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‘Indian medieval history’ can also be referred to as the Postclassical Era that basically lasted from the 8th to the 18th century CE. Moreover, it can be stated that the early medieval period of Indian history started from the 8th and lasted up to the 13th century as well as the late medieval period lasted till the 18th century and is known to have begun from 13th century onwards. Furthermore, it can be said that this period is one of the most quintessential periods of the history of India on account of the improvements in several fields like languages as well as art, religion, and so many others that took place during this period. On the other hand, there were several wars that happened among regional kingdoms from the south as well as north India during early medieval Indian history. It can be said that there were a huge number of Muslim incursions by Afghans as well as Mughals and many others that took place during the late medieval Indian history.
The Medieval Period of Indian History
The medieval period in Indian history can be considered the most important period that witnessed several battles among the regional kingdoms as well as a huge number of Muslim incursions. On the other hand, a huge improvement in the field of art as well as culture, religion, and many others took place during the medieval period of Indian history. Moreover, it can be stated that this period has vouched for the influence of other religions on the culture of India. This medieval period of Indian history lasted up to the 18th century CE by beginning from the 8th century. Moreover, it has been believed by the author Upinder Singh that The Mughal Empire is the end of the medieval period of the history of India.
Figure: Indian Map during the Medieval Period
(Source: Tutorialspoint.com, 2022)
Main Empires and Incidents in the Medieval Period of the Indian History
The medieval period of Indian history is nothing but the period that is liable to cover the centuries between the finish of the major ancient states as well as the emergence of the huge Mughal Empire. The main empires in this period of Indian history are listed below.
Rajput Kingdoms After the death of Harsha Vardhan as well as the adjournment of the Pratihara Empire, the Rajput Kingdom emerged. They basically came in the 7th century AD and belonged to the patrilineal clans of the subcontinent of India. Moreover, they were found to rule over several places of India such as Jammu, Uttar Pradesh, as well as Madhya Pradesh and so many others. Upinder Singh glorified the valiant attitude of the Rajputs and attributed the medieval times as the witness to the most tumultuous valor of Indian history.
The Turkish Attack: This is covering the period from the year 1000 to 1206 AD. Moreover, during this period, North India was attacked by Mahmud of Ghazni. The rule of the Sultan of Dehli is found to raise Prithviraj Chauhan in the battle of Tarain, vanquished Ghuri, but in the second war, was vanquished by Ghuri.
The Slave Dynasty: This is covering the period from the year 1206 to 1290 AD. Ghuri was found to hand over the control of his kingdom to Aibak, who was the slave of Ghuri. Moreover, Aibak established Slave Dynasty after breaking his connections with Ghazni. On the other hand, Iltutmish succeeded Aibak as well and during this period the Qutub Minar was built by Iltutmish. Moreover, it can be stated that Delhi became the capital of India in this period.
The Khiljis cover the period from the year 1290 to 1320 AD. Jalaluddin Khilji took the control of Delhi Sultanate; later Alauddin Khilji took over this position as well as mostly found to rule South India.
The Tughlaqs cover the period from 1320 to 1412 AD. Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq was responsible for fetching Tughlaqs into power.
The sayyids and Lodi sultans This is covering the period from 1414 to 1526 AD. The Sayyid Dynasty ruled the Delhi Sultanate for a short period of time and was taken over by the Lodi dynasty. The capital of India was moved from Delhi to Agra by the Lodi Dynasty.
Chola Empire This is one of the most powerful empires in South India that is found to rule from Tamil Nadu and later expand to Southeast Asian nations from the 9th to the 13th century.
The Mughal Empire This is covering the periods from 11526 to 1857 AD. The Sultans of Delhi were replaced by the Mughals. Zahir-ud-din Muhammad Babur has been reputed as the founder of the Mughal dynasty.
The Great Marathas This is covering the period from 1674 to 1819 AD. Mughal Rule over most of the Indian subcontinent was ended by the Marathas.
Conclusion
Taking everything into consideration it can be said that the whole discussion on medieval Indian history has successfully presented a clear understanding of the emergence of several empires as well as the occurrence of different incidents in this period. Moreover, why the medieval period of Indian history is important has also been mentioned in this discussion.
