Kirti Stambh at Chittorgh by claiming victory against Mohammad Khilji of
Malwa .
Expert in dramma writing and wrote various commentaries on various scriptures.
Made various forts , including Kumbalgarh
Rana Sanga was greatest , but was defeated by Babar in Battle of Kanwa ( 1527 )
However fight against mughals continued under leadership of Uday Singh , Pratap singh and
Amar Singh
Rana Pratap Singh was defeated by Akbar in battle of haldighati 1576
Rana Amar Singh was defeated by Prince Khurram ( Shah Jahan )and Raja Maan Singh .
In 1612 , Mewar accepted Mughal soverignity for name sake .

MARWAR
Was ruled by Ghelot .
Rana Maldev was greatest .
Challenged Sher Shah , but was defeated in Battle of Klanjar ( 1545 )

KASHMIR
Ruled by Shahmir Dynasty .
King Sikandar founded a seperate dept. Sheikh-ul-Islam to promote Islam in Kashmir . For 1st
time , Kashmir became muslim majority .
Jain-ul-Abidin , known as Akbar of Kashmir, actual name was Shahi Khan .
Banned Slaughtering of cow .
Rennovated hindu temples .
Translated Mahabharat into Persian Appointed 2 poets : Srinara and Jonadeva to continue
Kalhan’s Rajtrangini
Akbar occupied Kashmir in 1585

VIJAYANAGRA EMPIRE (1336-1674)

Established in 1336 , on banks of river Tungabhadra at a place called Anegondi .
It was established by Harihara Rai and Bukka Rai . ( PYQ )

Background
They were Feudatories of Kakatiyas of Warangal under Pratap Rudra . In 1323 it was occupied
by Mohammad-bin-Tughlaq .
Later Harihara and Bukka were captured in Kampili ( modern Karnataka ) in jail and converted
to Islam .
They were released from jail and met Swami Vidyaranya who re-admitted them to Hinduism at
Veerupaksha Temple at Hampi .
Reason behind establishment of Vijayanagra Empire was to protect Hinduism from Islam and
found a Hindu Kingdom .
 Capital City : Hampi . UNESCO declared it as 2nd best open air tourist spot in the world .
Robert Sewell wrote FORGOTTEN EMPIRE .
Colonel Colin Mackenzi brought the ruins of Hampi to public attention in 1800

4 DYNASTIES
1.Sangama Dynasty ( 1336 - 1485 )
2.Sulva Dynasty ( 1485 - 1505 )
3.Tuluva Dynasty ( 1505 - 1570 )
4.Araveeti Dynasty ( 1570 - 1674 )

Sangama Dynasty
Founded by HariHara Raya and Bukka Raya
Harihara was 1st King , was defeated by Allaudin Hasan of Bahamani Empire . The main cause
of conflict was question of controlling RAICHUR DOAB , land b/w Krishna and Tungabhdra .

VEERA KAMPA RAYA

Bukkaraya’s son. Conquered Madurai in Tamil Nadu . His wife Ganga Devi wrote MADURA
VIJAYAM in Sanskrit .

DEVARAYA I
Constructed a dam on river Tungabhdra at Hampi .
According to PERISTA , a persian chronicler , Deveraya went to war with Sultan Tajjudin Firoz of
Bahamani Empire for sake of Nahal , a beautiful daughter of a blacksmith of Raichur .
DEVARAYA II
Greatest of Sangama Dynasty . Also called as Paruda Devaraya .
Expert in hunting elephants , got title Gaja Betakara .
Built Temple : Hazara Rama

1.Persian ambassador Abdur Razzaq and Italian traveller Nicholo Conti visited Hampi during
this time .
2.Abdur Razzaq was highly impressed by the fortifications as it encircled agricultutal lands and
forests as well .
3.Devraya II employed Muslims to train Cavalry , respected holy Quran and built a mosque at
Hampi .
4.He wrote : MAHA NATAKA SUDHANIDHI
5.Conducted literary council : MUTYALASALA
6.He gave title Emperor of Poets : Kavi Sarva Bhauma to Telgu poet SRINATH .

Saluva Dynasty
Founded by Saluva Narashima , the chief commander .
He patronised Tallapaka Annamacharya , who composed maximum number of Kirtans in
world literature .

Tuluva Dynasty
Founded by Tuluva Narasa

KRISHNA DEVARAYA
Greatest in history of Vijayanagra .
1.Restored Sultan Muhammad Shah to throne in Bedar , took title YAVANA RAJYA
SATHPNACHARYA .
2.His other titles were DAKSHIN DESHADEESHWAR , MURURAYA GANDA
3.In 1510 , signed a treaty with Albequerque . Portuguese to provide horses , saltpeter and train
Vijayanagra artilery in return of territory of Goa ( under Bijapuri sultan )
4.In 1520 , he captured Raichur Fort from Bijapuri Sultan Ismail Adil Khan in Battle of Raichur.
5.He wrote AMUKTA MALYADA , one of panch mahakavyas of Telugu literature . It deals with
statecraft . ( PYQ )
6.Portuguese traveller Domingo Paes visited during his time .
7.In Sanskrit he wrote JAMBAVATI PARINAYAM , USHA PARINAYAM , SATYAVADHU PARINAYAM ,
MADALASA CHARITRA , SAKALAKATHA SARAM .
8.Conducted literary assembly called Bhuvanuijayam , nd patronised ASTHADIGGAS . Greatest
of them was Allasani Peddana , who wrote MANU CHARITA
9.Because of his patronage of literature , Krishna Devaraya was called ANDHRABHOJA
10.He built PADMA MAHAL , VITTHALSWAMI TEMPLE in hampi .
Tallikota Battle , 1565 ( Rakasi Thangadi Battle / Bannihathi Battle )
This battle ended the glory of Vijayanagra empire
It was due to ‘ divide and rule’ policy of AliyaRamrai against Bahamani Sultans .
In this battle all 4 confideracies participated except Berar .
Aliya was killed and city Hampi was destroyed .

BAHAMANI EMPIRE
Founded in 1346

When chief tax collectors of Mohammad-bin-Tughlaq revolted under leadership of Ismail

Mukh at Devagirior Daulatabad .
He took the title Sultan Allaudin Hasan Bahaman Gangu . He was brought up a Brahmin
named Gangu
1st capital : GULBARGA
2nd capital : BIDAR

Mohammad Shah I
Called as 2nd Aristotle for his interest in natural sciences .

Ahmed Shah I
Shifted capital from Gulbarga to Bidar .
The native muslims were called Deccanis

Mohammad Shah III

Was greatest of Bahamani Empire .
Mohammad Gawan was his popular prime minister

1. He expanded Bahamani empire from 4 provinces to 8 known as TARAF

2. Revenue reforms of Gawan became the basis for Raja Todarmal’s revenue policy under Akbar
3. Was hanged at Kodapalli due to conspiracy of Deccanis .

BAHAMANI CONFIDERACY
Consisted of 4 states
Bijapur
Bidar
Berar
Ahmednagar

Golconda was last state that became independent in 1518 , before it , it was part of Bidar . With
Golconda , there became 5 states .
BIJAPUR
Ruled by Adil Shahi Dynasty .
Founded by Adil Khan .
Of the 5 ststea it was the straongest and largest .
Ibrahim Adil Shah was the greatest , known as JAGAT GURU for his secular outlook .
Conquered by Aurangzeb in 1656 , when Shah Jahan was ruler . Finally made part of Mughal
empire in 1686 by Aurangzeb

BIDAR
Ruled by Barid Shahi dynasty .
Founded by Khasim Barid .
Golconda was the part of Bidar .

BERAR
Ruled by Imad Shahi Dynasty .
Founded by Imad-ul-Mulk .
Was smallest and weakest .
Didn’t participate in Battle of Tallikota 1565 .
Finally became part of Bijapur .

AHMADNAGAR
Ruled by Nizam Shahi Dynasty .
Rani Chandbibi was the most popular women ruler of Ahmadnagar .
It was 1st state conquered by Mughals
In 1601 , Abul Fazal sent by Akbar defeated Chandbibi .

GOLCONDA
Ruled by Qutub Shahi Dynasty .
Founded by Quli Qutub Shah , popularly known as Bade Malik .
He built Charminar and Mcca Masjid in Hyderabad .
Abdul Hasan Tanisha , the last , defeated by Aurangzeb in 1687 , became last state to be
occupied by Mughals
 MUGHAL EMPIRE
Founded by BABUR , descendant of Genghis Khan and Taimur , who defeated Ibrahim Lodi in 1st
Battle of Panipat in 1526 .

BABUR
Actual name : Zahiruddin Mohammed
His ambition was to conquer Samarkhand , seat of Timur .
Battle of Kanwa ( 1527 ) : Babur defeated Rana Sanga
Battle of Chanderi ( 1528 ) : Babur defeated Medini Rai of Malwa .
Battle of Gogra ( 1529 ) : Babur defeated Mohd. Lodi , brother of Ibrahim Lodi and conquered
Bengal .
Babur wrote memoirs known as : TUZAK-I-BABARI or BABARNAMA . It was translated into
Persian by Abdur Rahim Khan .
He was follower of : NAQSHBANDHI SILSILAS .

HUMAYUN (1530 - 1555)

Humayun means ‘the most fortunate ‘ .
In 1537 , he conquered Gujrat .
Humayun defeated Sher Shah Suri in the BATTLE OF CHUNAR , 1539 .
Sher Shah defeated Humayun for 1st time in BATTLE OF CHAUSA , 1540 and for 2nd time in
BATTLE OF BILGRAM , 1540 .
Mughals lost Delhi in Battle of Bilgram .
In 1542 , Humayun took shelter in court of Rana Prasad of Amarkot .
Humayun defeated Sikandar Shah of Suri dynasty in BATTLE OF SIRHIND , 1555 and got back
Delhi .
He fall from from library at Dinpanah and died .
Humayun Nama was written by Gulbadan Begum ( daughter of babur )

SUR EMPIRE
SHER SHAH
Actual name was Farid .
He was Jagirdar of Sasaram , Khawaspur and Tanda .
Given title : Sher Shah by Bahar Khan Lohani who was ruler of Bihar .
He founded Sur Dynasty in Delhi after Humayun in Battle of Kanauj or Bilgram , 1540 .

REFORM :
Introduced a new revenue system called ‘Zabt system’ which became the basis of Raja Todar
Mal system of revenue collection .
1st to introduce : Ryotwari system .
Developed communication system like GT Road from Sonargram to Rohtasgarh , Agra to
Jodhpur , Jodhpur to Sasaram and Lahore to Multan .
Introduced most standard silver rupee Rupiya .
 Constructed Purana Quila in DELHI and his own tomb in Sasaram , only tomb surrounded by
Water
Orgainsed army : started paying soilders in cash , brandised horses . ( pyq )
Divided entire Kingdom into 47 SARKARS , which were divided PARGANAS . Shiqdar
maintained law and order in his Pragana . ( pyq )
Abbas Khan Sherwani wrote Tarikh-i-Shershahi on his adm .
He died in Battle of Kalinjar in 1545, defeating Rana Maldev

AKBAR (1556 - 1605)

2nd BATTLE OF PANIPAT , 1556 b/w Akbar and Hemu , a Hindu King .
After death of Humayun , Akbar was declared emperor of Hindustan in Sindh by Bairam Khan .
This procession was stopped by Hemu leading to 2nd Battle of Panipat .
Mughals got back delhi by killing Hemu in 2nd Battle of Panipat .
Upto 1562 , the government was called Purdah Government .
Fatehpur Sikri was made capital in 1571 , later shifted to Lahore in 1585 , which again shifted
to Agra in 1598

CONQUEST’S :
1. 1562 , Rani Durgavati of Gondwana defeated
2. 1564 , Baz Bahadur of Malwa defeated
3. 1570 , Dawood Khan of Bengal killed
4. 1572 , Muzaffar Shah of Gujrat defeated
5. 1585 , Md. Padshah of Kashmir defeated
6. 1600 , Rani Chandbibi of Ahmednagar defeated by Abul Fazal

RAJPUT POLICY :
1562 , Akbar went to visit Dargah of Muinuddin Chisti in Ajmer . State of Amber ruled by Raja
Bhar Mal offered submission and married his daughter to Akbar .
He sent a rajput contingent including his son Bhagwan Das and Man Singh along .
Akbar rajput policy was to pay regards to their sense of Honour and give them friendly
treatment in order to gain their love and services .
Amber , Bikaner and Jaisalmer : Voiuntarily offered submission .
Ranthambore , Merta : Offfered resistance but ultimately made settlement .
Mewar : Refused to compromise at any cost

BATTLE OF HALDIGHATI , 1576

Background : In 1568 , Akbar defeated Rana Uday Singh and captured his capital : Chittor .
In 1572 , Rana Pratap became the ruler of Mewar .
In 1576 , battle was fought b/w Maharana Pratap and Raja Man Singh of Amber , sent by Akbar
in a narrow defile in the Aravallis leading to Kumbhalgarh : Haldighati
RELIGIOUS POLICY :
Banned forced conversion
Pilgrim tax on Hindus was abolished .
Jizya tax : tax by non-muslims for their protection , was abolished .
Constructed Ibadatkhana at Fatehpur Sikri for religious discoursesand discussions .
Founded a new faith : DIN-I-ILAHI : Universal faith . Its main theme was Sul-i-Kul , meaning
peace and harmony . Bhagwan das openly criticised it .
Akbar issued a Farman in 1598 , permitting Cambay , Maharastra to build a CHURCH

After death of Aurangzeb , Amber revived itself . Undertook various social and administrative
reforms

JAHANGIR (1605 - 1628)

His nickname was : Sheikhu Baba
He hung the ‘bell of justice’ at the Agra Fort .
He executed his son : Khusrau and 5th Sikh Guru Arjun Dev for supporting khusrau .
Mehr-un-nisa begum was given title NOORJAHAN , also became popular as Padshah Begum
Muqurrab Khan , was a great physician who performed a surgery on Jahangir . Jahangir made
him a mansabdar .
Prince Khurram ( Shah jahan ) made Rana Amar Singh of Mewar accept Mughal suzeranity in
1615 .
He also conquered Ahmednagar in 1616 and was given title : Shah Jahan
In 1622 , Persians occupied Kandhar and mughals lost it forever .
Jahangir died at Lahore and was buried at Shahdra near Lahore

SHAH JAHAN (1628 - 1658)

His Deccan policy was successful , defeated Ahmadnagar and signed treaties with Bijapur and
Golconda .
Defeated Shivaji’s father : Shahji Bhonsle
In 1631 , Mumtaz died . In her memory Shah Jahan built Taj Mahal .
He was contemporary to Louis XIV of France .
In his reign , Peacock throne was made .
Travellers as Bernier : French , Travernier : French , Mandelslo : German , Peter Mundy :
English , Manucci : Italian (never returned) visited during his regin and left detailed accounts
Civil war broke out b/w his sons , Aurangzeb emerged victorious. He imprisoned Shah Jahan ,
where he died in 1665 .

AURANGZAEB
Took title ALAMGIR : world conquerer.
In 1669 , he ordered destruction of temples . Kashi Viswanath temple and Keshavraj Temple
were destructed .
Jijiya tax was reimposed .
The 9th Sikh Guru Tegh Bahadur was executed in 1679 , Sikhs revolted under leadership of
Guru Govind Singh .
Jats and Santamanis ( peasant tribe in Haryana ) revolted against harsh policies of Auragzeb
 Prince Akbar revolted aginst his father and took shelter under Marathas . Aurangzeb wanted
to conquer Deccan .
Marathas under Shivaji were a threat to Auragzeb . Shivaji was captured by Jai Singh and was
taken to Delhi , but Shivaji managed to escape
Shivaji continued Guerilla warefare against Aurangzeb , died at age of 53 in 1680 .
In 1689 , Aurangzeb killed Sambhaji , revolt continued under RajaRam , who was also defeated
but revolt couldn’t be suppressed .
In 1707 , he died and was buried in Aurangabad .

MUGHAL ADMINISTRATION
FARR-I-IZADI : there is a hierarchy through which divine light is transmitted to king who then
becomes a source of guidance to its subjects . It was the basis of Mughal Kingship
It was given by SUFI SHIHABUDDIN SUHRAWARDI

SOURCES :
1.Ain-i-Akbari and Akbarnama by Abul Fazal on Akbar’s adm .
2.Muntakhab-ut-Tawarikh by Mullah Badauni on Akbar’s religious policy .
3.Iqbalnama Jahangiri by Mutamad Khan on Jahangir’s adm .
4.Padshah Nama by Abdul Hamid lahori on Shah Jahan’s adm .
5.Muntakab-ul-Lubab by Khafi Khan on Aurangzeb’s adm .
6.Raqqat-i-Alamgiri , a collection of letters by Aurangzeb on his adm

Land revenue system of Akbar was called Bandonast System . It was improved by Raja Todar
Mal and was named Dahsala System .
Army as well as Nobility was organised through the Mansabdari system . Rank = Mansab .
Rank ranged from 10 to 5000 . Raja Man Singh and Mirza Aziz Koka were honoured with 7000
rank each .
JAGIRDARI SYSTEM : assigning revenue of a particular territory to nobles for their service to
state . Modified version of Iqta system
 MARATHA EMPIRE
Only state representing Marathas was Devgiri , ruled by Yadavs
In 1295 , Allauddin Khilji attacked Devgiri and with that Marathas lost their identity .
Presence of Islam in Maratha Kingdom created unrest .
Great maratha Bhakti movement started with the main Theme : Maratha Dharma
Its ultimate aim was SWARAJ : Will of people on their own land .

SHIVAJI (1627 - 1680)

Born at Shivner in 1627 .
Father : Shahji and mother : Jijiya Bai
Shivaji got Jagir Pune from his father
Shivaji was influenced by Malik Ambar , PM of Ahmadnagar . Ambar was 1st to introduce
Guirella Warfare and Council of 8 ministers : Astha Pradhans . Shivaji borrowed both from
Ambar .
Dadaji Khondev was tutor for Shivaji in Guirella warfare .
Guru Samardh Ramdas inspired Shivaji for Sawaraj .
Introduced Marathi in place of Persian .
Shivaji looted territories of Sultan of Bijapur and conquered the forts : Torna , Kondana ,
Mahuli and Mahud . Near Torna , he bui;lt the Fort Raigarh .
In 1656 , Javali was annexed
He killed AFAZAL KHAN , sent by Sultan of Bijapur .
Shivaji defeated Mughal armies of Shahistha Khan in 1663 .
In 1664 , he looted Surat , the richest city in India .
In 1665 , Shivaji was defeated by Raja Jai Singh of Amber . Purander Treaty was signed .
Shambaji joined as Mughal mansabdar .
In 1666 May , both visited Agra , but were imprisoned . They escaped from Jail and reached
Maratha Kingdom via Mathura , Varanasi , Prayag , Patna , Bhumneshwar and Telangana
In 1670 , due to mediation of Raja Jaswan Singh , Aurangzeb conferred title RAJA upon Shivaji.
In 1670 , Shivaji looted Surat for 2nd time , it lost its importance and Bombay rose to
prominence .
In 1674 , Shivaji performed his coronation and declared formation of Swaraj . Ceremony was
conducted by Gagabhatt ( priest ) .
In 1675 , Shivaji signed treaty with Sultan of Golconda , Hasan Tanashah . Forts : Jinji ,
Thiruvannamalai and Vellore .
In 1680 , Shivaji died of cancer

CHAUTH : 1/4th of land tax . It was collected from Marathas and non-Marathas outside Swaraj
. It was collected for Shivaji not attacking on his own
SARDESHMUKHI : 1/10th of annual income collected by Shivaji for protecting both Marathas
and non-Marathas from pausible threat of 3rd party
SAMBHAJI ( 1680 - 1689 ) :
1st son of Shivaji .
He gave shelter to Prince Akbar , who revolted against Aurangzeb .
He was captured by Mukarab Khan and killed . His wife and son , Sahu were sentr away as
prisoners .

RAJA RAM ( 1689 - 1700 ) :

Introduced a new office called Pratinidhi ( representative ) .
Council of 8 ministers called Asthapradhans became Navpradhans .
He was killed by Aurangzeb in 1700 and was burried at Satara

BHAKTI MOVEMENTS
Bhakti movement started from Tamil region as history dates back to Sangam period ,
prevalance of Hindu kings in this region
Jainism and Buddhism recieved patronage as Tamil epic SILAPPADIKARAM ( the song of the
anklet ) has Jain flavour and MANIMEGLAI ( The jewel Belt ) has flavour of Buddhism .

Degenration of hindus
Dominance of brahmins
Complex rituals and rites
Superstitions
Caste system
Untouchables and Chandals
Degraded position of women
SHANKARACHARYA
788 AD - 820 AD
Born at Kaladi ( Kerala )
Died at Kedarnath at age of 32 .
Started campaigns for revivalism of Hinduism , based on foundation of vedic philosophy and
ancient Indian tradition .
Founded 4 maths called Amnaya Peethams .
Joshimatha ( Uttrakhand )
Govardhana Matha ( Odisha )
Srinegri ( Karnataka )
Dwarka Math ( Gujrat )
Gave the philosophy of ADVAITA ( non-duality )
At deepest level of reality , no diff b/w individual soul ( atma ) and Brahman ( nirguna ) - They
are same . Brahman is ultimate reality . World is a illusion .
Worked on philosphy of Gaudapada ( teacher of Govinda , who was teacher of
Shankaracharya
Emphasised on GYAN - MARGA
Literary works : Upadesh Shastri, Vivek Chudamani, Bhajgovindam, commentaries on
Bhagvad Gita , Upnishads , Brahma Sutra
VEDANTA consists of Upnishads ( Uttar MImansa ) , Brahma Sutra and Bhagavad Geeta

RAMANUJACHARYA
Also called Ilaiya Perumal ( radiant one )
1017 - 1137
Born at Sriperumbudur ( near Chennai ) under Chola empire .
Gave VISHISTA ADVAITA-VADA , also called Qualified non-dualism or Qualified monoism .
Referred Brahman as Saguna ( Vishnu ) , and that Brahman create the world out of his own
self and world is real and part of Brahman . Atma is a part of Brahman and is inseprable from
Brahman . Atma and Brahman are not the same , atma is dervied from Brahman
Goal : spiritual growth and eventual union with Brahman . It can be done by Bhakti marga .
Literary works : Vedanta Sara, Vedartha Samgraha, Vedanta Dipa, commentaries on
Brahmasutra , Bhagvad Gita
STATUE OF EQUALITY 216 ft tall , at Hyderabad Inaugurated in 2022

MADHVACHARYA
1238 AD - 1317 AD
Born near Udupi ( Karnataka )
Gave DVAITA-VADA , that is Dualism
It states that Atma is not a part of Brahman and is seprate from Brahman . It states that
relation b/w Brahman and Atma is of a master and servant Individual soul is marked by many
defects , but with Bhakti - they can attain near perfection
It is also called TATTVA-VADA : arguments from a realist point of view .
Literary works : Bharata-tatparya-nirnaya (based on purans and epics ) : Commentaries on
Brahma Sutra , Upanishads
RAMANDA
Learnt Vishista Advait-vada .
Started his own cult : RAMAVATA ( Rama Cult ) : Ram and Sita are worshipped . Disciples were
called Ramanandis , had diverse background : prince , weaver , barber , farmer and even
women .
Adopted HINDI as medium of exchange
Focussed on Bhakti-marga
Literary works :
Gyan-lila , Yog-chintamani in Hindi
Ramacharna Paddhati , Vaishnav Mata Bhajabhaskra in Sanskrit

KABIR
Born at Varanasi .
He was illiterate .
1st reformer to preach Hindu-Muslim unity .
He was a student of Ramananda and sufi saint Pir Taqvi .
Was persecuted by Sikander Lodi for preaching Hindu-muslim unity .
Nirguna Bhakti saint .
Sayings of Kabira are popular as DOHAS . BIJAKS were compiled works of Dohas . They were
complied in Bhojpuri , Awadhi , Hindi language
Followers of Kabir are known as Kabirpanthis .
Verses can be classified as SAKHIS : Dohe
PADS : longer verses
His writings can be found in : KABIR GRATHWALI in Rajasthan
ADI GRANTH SAHIB
RAIDAS
Contemporary of Kabir
Was also illiterate and a Nirguna Bhakti saint .
Also known as Guru Ravidas .
Philosophy : Purity is not a gift of birth , but that of Bhakti which purifies heart . Didn’t believe
in social divisions based on caste or gender
Literary works : his various compositions are found in Panch Vani ( Dadu Panth ) and
AdiGranth Sahib

MEERABAI
Life of Meerabai is found in book : Bhaktamal by Nabhadas .
Was married to prince of Sisodia clan ( eldest son of Rana Sanga )
Shaguna bhakti saint .
Composed devotional poems : Bhajans , in passionate praise of Sri Krishna
Concluding years of her life were spent at Dwarka .
Mahatma Gandhi was highly influenced by Mirabai , used to inspire youth during freedom
struggle quoting her examples . ( used to call Sarojni Naidu ‘ Meerabai ‘ )

NARSINHA MEHTA
Dedicated his life to composing poetic works described as Bhakti towards Krishna
Known as Adi Kavi ( 1st poet ) of Gujarati language .
His Bhajan “vaishnav jan to” was Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite , and became popular among
freedom fighters .

VALLABHACHARYA
His life details are found in : Vallabh Digvijaya by Yadunath
Born in Varanasi .
His philosophy : SUDH ADVAITA ( pure non-dualism ) . It states that universe is manifestation
of Brahman . Both are not same , but 2 sides of same coin . Universe is an inseprable and
unchanged aspect of Brahman .
Founded PUSHTI MARG ( path of grace : path that teaches devotee how to offer selfless love
and devotion to SRINATH JI ( Krishna ) and not expect anything in return ) of Vaishnavism in
Braj region .
Literary work : SODASAGRANTHA , ANUBHASYA

SURDAS
His life details are found in : Chaurasi Vaishnav ki Vartha , Vallabh Digvijay
Born in Runkata district , Agra
Devotee of Krishna and Radha , wrote in Brajbhasa
Vallabhacharya was his guru .
Songs composed by him are found in his work : Sursagar in Brajbhasa .
TULSIDAS
Original name : Ram Bola Dube
Born in Brahmin family in UP
Saguna bhakti poet , worshipped God as RAMA .
He was contemporary of Surdas , Tansen and Akbar .
Belonged to Ramanandi sampradaya of Ramananda
Literary works : Geetawali
Kavitawali Ramcharitramanas ( Awadhi

DADU DAYAL
Was an adopted child in a Brahmin family in Ahemdabad .
Nirguna Bhakti saint .
His followers were called Dadupanthis and his ashrams were called Thambas .
He said that if devotion to God transcends religion and sect affiliation , and devotees become
non-sectarian : Nipakh
Promoted hindu-muslim unity .
Believed : Live life ethically and usefully
Dadu panthis didnot bury or cremate dead bodies . They took them to jungles for animals to
feed upon .
Literary works : Panch vani ( his collection of sacred sayings from diff religions )

KARNATAKA
SHIVAJI (1627 - 1680) Sharana Movement / Lingayat Movement
Led by Basvanna
This movement was against all forms of rituals and idol worship .
Details of life of Bhasvanna are found in his biography : Basavaraja Devara Ragale By
Harihara.
Established an institution Anubhava Mantapa : 1st religious Parliament of World . Men and
Women from all socio-economic backgrounds were allowed to discuss there spiritual life .
Basvanna started a new tradition called : Lingayat
Lingayats rejected theory of re-birth . Didn’t practice funeral crematory practices , instead
they were burried
Rejected social and gender discrimination .
Akkamahadevi was one of saint under Lingayat . She used to call Shiva as Chenna
Mallikarjuna.
Worshipped shiva in his manisfestation as LINGA , therefore known as Wearer of Linga (
lingayats )
VeerShaivas
They consider Lingayats to be part of their community , not vice versa
Believe in Vedas and knowledge transmitted by Panchacharyas
Philosophy : shakti vishistadvaitvada
Diff : Lingayats believe in formless bhakti , Whereas VeerShaivas belive in Worship of Shiv
Linga .
They believe in Caste system , Consider them to be Hindus

MAHARASTRA
Started in 13th C , Hindu revivalist movement

Bhakti movement is centered around Vitthoba/ Vitthal

Started by Jnaneshwar or Dhyaneshwar or Jnandeva in Pandharpur in Maharastra . Also
called VariKari movement .
His ABHANGS ( marathi devotional hymns ) were very famous
Earliest surviving works in Marathi written by
Jnaneshwar : Jnanesvari ( commentary on Bhagvad Gita )
Amritanubhav ( based on philosophy of Upnishads )
Haripatha ( bhakti poems )

NAMDEV
Tailor by caste , took to robbery , came in contact with Jnaneshwar .
Opposed caste system .
Literary works : his compositions can be found in Panchvani ( dadupanth tradition )
Guru granth sahib

SANT EKNATH
Belonged to 16th C , where Christian missionaries were popularising Christianity
Philosophy : Madhur bhakti ( sweet devotion )
Literary works
restored then-corrupted Marathi literature classics : Jnaneshwari
Translated various sanskrit texts into Marathi
Introduced a new form of Marathi religious song : Bharood

TUKARAM
Contemporary of Jahangir , Shah Jahan and Shivaji .
Opposed discrimination on basis of Caste , gender and religion , promoted hindu-muslim
unity
Famous for his Abhangs and Kirtans
Wrote Maratha Geeta ( commentary on Geeta
RAMDAS
Shivaji , and his mother JIjabai were his disciples
His work : Dasabodha ( treatise on Advait Vedanta ) in Marathi
Founded Samartha sect to revive spirituality in society .

Other imp saints were Chokamela ( untouchable ) and Sakubai ( women )

JAMMU & KASHMIR

New form of Shaivism called TRIKHA SHAIVISM ( influenced by Advaita philosophy of
Sankaracharya )
Lal Ded also called Lalleshwari was the prominent saint .
Born in Pandit family , was married early , husband treated her harshly , therefore left his
place and started roaming around and singing mystic poetry called Vatsun / Vakhs , which
means “ speech “
Vakhs sung by her were called LAL VAKHS , earliest of Kashmiri literature
Promoted peace and harmony
Vasugupta (attributed to Shiv Sutras) , founded Kashmir Shavisim

ASSAM
Led by SHANKAR DEVA
Belonged to Ahom region
Ahom ruler Suhungmung , was highly influenced by Shankardeva , changed his name to
Svarga Narayana .
Shankardeva played an imp role in spread of Vaishnavism in this area .
Philosophy : Ekasarana Nama Dharma ( supreme surrender to that one God ) . He surrendered
himself to Sri Krishna
Established associated institutional centres and monasteries called SATTRAS
Introduced Sattriya dance to propogate vaishnavism .
His teachings are often known as : Bhagvati dharma
His work : Kirtan Gosha in Brajvali language ( mix of Maithili and Assamese )
Bhakti Ratnakar in Sanskrit
After Shankardeva , Bhakti movement in Assam was led by MADHAVDEVA , his disciple
Established temples as schools of Dramma and Theatre
His works : Bhakti Ratnavali , Nama Ghosa
 BENGAL
Sahajiya cult : emphasized on devotion to a personal God in an emotional and personalised
manner . Sahajiya means : Those who follow easy path
Saints as Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and his followers played significant part in popularising this
philosophy

CHAITANYA MAHAPRABHU
Born in Brahmin family
Went to Gaya at age 22 , came back as changed man . Uttered the name “ Krishna Chaitanya “
His followers believed him to be incarnation of lord Vishnu
Also called GAURANGA MAHAPRABHU , SRI GAURANGA
Popularised musical gatherings : KIRTANS . ISKCON took inspiration .
Gave the philosophy : Achintya Bheda Abheda , i.e. Individual soul cannot be seprated from
Brahman , each individual soul ios diff and distinct from Brahman . This bheda and abheda
are beyond logic .
Literary work : SIKSASTAKAM

NORTH-WEST
GURU NANAK
Born at Talwandi .
Highly influenced by Kabir .
SACH AKHAND ( ultimate truth ) was the main theme of his teachings .
Preached universal brotherhood and Monotheism
Followers of Nanak were called SIKHS
 SUFI MOVEMENTS
Sufis were muslim saints / reformers , who sought to revive Islam from its decay .
They emerged in 8th C .
They were also called Darvesh , Wali and Fakir .
Sufis protested against the materialistic tendencies .
Would wear “ WOOLLEN “ clothes . Wool in Arabic is called Suf
 By 12th C , Sufis started organising themselves into SILSILAS ( Fraternities )
Popular silsilas in India
Chisti silsilah
Qadri Silsilah
Suhrawardi Silsilah
Naqshbandi Silsilah

In silsilas , PIR was the teacher and MURID were his disciples
Musical congregation : SAMA , was the religious music which led to ecstacy
Qawwali developed . Ghazal is also a form of Qawwali
Pilgrimage to tombs of Sufi saints : Ziyarat is a imp feature of Sufism

In 11th C , 2 sufi saints settled in India along with their disciples . They were
1.Shaikh Ali Hujwiri of Ghazana ( settled in Lahore )
2.Shaikh Safiuddin Gazruni ( settled in Uchh , South Punjab )

During 11th C , Punjab was captured by Mahmood of Ghazni .

This religious , cultural and linguistic interaction resulted in birth of a new Indian language
Urdu . This gave impetus to sufi poetry and sufi music .
In 12th C , the 4 silsilas entered India

CHISTI SILSILAH

Love of God = Love of Humanity

Service to God = Service to Humanity
Gave great spiritual value to Music ( vocal / instrumental )
Founder : KHWAJA ABU ISHAQ SHAMI CHIST . Chist : small town near Heerat , Afghanistan .
It was bought to India by Shaikh Muinuddin Chisti , settled in Lahore . Made a mystic centre at
Ajmer . Was tolerant and kind , known as Gharib Nawab .
He died in 1235 in Ajmer , his dargah is known as Ajmer Sharif Dargah
His biography was written by Jahanara Begum , daughter of Shah Jahan : MUNIS AL ARWAH
His disciple by Shaikh Qutubuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki . He moved to Delhi . Qutub Minar named
after him . His grave was laid in vicinity of Qutub Minar .
His disciple was Shaikh Fariduddin Masud . Also known as Baba Farid . Referred as Gani-i-
Shakar : Treasure of Sugar . Was against association with rich and ruling class . Was a great
humanist .
Shaikh Nizamuddin Aulia , also referred as Mahbub-e-Ilahi : Beloved of God . He made his HQ
in Delhi . Adopted yogic breathing exercies and practiced Celibacy .
Amir Khusrau was his disciple . Known as Parrot of India , Father of qawwali and
introducedGhazal style in India .
Shaikh Nasiruddin Chirag , real name Nasiruddin Mahmud . His followers called him “ Chirag-i-
Dehlvai “ : illuminated lamp of Delhi After his death , his tomb was built by Firoz Shah Tughlaq
. A loacality grew around the tomb , came to be known as Chirag delhi .
Shaikh Salim Chisti , descendant of Baba Farid , lived as ordinary householder in Sikri . Akbar
was attracted towards Salim Chisti . Akbar built his capital at SIKRI from Agra . After the death
of Salim Chisti , his body was buried in Jama Masijd present in Fatehpur Sikr