Medieval Indian History

In the later Maratha period the Peshwas became very powerful. For exams, remember Shahu and Baji Rao I.

In the Battle of Saraighat (1671), the Ahom army under Lachit Borphukan defeated the Mughal forces on the Brahmaputra River. The victory effectively checked Mughal expansion into Assam. The rise of the Marathas, the founding of the Tughlaq dynasty, and the Portuguese capture of Goa were unrelated events from different periods. Exam tip: Associate Saraighat with Lachit Borphukan and the Ahom–Mughal conflict.

Maharana Pratap is seen as a symbol of Mewar's independence. For exams, remember Haldighati.

Rani Durgavati showed bravery in defending Gondwana. For exams, remember regional women rulers.

His arrival at Calicut began a new phase of European maritime trade. For exams, remember (1498) CE.

Cartaz was a tool of Portuguese control over maritime trade. For exams, understand European maritime policy.

Surat gave English trade a base in western India. For exams, remember Jahangir's period and English trade.

Al-Biruni gave an analytical view of Indian society and knowledge. For exams, remember him as a foreign source.

Ibn Battuta described India during the Tughlaq period. For exams, match traveller with ruler.

Persian texts are major sources for Sultanate and Mughal history. For exams, remember authors and texts together.

Qutbuddin Aibak founded the Slave dynasty in Delhi. In exams he is treated as the early founder of the Delhi Sultanate.

Iltutmish systematized the silver tanka and copper jital. This is important for currency based questions.

Qutbuddin Aibak started the Slave dynasty. Remembering dynasties with founders helps in exams.

Alauddin Khalji controlled market prices to manage military expenses. Market reform is a key part of his administration.

Muhammad bin Tughlaq tried to shift the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad. It is one of his famous experiments.

Firoz Shah Tughlaq emphasized canals and public works. Remember him in the context of welfare activities.

Ibn Battuta was connected with the court of Muhammad bin Tughlaq. Traveller and ruler pairs are often asked in exams.

Chahalgani was a group of powerful Turkish nobles of Iltutmish. Link it with Sultanate politics.

Bahlul Lodi founded the Lodi dynasty after gaining control of Delhi in 1451 CE. Ibrahim Lodi was the last ruler of this dynasty, while Sikandar Lodi succeeded Bahlul Lodi. Exam tip: Remember that the Lodi dynasty was the final dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate.

Babur's autobiography is known as Tuzuk-i-Baburi, also called the Baburnama. It contains his account of his life, campaigns, and the conditions of his time. Ain-i-Akbari and Akbarnama are associated with Abul Fazl, whereas Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri is Jahangir's autobiography. Exam tip: Remember Mughal autobiographies together with their authors.