Medieval India
Delhi Sultanate, Mughals, Bhakti and Sufi Movements
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Overview
Medieval India spans roughly 1206 CE to 1707 CE, covering the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire. This period witnessed the establishment of centralised Islamic rule in the subcontinent, significant administrative innovations, and rich cultural synthesis between Indian and Persianate traditions.
For Assam TET Social Studies, this topic carries substantial weight. Questions typically focus on dynasties and their founders, important rulers and their contributions, administrative systems, and the religious reform movements (Bhakti and Sufi) that shaped Indian society. Understanding the chronological sequence of rulers and their distinguishing achievements is essential.
Students must master the five dynasties of the Delhi Sultanate, key Mughal emperors from Babur to Aurangzeb, the Mansabdari system, architectural landmarks, and the core ideas of Bhakti and Sufi saints. The cultural and religious synthesis of this era also connects to Assam's own Vaishnava movement led by Sankardeva.
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Key Concepts
- **Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526)**: Five successive dynasties ruled from Delhi — Slave (Mamluk), Khalji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, and Lodi. Each brought distinct administrative and military changes.
- **Centralised Administration**: The Sultan was the supreme authority. Key officials included the Wazir (prime minister), Diwan-i-Arz (military), Diwan-i-Insha (correspondence), and Diwan-i-Rasalat (religious affairs).
- **Iqta System**: Land grants given to nobles in lieu of salary. The holder (Iqtadar or Muqti) collected revenue and maintained troops.
- **Mughal Empire (1526–1707)**: Founded by Babur after the First Battle of Panipat. Reached its zenith under Akbar and Shah Jahan; declined after Aurangzeb.
- **Mansabdari System**: Introduced by Akbar. A grading system where nobles held a rank (mansab) with two components — Zat (personal rank) and Sawar (cavalry obligation).
- **Din-i-Ilahi**: Akbar's syncretic faith attempting to blend elements from various religions. It remained limited to a small circle and did not survive him.
- **Bhakti Movement**: A devotional movement emphasising personal love for God, rejection of caste distinctions, and use of vernacular languages. Spread across India from the 7th century onwards, peaking in medieval times.
- **Sufi Movement**: Islamic mysticism focusing on inner spiritual experience, love of God, and tolerance. Sufi saints (pirs) established khanqahs and attracted followers across religions.