Medieval Indian History

Akbar abolished the Jizya tax in 1564 CE. Jizya was a tax imposed on non-Muslim subjects, and its abolition is regarded as an important step towards Akbar’s policy of religious tolerance and sulh-i-kul. 1526 CE marks Babur’s establishment of Mughal rule, so it is not the correct year. Exam tip: Remember 1563 for the abolition of pilgrimage tax and 1564 for Jizya.

Buland Darwaza is located at Fatehpur Sikri. For exams, connect it with Akbar's Gujarat victory.

Panch Mahal is a famous building at Fatehpur Sikri. For exams, remember examples of Akbar period architecture.

Nur Jahan's original name was Mehrunnisa. For exams, treat her as an influential woman of Jahangir's period.

The Peacock Throne was linked with Shah Jahan's rich court culture. For exams, connect Shah Jahan with art and grandeur.

Shah Jahan founded Shahjahanabad in the 17th century as his new capital. It is associated with the area now known as Old Delhi, and the Red Fort was a major monument of this city. Akbar founded Fatehpur Sikri, so he can be a close distractor. Exam tip: remember the link Shahjahanabad—Shah Jahan—Red Fort.

Dara Shikoh was the son of Shah Jahan. For exams, connect him with Aurangzeb's succession struggle.

Aurangzeb reimposed Jizya in (1679) CE. For exams, study it by comparing with Akbar's policy.

Guru Arjan Dev is associated with the compilation of the Adi Granth. For exams, remember him as the fifth Sikh Guru.

Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa Panth. For exams, remember (1699) CE and Anandpur Sahib.

The Khalsa Panth was founded in (1699) CE. For exams, connect Guru Gobind Singh with this event.

Guru Tegh Bahadur was the ninth Sikh Guru. For exams, remember him in the context of religious freedom.

Namdev was an important saint of the Bhakti tradition. For exams, connect him with the Bhakti stream of Maharashtra.

Tukaram was associated with the Varkari Bhakti tradition of Maharashtra. For exams, remember him with Vithoba devotion.

Basavanna was associated with the Virashaiva or Lingayat tradition of Karnataka. For exams, match saints with regions.

Lalleshwari is considered a saint poetess of Kashmir. For exams, connect her with regional devotional and Sufi influences.

Silsila was the teacher disciple chain of Sufi tradition. For exams, remember Chishti and Suhrawardi orders.

Baba Farid was a famous saint of the Chishti order. For exams, remember him with Punjab and Sufi tradition.

Multan was an important centre of the Suhrawardi order. For exams, remember regions of Sufi orders.

Amir Khusrau was associated with Hindavi and Persian literary traditions. For exams, remember him with both music and language.