Medieval Indian History

Sher Shah Suri died in 1545 CE, and his son Islam Shah, also known as Salim Shah, succeeded him as ruler of the Sur dynasty. He ruled until 1554 CE. Humayun was a Mughal ruler, while Hemu later served as a leading general and administrator under Adil Shah Suri. Exam tip: Remember Islam Shah as Sher Shah Suri’s immediate successor.

In the Second Battle of Panipat Akbar's side was led by Bairam Khan. It was a major battle of Akbar's early reign.

Hemu took the title Vikramaditya after occupying Delhi. This event is important before the Second Battle of Panipat.

The conquest of Gujarat gave Akbar control over trade centres such as Surat. Understand Mughal expansion through economic reasons too.

Akbarnama is generally considered to have three main parts and Ain-i-Akbari is its third part. Remember the structure of texts.

Raja Bharmal was the ruler of Amer and was linked with Akbar's Rajput policy. Rajput relations became a strong base of Akbar's policy.

Jahangir was born as Prince Salim, the son of Akbar. When he ascended the throne in 1605 CE, he adopted the imperial title Nur-ud-din Muhammad Jahangir. Khurram was Jahangir's son, who later became Shah Jahan. Exam tip: Learn Mughal rulers’ birth names separately from their royal titles.

Shah Jahan's birth name was Khurram. Mughal names and titles are directly asked in exams.

Mumtaz Mahal's original name was Arjumand Banu Begum. Real names of Mughal women are also important.

The Moti Masjid in the Red Fort is associated with Aurangzeb. Remember Mughal monuments with location and builder.

Mansab meant rank or position. In the mansabdari system an officer's status was decided by it.

The shiqdar was an officer connected with administration and order at pargana level. Remember Mughal units with posts.

An amin was connected with land measurement and revenue assessment. Remember revenue administration posts with their functions.

Gaur was a major centre of the Bengal Sultanate. Remember regional sultanates with their capitals.

Ahmad Shah I founded the city of Ahmedabad. Remember cities connected with the Gujarat Sultanate.

Hoshang Shah’s tomb is located at Mandu in present-day Madhya Pradesh. It is a major monument of the Malwa Sultanate, noted for its marble construction and dome. Delhi, Ajmer and Hampi are important historical centres, but none is the site of this tomb. Exam tip: Remember Mandu along with major Malwa monuments such as Jahaz Mahal and Hindola Mahal.

The Jama Masjid of Ahmedabad is linked with the architectural tradition of the Gujarat Sultanate. Remember regional monuments with their states.

Atala Masjid is a major Sharqi-period monument in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh. It was completed under the patronage of the Sharqi rulers and is associated with Jaunpur’s distinctive architectural tradition. Bijapur and Gulbarga were other Deccan sultanate centres, while Delhi is linked with different Sultanate monuments. Exam tip: Remember Jaunpur with the Sharqi Sultanate and Atala Masjid.

Kumbhalgarh Fort is a major Rajput fort associated with Rana Kumbha. Remember Mewar forts with rulers.

After the Battle of Haldighati (1576), Maharana Pratap made Chavand, in south-eastern Mewar, his headquarters and capital. From there, he continued his resistance against the Mughal power. Udaipur had been the earlier capital of Mewar, but it was not his secure administrative centre at that time. Exam tip: Remember the link Maharana Pratap—Haldighati—Chavand.