Medieval History of India

Medieval History of India 

Context 

• Examine the political situation of medieval history of India. 

• Explain the socio- economic factors that influence the formation of the medieval history of India. 

• Identify the notable rulers of the medieval history of India. 

    11th century to 17th century This period is seen as a long phase of India’s transition from the ancient to the immediately pre-colonial times. During this period, a patchwork of regional kingdoms and dynasties emerged. The emergence of a new warrior class represented by Rajput was a development that has far-reaching implications. Also, foreign invaders came to India with different objectives. Those who had the objective of settling in India created a new history of India. Also, the early years of the 11th century witnessed interaction between Islam and Hindu civilizations. This interaction at its peak resulted in the emergence of a new culture manifested in the form of Indo-Islamic architecture, poetry, food, art, literature, music, language, etc. There was also a general resurgence of foreign trade. India was a significant centre for traders of Arab, Portugal and Britishers. The rising ambition of some trading nations later wrote the next phase of Indian history. After the collapse of major empires in North, Deccan and south, India witnessed the rise and fall of around 30 Dynasties from 11th to 13th century CE. These dynasties were in conflict with each other. Three key features summarise the political situation prevalent during the medieval history of India.



• Rajput became prominent in North India

1. At this time a number of small kingdoms emerged ruled by kings who identified themselves as Rajput’s especially in North India.
2. The Rajput’s were renowned for their courage and chivalry. But family rivalries and strong sense of personal honor often led to clashes.
3. They all neglected the growing danger of kings of Afghanistan.
4. However, the Rajput’s weakened each other by incessant war. The lack of unity among Rajput’s enabled the foreign (Turks) invaders to enter India.

• A new center of power emerged 

From the 12th century onwards Delhi symbolized the destiny of India as it became the center of power for the coming years. A glimpse into history of Delhi will help us to understand the changes in the horizon of Indian history.

The early history of Delhi is associated with the following two kings.

i) Tomar Rajput 

• The Tomar Rajput’s made Delhi the Capital of a kingdom for the first time. 
• Lal Kot, the first known regular defence-work in Delhi, was possibly created by Anangpal, a ruler of the Tomar Rajput’s. 
• Tomar’s also made Delhi an important commercial centre.

ii) Chauhan’s 

• The Chauhan’s defeated the Tomar Rajput’s in the middle of the 12th century CE. 
• The most popular ruler of the Chauhan dynasty was Prithviraj Chauhan, who resisted the Muslim invaders. 
• Prithviraj Chauhan created the first city of Delhi, Qila Rai Pithora (Rai Pithora). 
• The area around Qutub Minar in Delhi still has some ruins of the fort ramparts.




The following are the most critical invasions that changed the track of Indian history, due to the internal political unrest of India that attracted frequent invasion from outside, particularly from Afghanistan.

(i) Invasion of Mahmud Gazni 

• King of Ghazni (Afghanistan)- Mahmud invaded India 17 times from 1000 CE to 1026 CE. • He plundered wealth and killed people on his way to Kanauj. 
• As a result of constant attacks, the capital Kanauj, which had been the seat of power since the period of Harshavardhana, saw its decline. 
• Mahmud Gazni invasions demonstrated to the later invaders that India was very easy to be conquered from North-West. 

(ii) Invasion of Muhammad Gori 

• Muhammad Gori invaded India in 1175 CE with an intention to rule and settle in India, unlike Gazni. • He conquered Multan and Punjab, and then moved towards Delhi. 
• He fought two crucial wars with Rajput Chiefs, namely First Battle of Terain in 1191 CE and Second Battle of Terain in 1192 CE. 

a) First Battle in 1191 CE 

• The First Battle of Terain in 1191 CE was between brave Rajput Chiefs of northern India led by Prithvi Raj Chauhan and Muhammad Ghori. 
• Prithvi Raj Chauhan won the First Battle of Terain in 1191 CE against him. 
• Prithvi Raj let him go instead of killing Ghori. 
• This was a grave mistake of Pritvi Raj as he suffered a huge loss later on.

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