Medieval Indian History

Ramanuja was associated with the Vishishtadvaita philosophy. Remembering philosophy with saints is useful.

Amir Khusrau was connected with several sultans and became especially famous in Alauddin Khalji's court. Remember him with literature and music.

Alai Darwaza was built by Alauddin Khalji. It is an important architectural work of the Delhi Sultanate.

The Dahsala system is linked with Akbar's revenue reforms. It is also remembered with Todar Mal's contribution.

Todar Mal was associated with Akbar's revenue reforms. His name is especially asked in land revenue questions.

Balban emphasized royal dignity and strict court discipline. Study him with strong central authority.

In the iqta system officials were assigned revenue areas. It was an important part of Sultanate administration.

Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra is located in Ajmer. It is an important monument of Sultanate architecture.

Tughlaqabad Fort is associated with Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq. Remember monuments with their builders.

Under Akbar the suba was the largest provincial unit. The order of administrative units is important for exams.

Jahangir is famous for the chain of justice. Study it with his image as a justice loving ruler.

The Peacock Throne is associated with Shah Jahan's grandeur. Remember Shah Jahan for architecture and royal splendor.

Aurangzeb took the title Alamgir. Titles of Mughal rulers are directly asked in exams.

The Adi Granth was compiled in 1604 CE by Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Sikh Guru. It included the hymns of Sikh Gurus as well as compositions of several saints and bhaktas. Guru Gobind Singh later bestowed final spiritual authority on the Guru Granth Sahib; he was not the original compiler of the Adi Granth. Exam tip: Associate the compilation of the Adi Granth with Guru Arjan Dev.

Madhvacharya was the leading exponent of Dvaita philosophy. Dvaita regards the individual soul and Brahman as distinct and real. Advaita is associated with Shankaracharya, while Vishishtadvaita is associated with Ramanujacharya. Exam tip: Remember the matching—Shankaracharya–Advaita, Ramanujacharya–Vishishtadvaita, and Madhvacharya–Dvaita.

Ramananda is considered a major saint of Rama devotion. His contribution is important in the North Indian Bhakti movement.

Vasco da Gama reached Calicut in 1498. It was an important step in sea contact between India and Europe.

Sikandar Lodi founded the city of Agra. Remember cities and events connected with the Lodi dynasty carefully.

Muhammad bin Qasim conquered Sindh in 712 CE. This event is important for understanding the beginning of medieval Indian history.

Prithviraj Chauhan was a famous ruler of the Chauhan dynasty. Remember Rajput dynasties with their major rulers.