Medieval Indian History

Sher Shah Suri developed the Grand Trunk Road. His contribution to administration and communication is important.

Sher Shah's system emphasized land measurement and revenue reforms. His administrative reforms are often asked in exams.

Akbar was crowned at Kalanaur in Punjab. This place is important in early Mughal events.

Akbar introduced the syncretic idea called Din-i-Ilahi. Study it with his policy of religious tolerance.

Ain-i-Akbari was written by Abul Fazl as part of Akbarnama. The author and text connection is important for exams.

The mansabdari system assigned military and administrative ranks to officials. It was a major part of Akbar's administration.

Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri is Jahangir’s autobiography and records events of his reign, administration, and personal observations. Baburnama is Babur’s autobiography, whereas Padshahnama is mainly associated with Shah Jahan’s reign. Exam tip: Memorise important Mughal texts by linking each work to its ruler.

The Red Fort in Delhi was built by Shah Jahan. His reign is considered a golden age of Mughal architecture.

Aurangzeb reimposed the jizya tax. This fact is important in questions about his religious policies.

Mughal painting received court patronage under Akbar. Akbar is important in art related questions.

Sher Shah Suri defeated Humayun and established Sur rule. This conflict caused Humayun's exile.

Amuktamalyada is a Telugu work of Krishnadevaraya. The text and ruler pair is useful for exams.

Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah founded the Bahmani Kingdom. It was an important Muslim state of the Deccan.

Mahmud Gawan was an able minister of the Bahmani Kingdom. He is remembered for administrative reforms and support to education.

Guru Nanak is considered the founder of Sikhism. His teachings were based on equality and the oneness of God.

Nizamuddin Auliya was a famous Sufi saint of the Chishti order. The Chishti tradition is very important among Sufi orders.

Mirabai was a major saint poet of Krishna devotion. Her name is often asked among Bhakti poets.

The Alvar and Nayanar saints were associated with the Tamil region of South India. Remember them as early streams of the Bhakti movement.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was associated with Krishna devotion and sankirtan. He is important in the Bhakti history of Bengal and Odisha.

The main aim of Mahmud of Ghazni's invasions was wealth and plunder. He did not establish a permanent empire in India.