Medieval India: Delhi Sultanate to Mughals
Overview
Medieval India spans from the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate (1206 CE) to the decline of the Mughal Empire (18th century). This period saw five dynasties rule Delhi, followed by the Mughal Empire founded by Babur in 1526. SSC exams frequently test rulers, battles, architectural monuments, administrative systems, revenue reforms, and cultural contributions of this era. Mastering key dates, rulers, and their achievements is essential for scoring in History sections.
Typed Notes
Delhi Sultanate: Five Dynasties (1206–1526)
The Delhi Sultanate began when Qutb-ud-din Aibak founded the Slave (Mamluk) Dynasty in 1206. He started the Qutb Minar, completed by Iltutmish. Iltutmish introduced the silver 'tanka' and copper 'jital' coins and received legitimacy from the Caliph of Baghdad. Razia Sultana (1236–1240) was the first female ruler of Delhi. Balban introduced the Persian concept of 'Sijda' (prostration) and 'Paibos' (kissing feet). The Khilji Dynasty (1290–1320) under Alauddin Khilji expanded the empire to South India using generals Malik Kafur. Tughlaq Dynasty's Muhammad bin Tughlaq shifted the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad (Devagiri) and introduced token currency — both failed experiments.
Mughal Empire: Babur to Aurangzeb (1526–1707)
Babur won the First Battle of Panipat (1526) against Ibrahim Lodi using gunpowder and artillery. Humayun lost the empire to Sher Shah Suri (Battle of Chausa, 1539; Battle of Kanauj, 1540) and regained it in 1555. Sher Shah Suri introduced the Grand Trunk Road and the rupee coin. Akbar (1556–1605) won the Second Battle of Panipat (1556) against Hemu via Bairam Khan. Akbar abolished Jizya (1564), introduced Mansabdari system, and promoted Sulh-i-Kul (universal peace). Jahangir was known for justice (golden chain of justice) and patronage of miniature painting. Shah Jahan's reign is called the 'Golden Age of Mughal Architecture.'
Key Administrative and Revenue Reforms
Alauddin Khilji's market reforms controlled prices of commodities through four markets: grain market, cloth market, cattle market, and general goods market. He appointed Shahna (controller) and Barid (spy) to check malpractices. Sher Shah Suri's land revenue system measured land using 'Gaz-i-Sikandari' and fixed rates. Akbar's Todar Mal introduced Ain-i-Dahsala (Zabti system) in 1580, classifying land into Polaj, Parauti, Chachar, and Banjar. The Mansabdari system ranked officials by 'Zat' (personal rank) and 'Sawar' (cavalry). Aurangzeb's reimposition of Jizya and destruction of temples alienated Rajputs, Marathas, and Sikhs, accelerating Mughal decline.
Architecture, Literature, and Cultural Contributions
Delhi Sultanate architecture features the Indo-Islamic style: Qutb Minar (73 m, Delhi), Alai Darwaza (Khilji), and Tughlaqabad Fort. Mughal architecture evolved from Babur's simple structures to Akbar's red sandstone style (Fatehpur Sikri, Agra Fort) and Shah Jahan's white marble style (Taj Mahal, Jama Masjid, Red Fort Delhi). Taj Mahal was built by architect Ustad Ahmad Lahauri. Baburnama, Akbarnama (by Abul Fazl), and Ain-i-Akbari are key literary works. Amir Khusrau, the 'Parrot of India,' invented the sitar and tabla and composed in Persian and Hindi. Tansen, one of the Navaratnas of Akbar's court, was a legendary musician.
Key Concepts
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- 01Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526) had five dynasties: Slave, Khilji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, and Lodi — remember by mnemonic 'Skilled Kings Tackle Serious Losses'
- 02Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat (1526), founding the Mughal Empire; Babur wrote autobiography 'Baburnama' in Chaghatai Turkic
- 03Alauddin Khilji introduced market reforms (four markets), token currency, and Diwan-i-Riyasat; he repelled Mongol invasions multiple times
- 04Akbar's revenue system 'Ain-i-Dahsala' (Todar Mal's land reform, 1580) fixed 10-year average crop prices; he also introduced Din-i-Ilahi in 1582
- 05Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal (1632–1653) in Agra; Aurangzeb reimposed Jizya tax (1679) abolished by Akbar, leading to widespread revolts
Questions & Solutions
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Who built the Qutb Minar and who completed it?
What was the Mansabdari system introduced by Akbar?
Why did Muhammad bin Tughlaq shift the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad?
Name the Navaratnas (nine gems) associated with Akbar's court and give at least four names.
What was the significance of the Battle of Panipat (1526) and how many Battles of Panipat were there?
The Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526) saw five dynasties introduce Indo-Islamic culture, administrative reforms, and monumental architecture. The Mughal Empire (1526–1707) under rulers from Babur to Aurangzeb reached its zenith under Akbar's inclusive policies and Shah Jahan's architectural splendor. Key SSC exam areas include battles, revenue systems, monuments, literary works, and the causes of Mughal decline. Memorize rulers chronologically with their signature contributions.
Chapter-end quiz
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Q1.Which Delhi Sultan introduced the 'silver tanka' coin and received legitimacy from the Caliph of Baghdad?
Q2.The revenue system 'Ain-i-Dahsala' was introduced by Akbar in 1580. Who was the minister responsible for implementing it?
Q3.Who among the following was NOT one of Akbar's Navaratnas?
Q4.The Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Which architect designed it?
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