Medieval Indian History

Sambhaji was the son and successor of Shivaji. For exams, remember the Maratha succession sequence.

Sawai Jai Singh II built Jantar Mantar observatories. For exams, connect him with astronomy and Jaipur.

Jaipur was founded by Sawai Jai Singh II. For exams, remember it as a planned city.

The Ahom kingdom was powerful in Assam. For exams, connect it with the history of north-eastern India.

The Battle of Saraighat is linked with Assam and Ahom resistance. For exams, remember it in the context of Mughal expansion.

Lachit Borphukan was a famous commander of the Ahom army. For exams, connect him with the Battle of Saraighat.

Maharana Pratap was the ruler of Mewar. For exams, connect him with Haldighati and Rajput resistance.

Chetak is famous as Maharana Pratap's horse. For exams, remember it with the Haldighati episode.

Rani Durgavati was a brave ruler of Gondwana. For exams, connect her with the history of central India.

Chand Bibi was famous for defending Ahmadnagar. For exams, note women leaders of the Deccan.

Rani Abbakka is remembered for resisting the Portuguese in coastal Karnataka. For exams, also study regional resistances.

Vasco da Gama reached Calicut in (1498) CE. For exams, connect it with the beginning of European sea contact.

Vasco da Gama reached Calicut (present-day Kozhikode) on India’s western coast in 1498. Calicut lay on the Malabar Coast, and his arrival opened a new sea route for European trade with India. Surat became an important English trading centre later, so it is not the correct answer. Exam tip: Remember Vasco da Gama—1498—Calicut—Malabar Coast together.

The ruler of Calicut was called the Zamorin. For exams, remember Portuguese arrival and the Zamorin together.

In 1510 CE, the Portuguese captured Goa under Afonso de Albuquerque and developed it as their principal centre for administration, trade, and naval activity in India. Cochin was an important early Portuguese trading post, but Goa became their main centre. Exam tip: remember the link Goa—1510—Albuquerque.

Albuquerque was a Portuguese administrator who captured Goa. For exams, connect him with Portuguese power in India.

Pulicat was a major centre of Dutch trade. For exams, remember centres of European companies.

The English East India Company was founded in (1600) CE. For exams, connect it with European trading companies.

The English factory at Surat was established during Jahangir's reign. For exams, study Sir Thomas Roe and English trade together.

The French East India Company was founded in the seventeenth century. For exams, remember the chronology of European companies.