Medieval Indian History

Peshwa was the chief minister in Ashtapradhan. For exams, remember Ashtapradhan posts with functions.

Amatya was a post related to finance and accounts. For exams, remember duties of Maratha administrative posts.

Senapati was the military chief in Shivaji's Ashtapradhan council. His main responsibility was to lead the army and supervise military affairs. Revenue accounts were associated with the Amatya, while state correspondence was handled by the Sachiv. Exam tip: Remember Ashtapradhan posts by linking each one with its main department—army, finance, justice, or correspondence.

Krishnadeva Raya was the great ruler of the Tuluva dynasty. For exams, connect him with the golden age of Vijayanagara.

In the Nayaka system local military chiefs had an important role. For exams, connect it with Vijayanagara administration.

Hazara Rama Temple is associated with the Hampi site of Vijayanagara. For exams, also remember it for Ramayana scenes.

The Battle of Talikota was fought in (1565) CE. For exams, connect it with the decline of Vijayanagara.

After the Bahmani Sultanate five major Deccan Sultanates emerged. For exams, remember Bijapur Golconda Ahmadnagar Bidar and Berar.

Ahmadnagar was associated with the Nizam Shahi Sultanate. For exams, remember capitals of Deccan Sultanates.

Bidar was associated with the Barid Shahi Sultanate. For exams, remember the five Deccan Sultanates separately.

Berar was associated with the Imad Shahi Sultanate, founded by Fathullah Imad-ul-Mulk. The Adil Shahis ruled from Bijapur, while the Qutb Shahis were associated with Golconda, so they are incorrect here. Exam tip: memorise the Deccan Sultanates along with their main regions—Berar, Bijapur, Golconda, and Ahmadnagar.

Nirguna saints believed in a formless God. For exams, connect Kabir and Guru Nanak with this tradition.

Saguna Bhakti focused on devotion to personal forms like Rama or Krishna. For exams, remember Tulsidas and Mirabai.

Raidas was a Bhakti saint who emphasized equality. For exams, study him with Nirguna saints.

Padmavat is the famous work of Malik Muhammad Jayasi. For exams, connect it with Awadhi Sufi poetic tradition.

Gita Govinda is a celebrated work by the 12th-century Sanskrit poet Jayadeva. It poetically portrays the love of Radha and Krishna and Krishna devotion. Kabir belonged to the nirguna bhakti tradition, so he was not its author. Exam tip: remember Gita Govinda with Jayadeva and Radha-Krishna devotion.

Sama was linked with Sufi spiritual music and listening. For exams, remember forms of Sufi practice.

The shrine of Ali Hujwiri is associated with Lahore. For exams, match Sufi saints with their centres.

Firishta was a famous historian for Deccan and medieval history. For exams, remember Deccan sources separately.

Persian remained important in Sultanate and Mughal administration. For exams, connect language with governance and culture.