Reshaping

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1. Introduction

• This period is called the medieval period (11th to 17th century)
• Many invasions from Central Asia changed India’s political map
• Invaders were mainly Turkic and Afghan

2. Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526)

Formation

• Began after defeat of Prithviraj Chauhan (1192)
• Ruled by five dynasties: Mamluk, Khilji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, Lodi

Features

• Political instability and frequent wars
• Power often gained by force
• Wealth collected through taxes, plunder and trade

Important Rulers

• Alauddin Khilji
• Expanded empire
• Controlled Mongol invasions
• Sent Malik Kafur to South India

• Muhammad bin Tughlaq
• Shifted capital Delhi to Daulatabad and back
• Introduced token currency (failed)

3. Problems of the Sultanate

• Frequent rebellions and wars
• Economic decline due to wrong policies
• Heavy taxation on people
• Timur’s invasion (1398) caused destruction

4. Resistance to the Sultanate

• Eastern Ganga kingdom resisted in the east
• Hoysalas resisted in the south
• Rajputs resisted in Rajasthan
• Narasimhadeva I defeated Sultanate forces

5. Vijayanagara Empire (1336–1565)

Formation

• Founded by Harihara and Bukka

Features

• Powerful empire in South India
• Centre of trade, culture and temples

Krishnadevaraya

• Greatest ruler
• Expanded empire
• Supported literature and temple building

Decline

• Defeated in Battle of Talikota (1565)
• Empire weakened and broke into smaller parts

6. Mughal Empire (1526–1707)

Beginning

• Founded by Babur after First Battle of Panipat (1526)

Important Rulers

• Babur
• Introduced gunpowder warfare
• Established Mughal rule

• Humayun
• Faced difficulties
• Lost empire briefly to Sher Shah Suri

• Akbar
• Greatest Mughal ruler
• Followed policy of tolerance (Sulh-i-kul)
• Abolished jizya tax
• Made alliances with Rajputs
• Strong administration

• Jahangir and Shah Jahan
• Promoted art and architecture
• Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal

• Aurangzeb
• Expanded empire to largest size
• Reimposed jizya tax
• Followed strict religious policies
• Continuous wars weakened empire

7. Resistance to the Mughals

Rajputs

• Maharana Pratap resisted Akbar
• Used guerrilla warfare

Ahoms

• Lived in Assam
• Defeated Mughals in Battle of Saraighat (1671)
• Used rivers and forests for defence

Sikhs

• Founded by Guru Nanak
• Later became a military group
• Guru Gobind Singh formed Khalsa (1699)

8. Administration

Delhi Sultanate

• Sultan had absolute power
• Iqta system used for tax collection

Mughal Administration

• Well organised system
• Important officers: Diwan (finance), Mir Bakshi (army)
• Mansabdari system: officers ranked and maintained soldiers

9. Economy and People’s Life

Agriculture

• Main occupation
• Crops: rice, wheat, cotton, sugarcane

Trade

• India was wealthy and active in trade
• Exported textiles, spices and handicrafts
• Hundi system used for money transfer

Crafts

• Textile making, jewellery, shipbuilding

Problems

• Heavy taxes on peasants
• Frequent famines
• Wealth concentrated among rulers and nobles

10. Culture and Society

• Temples were centres of worship and economy
• Development of art, architecture and literature
• People of different religions mostly lived together peacefully
• Growth of shared cultural traditions


1. How did invasions reshape India’s political map during the medieval period?
Invasions from Central Asia brought new rulers like Turks and Afghans who established kingdoms such as the Delhi Sultanate and later the Mughal Empire. These invasions led to frequent wars, expansion of territories, and decline of older kingdoms. As a result, India’s political boundaries kept changing and new centres of power emerged.

2. What were the main features of the Delhi Sultanate?
The Delhi Sultanate was marked by political instability, frequent wars, and expansion of territory. It was ruled by five dynasties. Power often changed through violence. The rulers collected heavy taxes and wealth through plunder. Despite instability, Delhi became an important political centre and administration was organised under the Sultan.

3. Explain the achievements and policies of Alauddin Khilji.
Alauddin Khilji expanded the Delhi Sultanate through strong military campaigns. He successfully defended India against Mongol invasions. He sent his general Malik Kafur to conquer southern regions. His rule strengthened the army and increased the wealth of the Sultanate, though his methods were often harsh and based on heavy taxation.

4. Why did Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s policies fail?
Muhammad bin Tughlaq introduced ambitious but poorly planned policies. His decision to shift the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad caused great hardship to people. His token currency system failed due to misuse and lack of control. These policies created confusion in administration and trade, leading to economic decline and loss of trust.

5. Describe the rise and importance of the Vijayanagara Empire.
The Vijayanagara Empire was founded by Harihara and Bukka in the 14th century in South India. It became a powerful kingdom known for its strong administration, trade, and cultural development. It protected southern India from invasions and promoted temple building, literature, and art, becoming a major centre of prosperity.

6. What made Krishnadevaraya a great ruler?
Krishnadevaraya was the most powerful ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire. He expanded the empire through successful wars and maintained strong control over his territories. He encouraged literature in multiple languages and supported temple construction. His rule is remembered for both military strength and cultural development.

7. How was the Mughal Empire established in India?
The Mughal Empire was founded by Babur after defeating Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat in 1526. Babur used advanced weapons like guns and cannons, which gave him an advantage. His victory ended the Delhi Sultanate and marked the beginning of a new and powerful empire in India.

8. Explain the administrative system of Akbar.
Akbar developed an efficient administrative system to manage his vast empire. He appointed officials like the Diwan for finance and Mir Bakshi for the army. He introduced the mansabdari system, where officers were ranked and maintained soldiers. His policies ensured better control, stability, and effective governance of the empire.

9. Describe the resistance against Mughal rule.
Many groups resisted Mughal rule. Rajputs like Maharana Pratap fought bravely using guerrilla warfare. The Ahoms of Assam defeated the Mughals in the Battle of Saraighat using their knowledge of terrain. The Sikhs also resisted under their Gurus. These movements weakened Mughal control in several regions.

10. What were the main features of the economy and people’s life during this period?
Agriculture was the main occupation, supported by irrigation systems. Trade flourished with exports of textiles, spices, and crafts. The hundi system helped in safe money transfer. However, peasants faced heavy taxes and famines. Wealth was concentrated among rulers and nobles, while common people often lived in difficult conditions.


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