Medieval Indian History

Ravidas and Kabir are placed among reformist Bhakti saints of North India. Both emphasized social equality.

In Kitab-ul-Hind Al-Biruni studied Indian society and knowledge traditions. Travellers' accounts are sources of history.

Ibn Battuta's travel account is called Rihla. The traveller and text pair is asked in exams.

Marco Polo is associated with travel to South India. Remember regional accounts of foreign travellers.

Sikandar Lodi introduced Gaz-i-Sikandari for land measurement. Remember measurement and tax terms in administrative reforms.

The Vijay Stambha was built by Rana Kumbha. Remember Rajput monuments with their builder and location.

Jaunpur was called Shiraz-i-Hind because of its learning and culture. Remember nicknames of regional cultural centres.

Mandu was the major capital of the Malwa Sultanate. Remember regional sultanates with their capitals.

Prithviraj Raso is associated with Chand Bardai. Remember medieval texts with their authors.

The Khalji dynasty came after the Slave dynasty. The sequence of Sultanate dynasties is necessary for exams.

The Khalji change altered the noble politics of the Sultanate. Study it not only as a dynastic change but also as a social power shift.

Alauddin Khalji strengthened revenue control in the Doab region. Both land revenue and market policy are important in his reforms.

The tax increase in the Doab burdened peasants and caused discontent. Understanding the results of Tughlaq's schemes is necessary.

Firoz Shah Tughlaq enforced jizya strictly and did not exempt Brahmins. Study facts related to religious policies carefully.

In 1451 CE, Alam Shah, the last Sayyid ruler, handed power to Bahlul Lodi, beginning the Lodi dynasty. The Lodis were the last dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate; Mughal rule began later in 1526 CE under Babur. Exam tip: Remember the final two Delhi Sultanate dynasties in order: Sayyid–Lodi.

The Lodi dynasty was of Afghan origin. The ethnic and political background of Sultanate dynasties is also asked in exams.

Sikandar Lodi made some agricultural reforms and focused on grain. Do not limit Lodi administration only to the final battle.

Babur used methods such as tulughma and araba. Military technique and organization were both important in his success.

Babur wrote his autobiography, the ‘Baburnama’, originally in Chagatai Turkish. It was translated into Persian later, so Persian was not the language of the original work. Exam tip: Remember Chagatai Turkish with the Baburnama.

Humayun died after falling from the stairs of his library. Special facts about rulers are often asked.