Landmarks of Ancient and Medieval India

Medieval Indian History

Medieval India is the period that covers a long period of the history of India. It is also known as Medieval Indian history. It is the time frame between the ancient and modern periods of India. Medieval Indian history indicates the time frame between the end Gupta Empire, which was in the 6th century AD, and the beginning of the Mughal Empire, which was in 1526. 

Many historical events took place in the medieval period of India. The entire medieval period of India is divided into different periods of years. If we compare India’s ancient and medieval history, there are a lot of differences. Many people have different definitions of medieval India, depending on their perspectives.

Medieval Indian Periods 

Indian history is broadly divided into three ages: Ancient India, Medieval India and Modern India. Medieval India is the second one of the three. It is considered very significant in terms of change in thoughts and lifestyle. Individualistic thinking was condemned, and also the authority of the Pope and Church had increased considerably.

A replacement, known as the Indo-Islamic sort, was introduced in terms of art forms. The kings of that point let music flourish resulting in the emergence and development of Instrumental music. 

Amir Khusrau, Baz Bahadur, and his wife Rupamathi were a number of the prominent names of that era as far as music is concerned. 

Religion was given the utmost importance, and therefore the teachings were followed blindly. 

The cultural battles between the Christians and the Muslims called the Crusades had a very different impact, and they changed the track of European History. 

Early Medieval Period

Believed to have started in the late 5th, possibly at the beginning of the 6th century and lasting until the 10th century, historians believe that the Early Medieval Age was the period of the Dark Ages. There occurred a population drop in Early Medieval India. This age saw regional and political progress. A lot of dynasties and empires were formed during this period.

Late Medieval Era

This era began in the 13th century and prevailed until the 16th century, which marked the downfall of the Mughal Dynasty. It led to the development of the Delhi Sultanate and also Indo-Islamic architecture. A few dynasties, kingdoms, and empires were formed in this era.

Other Prominent Kingdoms

During the late medieval Indian history, some other significant kingdoms were developed, like Vijayanagara Empire, which originated in 1336 and lasted till 1646. It was a Hindu-Kannadiga empire based in Karnataka, present in the Deccan Plateau. Apart from it, Gajapati Empire was also formed, which was a Hindu dynasty that at one point ruled Kalinga, which is now Odisha.

Northeast India

Mahamud Of Ghazni ruled the North-eastern part of India. Another Sultan, Muiz-Ud-Din Muhammad of Ghur, had a stronghold on this part of ancient India. Lastly, Qutb-Ud-Din Aibak has also governed this area. 

Early Modern Era

The beginning of the Mughal Empire in 1526 marked the beginning of an early modern era of medieval Indian history. The empires, kingdoms, and dynasties that were present in this era are:

• Mughal Empire
• Maratha Empire
• The Kingdom of Mysore
• Nayak dynasty of Kannada
• The Kingdom of Bharatpur
• Sikh Empire

This age saw an advent in technology and changes in human behaviour. An economic theory of mercantilism also emerged as a greater power. 

Ancient And Medieval India

Ancient and medieval India are the two famous periods of the entire Indian history. During both times, many empires, kingdoms, dynasties, and other rulers were formed in India. The ancient period is the period of Indian history before the medieval period. So, when the old Indian period ended, medieval Indian history started. In old India, the following countries were a part of it:

• Afghanistan
• Sri Lanka
• Bangladesh
• Bhutan
• Myanmar
• India
• Nepal 
• Pakistan

History Of Ancient And Early Medieval India

The timeline of ancient medieval India is as follows:

1. c.2800 BCE- This time was the beginning of the Indus Valley civilisation
2. c.1700 BCE- During this time, the Indus Valley civilisation ended.
3. c.1500 BCE-  This began the infiltration of the Aryan tribes from central Asia to Northern India
4. c. 800 BCE- This time spread the iron and alphabetic writing used from the Middle East to Northern India 
5. c. 500 BCE- In this time, Jainism and Buddhism religions were founded
6. 327 BCE- In this time, Indus Vallyer was conquered by Alexander the Great. It also leads to the conquering of the Indus Valley from Alexander to king Chandragupta Maurya 
7. 232 BCE- This was the time when Asoka died. It was also the time when the Mauryan empire declined
8. c. 150 CE- In this time, the Scythians known as Saka entered the northwest side of India
9. c. 150 CE- In this time, the rise of the Kushana empire took place
10. c. 300 CE- This was the time when finally the Gupta empire started to dominate Northern India
11. c. 500 CE- This was the end of ancient India, as this was the time when the Gupta empire was in decline

When Gupta Empire collapsed towards the end of Classical India or Ancient India, early medieval Indian history started. This period started the formation of various dynasties, kingdoms, and empires throughout India.

Culture in Ancient India

India has a vast history in terms of rich culture. India is often referred to as the land of unity in diversity. The reason why is that even in ancient India, there were civilisations such as the Mauryan, Indus valley, and even the Guptas. It has provided us with a great heritage to be proud of indeed.  

Frequently Asked Questions

• Which is a medieval town in India?

Medieval towns are also called Castle Towns. Some of the prime cities of the medieval area were Surat, Hampi and Masulipattanam. 

• Give years of early and late medieval India.

The early Medieval Period saw its rise in 476 AD, ending towards 1000 AD. 

• What is Historiography?

Historiography is an academic science that aims at writing history based on an analytical examination of the sources and facts, which are later compiled into a proper and reliable narrative. 

• What are the main features of medieval India?

The period of Medieval India saw a significant rise in culture, music, art forms and all recreational activities. But, simultaneously, it also experienced a lot of migrations of people. 

• State significant economic development in medieval India.

Some of the significant economic development during medieval Indian history includes trade, agriculture and capital flourished a lot.