Medieval Indian History

Tulughma arranged troops to surround the enemy from the flanks. It was important in Babur's battle strategy.

Humayun founded Dinpanah in Delhi around 1533 CE; it is associated with the area of the present Purana Qila complex. Shahjahanabad was founded by Shah Jahan, while Tughlaqabad is linked with Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq and Siri with Alauddin Khalji. Exam tip: Memorise major Delhi cities together with their founders.

Humayun received help from Safavid ruler Shah Tahmasp. Study Humayun's exile and return together.

Sher Shah Suri standardized the silver coin called rupiya. His contribution to currency history is important.

Sher Shah used units such as sarkar in administration. His system also influenced later Mughal administration.

Akbar abolished the pilgrimage tax in 1563. This was an early sign of his tolerant religious policy.

The zabti system was linked with land revenue assessment. It is considered important in Akbar's revenue reforms.

The status of a mansabdar was decided by zat and sawar ranks. Understanding both terms is necessary in the mansabdari system.

Buland Darwaza was built to commemorate Akbar's Gujarat victory. Remember the event behind monuments too.

Birbal’s real name was Mahesh Das. He was a noted scholar, poet and adviser in the court of Mughal emperor Akbar, and is counted among Akbar’s Navratnas. Ramdas, Haridas and Krishnadas were not Birbal’s real name. Exam tip: Learn the names and titles of Akbar’s Navratnas together.

Abdur Rahim Khan-i-Khanan was among the major Navratnas of Akbar's court. He is linked with both literature and administration.

Jahangir was interested in naturalistic and fine painting. Study the development of Mughal art with rulers.

Ustad Mansur was a famous painter of Jahangir's time. He is especially known for naturalistic paintings.

The tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah is located in Agra. In Mughal architecture it is linked with marble and inlay work.

Padshahnama is an important text of Shah Jahan's reign. Remember Mughal sources with rulers.

In 1686 CE, Aurangzeb annexed the Bijapur Sultanate, ruled by the Adil Shahis, into the Mughal Empire. Golconda is the closest distractor because it was conquered in the following year, 1687 CE. Exam tip: remember the sequence—Bijapur in 1686, followed by Golconda in 1687.

Aurangzeb annexed the Qutb Shahi kingdom of Golconda to the Mughal Empire in 1687. After the conquest of Bijapur in 1686, Golconda became the next major Mughal target in the Deccan. 1707 was the year of Aurangzeb’s death, not the annexation of Golconda. Exam tip: Remember the sequence—Bijapur (1686), Golconda (1687).

In the jagir system officials received revenue areas instead of salary. In Mughal administration it was linked with mansabdari.

In the nayaka system local military and administrative powers were assigned. It is important for understanding Vijayanagara administration.

The Vitthala Temple at Hampi is a famous example of Vijayanagara architecture. Remember temples with their sites.