Medieval India
Delhi Sultanate, Mughals, Bhakti and Sufi Movements
---
Overview
Medieval India spans roughly from 1206 CE (establishment of the Delhi Sultanate) to 1857 CE (end of Mughal rule). This period witnessed the arrival of Central Asian rulers, the establishment of powerful empires, and a remarkable cultural synthesis between Indian and Islamic traditions. For JTET Paper II, this topic is essential as it forms the backbone of Indian history questions in social studies.
Students must understand the political developments under the Delhi Sultanate and Mughals, their administrative systems, and architectural achievements. Equally important are the Bhakti and Sufi movements, which promoted social harmony, challenged rigid orthodoxy, and left lasting impressions on Indian society and culture. Questions often test factual recall of rulers, their contributions, and the teachings of major saints.
The relevance to Jharkhand is notable—the region was part of the Bengal Sultanate and later came under Mughal control. Understanding this period helps teachers contextualise local history within the broader national narrative.
---
Key Concepts
- **Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526 CE)**: Five dynasties ruled successively—Slave (Mamluk), Khilji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, and Lodi. Each contributed to administration, military expansion, and architecture.
- **Iqta System**: Land revenue system where nobles (iqtadars) collected taxes on behalf of the Sultan in exchange for military service—not hereditary ownership.
- **Mughal Empire (1526–1857 CE)**: Founded by Babur after the First Battle of Panipat (1526). Reached zenith under Akbar, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb before declining after 1707.
- **Mansabdari System**: Mughal administrative system where nobles held ranks (mansabs) determining their salary and military obligations. Ranks were in zat (personal) and sawar (cavalry).
- **Din-i-Ilahi**: Akbar's syncretic faith (1582) blending elements from various religions—never became popular but symbolised his liberal religious policy.
- **Bhakti Movement**: Devotional movement emphasising personal love for God, rejecting caste distinctions and ritualism. Spread across north and south India from 7th century onwards.
- **Sufi Movement**: Islamic mysticism emphasising love, tolerance, and spiritual connection with God. Silsilas (orders) like Chishti, Suhrawardi, Naqshbandi, and Qadiri played major roles.
- **Cultural Synthesis**: Medieval period saw Indo-Islamic architecture, Urdu language development, and fusion in music, painting, and literature.