COMPLETE MEDIEVAL HISTORY​

By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)

​ Court Historian: Utbi (Author of

​ 1. Muslim Invasions of India Kitab ul Yamini/Tarikh-i Yamini).
​ First Successful Muslim Invasion: 712 AD, ​ Court Scholars:
led by Muhammad bin Qasim. ​ Al-Biruni: Came to India
​ Islam: with Ghazni, Sanskrit
​ Founder: Prophet Muhammad. scholar, first Muslim to study
​ Birth: 570 AD, Mecca. Puranas, from Khiva.
​ Death: 632 AD. Authored 'Tahqiq-i-Hind' (in
Arabic). Polymath (History,
​ India's Names:
Astronomy, Geography,
​ Hindustan: Given by Iranians. Logic, Medicine, Math,
​ India: Called by Greeks. Religion).

ak
​ 'Hindu' word first used by Arabs. ​ Baihaqi: Author of
​ Tarikh-i-Subuktigin.
​ Sindh Conquest (712 AD): ​
​ Conqueror: Muhammad bin Qasim. ​ India Invasions: 17 times (999 - 1027
​ Ruler of Sindh during Arab invasion: AD).
Dahir (Last Hindu ruler of Sindh). ​ Primary Objective: Looting.
​ Main Causes: ​ Raid on Somnath Temple

Ocean.
e
​ Search for ports in Indian

​ Problem of sea pirates.

​ Immediate Cause: Pirate
(Saurashtra): 1025-1026 AD (Major
loot of 20 lakh dinars).
​ Somnath Temple: One of 12
Jyotirlingas, in Gujarat. Rebuilt by
Fr
attack on Arab Sardar Patel (1947) & consecrated
ships/merchants. by Rajendra Prasad (1951). Aid to
its defense by Anhilwara ruler led
​
to Ghazni attacking them.
​ Result: Arabs captured Sindh, sowed
​ Last Indian attack: 1027 AD against
seeds of Islam, translated Indian
Jats.
texts to Arabic.
​ Death: 1030 AD.
​ Significance: Historian Stanley
Lane-Poole considered this event ​ Significance: First ruler to assume
insignificant. the title of 'Sultan'. High posts in his
S

army held by Hindus (Sewand Rai,

​ Arab Victory Reasons: Superior
Tilak). Court included Al-Biruni,
cavalry and archery, treachery
Firdausi, Utbi, Farrukhi.
against Dahir.
​
​
​ Muhammad Ghori
​ Battle of Aror (712 AD):
IA

​ First Attack: 1175 AD in Multan.

​ Location: Sindh River bank.
​ Coinage: Goddess Lakshmi on one
​ Combatants: Muhammad bin Qasim
side, Arabic 'Kalima' on the other.
vs. Dahir.
​ Major Conquests: Punjab, Peshawar,
​ Outcome: Dahir killed.
Sindh.
​
​ Attack on Gujarat: 1178 AD (near
​ Mahmud of Ghazni Abu mountain) against Bhima II.
​ Ruler of Ghazni: Became ruler in Ghori's first defeat in India. Naiyaki
998 AD. Devi led the defense.
​ Characteristics: Educated, civilized, ​ Battles of Tarain:
patron of scholars/artists. ​ First Battle (1191 AD): Ghori
​ Coinage: Issued silver coins with vs. Prithviraj Chauhan.
Sanskrit inscriptions. Ghori defeated. Prithviraj's
general: Skand.

71st BPSC SANKALP BATCH 1

 COMPLETE MEDIEVAL HISTORY​
By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)

​ Second Battle (1192 AD): ​ Term 'Slave Dynasty' is debated;

Ghori vs. Prithviraj 'Early Turkic Sultans' or 'Mamluk
Chauhan. Ghori won. Paved Sultans' preferred as they were
the way for Muslim rule in from different tribes, not all
India. descendants of slaves.
​ ​ Aibak's Reign: 1206 - 1210 AD.
​ Battle of Chandavar (1194 AD): ​ Titles: Quran Khwan (for melodious
​ Combatants: Muhammad Quran recitation), Lakh Bakhsh (for
Ghori vs. Jayachandra (Ruler generosity).
of Kannauj). ​ Historians in his time: Hasan Nizami
​ Ghori's Commander: (Taj-ul Maasir), Fakhr-i Mudabbir
(Shajra-i Ansab).

ak
Qutubuddin Aibak.
​ Outcome: Ghori won. ​ Characteristics: First ruler of Slave
​ Dynasty, related to Turkic tribes.
Avoided title of Sultan, ruled as
​ Last Campaign: 1206 AD against
Malik and Sipahsalar.
Khokars.
​ Death: 1210 AD, playing Chaughan
​ Death: Assassinated on 15 March
(Polo), fell from horse. Buried in
1206.
Lahore.
​ Successors: Qutubuddin Aibak

​
e
(Delhi, founder of Slave Dynasty),
Nasiruddin Qubacha (Sindh),
Tajuddin Yaldoz (Ghazni).
​ Construction:
​ Qutub Minar (Started
construction in Delhi).
​ Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque
Fr
(Delhi).
​ Iltutmish:
​ Arhai Din ka Jhonpra
​ Turkistan, Ilbari Turk.
(Ajmer).
​ Slave & Son-in-law of Aibak.
​
​ Governor of Badaun at the time of
​ Qutub Minar: Started by Aibak,
Aibak's death.
completed by Iltutmish. Fourth
​ Transferred capital from Lahore to story damaged, rebuilt by Firuz
Delhi. Shah Tughlaq (added 5th story).
​ Built Hauz-i Sultani near Delhi-i Repaired by Sikandar Lodi. Height
S

Kuhna. increased to 234 feet.

​ First ruler to get legal sanction for ​ Successor: Aram Shah (Son, ruled
Sultanate from Baghdad Caliph for 8 months), removed by
(1229). Iltutmish.
​ Died in April 1236. ​ Iltutmish (1211 - 1236 AD):
IA

​ Didn't give refuge to Khwarizm's ​ Real Founder of Delhi

Jalaluddin from Genghis Khan. Sultanate.
​ Son Ruknuddin Firoz briefly ruled, ​ First legitimate Sultan
his mother Shah Turkan was the (recognized by Caliph).
power behind the throne. ​ Titles from Caliph: Sultan-i
​ Azam, Khil'at certificate
​ 2. Delhi Sultanate (1229).
​ Duration: 1206 - 1526 AD. ​ Introduced Iqta System
​ Rulers: Started with Slave Dynasty, (Division of territory into
followed by Khilji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, Lodi. Iqtadar controlled units).
​ Slave Dynasty (1206 - 1290 AD) ​ Known as 'Slave of a Slave'
​ Founder: Qutubuddin Aibak (Ghori's (Slave of Aibak, who was
slave). Ghori's slave).

71st BPSC SANKALP BATCH 2

 COMPLETE MEDIEVAL HISTORY​
By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)

​ Governor of Badaun before Jamaluddin of Basra,

becoming Sultan. brought to Delhi (1232),
​ Released from slavery by purchased by Iltutmish
Aibak on Ghori's orders. (1233 after Gwalior
conquest).
​ Administration: Formed
'Turkan-i-Chahalgani' (Group ​ Positions Held: Khassadar
of 40 nobles/sardars). (Iltutmish), Amir-i Shikhar
(Raziya), Amir-i Akhur
​ Coinage: First pure Arabic
(Bahram Shah), Naib-i
coins. Started inscribing
Mumlikat (Nasiruddin
mint names. Issued 'Tanka'
Mahmud).
(Silver coin) and 'Jital'
(Copper coin). Tanka:Jital ​ Married daughter Hujeda to

ak
ratio - 1:48. Issued 'Tanka-i Sultan Nasiruddin Mahmud
Siha' (Black Tanka). (1249).
​ Important events: Genghis ​ Administration: Started
Khan's arrival near NW Persian festival 'Nauroz'.
frontier, refused to help Established 'Diwan-i Arz'
Jalaluddin, completed (Military Department) -
Qutub Minar. independent of Wazir.
​ Theory of Kingship: Believed
​

e
​ Raziya Sultan (1236 - 1240 AD):
​ First Muslim female ruler of
Medieval India.
Sultan's post was divinely
ordained, Sultan must be
autocratic. Introduced Sijda
(prostration) and Paibos
Fr
​ Focused on centralizing (kissing the feet) rituals.
power with Sultan. ​ Ideas: King is representative
​ Removed from power by of God on Earth (Niyabat-i
Turkic nobles. Khudai), image of God (Zill-i
​ Abandoned purdah, wore Allah/Zill-i Ilahi). King's
male attire (Chogha-Qaba, status next to Prophet.
Kullah-cap). Advised son Bughra Khan
​ Appointed Malik Jamaluddin that Sultan's post is symbol
Yaqut as Amir-i Akhur of autocracy. Founder of
S

(Master of Horse). 'Iron and Blood' policy (Loh

​ Married Altunia, governor of aur Rakta ki Niti).
Bathinda. ​ Death: 1286 AD.
​ Killed by dacoits near ​
Kaithal (13 Oct 1240). ​ Successor: Kaiqubad (Grandson)
IA

​ briefly. Killed by Jalaluddin Khalji.

​ Ghiyasuddin Balban (1266 - 1286 ​ End of Slave Dynasty: Shamsuddin
AD): Kayumars (Last ruler).
​ Full name: Ghiyasuddin ​
Balban. ​ Khilji Dynasty (1290 - 1320 AD)
​ Titles: Ulugh Khan, ​ Founder: Jalaluddin Firuz Khalji (13
Ghiyasuddin. June 1290).
​ Real name: Bahauddin. ​ Capital: Kilokhari.
​ Nickname: Balban-i Khurd ​ Ideal: Benevolent despotism.
(Junior Balban). ​ Appointed Alauddin as Amir-i Tuzuk,
​ Ilbari Turk. married daughter to him.
​ Early Life: Captured by
Mongols, sold to Khwaja

71st BPSC SANKALP BATCH 3

 COMPLETE MEDIEVAL HISTORY​
By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)

​ Assassinated by nephew/son-in-law ​ Titles: Sikandar-i Sani

Alauddin Khalji near Kara-Manikpur (Second Alexander) -
(1296). self-proclaimed.
​ Alauddin Khalji (1296 - 1316 AD): ​ Reforms: Implemented 4
​ Became Sultan of Delhi on ordinances: confiscated land
22 Oct 1296. grants/pensions, established
​ Childhood names: Ali, spy network, banned
Gurshasp. alcohol/gambling/drugs,
restricted social gatherings
​ Administration: First Sultan
of nobles/amirs.
to collect land revenue
based on measurement. ​ Market Control: Appointed
Shahna-i Mandi

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Introduced cash payment for
soldiers & permanent army (Superintendent of
(largest standing army). Markets), Malik Kabul. Also
Introduced Dagh (branding appointed Barids
of horses) & Chehra (Inspectors) and Munhiyan
(descriptive roll of soldiers). (Secret spies). Muhhtasib
Increased land revenue to (Censor), Nazir (Officer of
1/2 of produce. Increased weights and measures).
Sultan's share of war booty ​ Land Revenue: Introduced

e
(Khums) from 1/4 to 3/4.
Ordered cutting meat from
those who underweighed.
Strictly implemented
'Ghari' (House tax) and
'Charai' (Pasture tax).
​ Control over Religion:
Asserted state control over
Fr
market control/price Ulema.
control system. ​ Death: 5 Jan 1316.
​ Military Campaigns: ​ Historian Ziauddin Barani's
​ Sent Malik Kafur for Tarikh-i Firuz Shahi provides
conquests in South detailed info on his
India. economic policies.
​ Northern: Gujarat, Khazain-ul Futuh (Amir
Ranthambore, Khusrau), Rihla (Ibn
Malwa, Chittorgarh, Battuta), Futuh-us Salatin
S

Dhar, Mandu, Ujjain, (Isami).

Marwar, Chanderi. ​ Malik Kafur: Acquired during
​ Southern: First Gujarat campaign. Known as
Sultan to attack Hazar Dinari (bought for
South India. 1000 dinars).
IA

Warangal, Devagiri, ​ Rani Padmavati: Wife of

Hoysala regions Rana Ratan Singh of
under control. Built Chittorgarh. Mentioned in
mosque in Malik Muhammad Jayasi's
Rameswaram. 'Padmavat'.
​ ​ Successor: Qutbuddin
​ Construction: Jamaat Khana Mubarak Shah Khalji
Mosque, Alai Darwaza, Siri (1316-1320): Declared
Fort, Hazar Sutun (Thousand himself Caliph. Titles: Al
Pillared) Palace. Alai Imam, Ul Imam, Khalifah
Darwaza called "Jewel of Ullah. Known for indecency,
Islamic Architecture". sometimes appearing naked
in court (Barani's account).
Assassinated by his wazir

71st BPSC SANKALP BATCH 4

 COMPLETE MEDIEVAL HISTORY​
By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)

Khusrau Khan (15 April 'bloodthirsty' due to his

1320). policies.
​ Khusrau Khan: Assumed title ​ Agricultural Reforms:
of Prophet's Commander Established 'Diwan-i Amir-i
(Paigambar ka Senapati). Kohi' (New department for
Converted Hindu. Rule agricultural improvement).
lasted until 7 Sept 1320. Focused on direct help to
Opponents called him farmers, bringing more land
enemy of Islam, raised नारा under cultivation.
"Islam is in danger!". ​ Capital Transfer: Moved
​ capital from Delhi to
​ Devagiri (Daultabad). Most

ak
​ Tughlaq Dynasty (1320 - 1398 AD) significant experiment. Ibn
Battuta said motive was to
​ Founder: Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
punish Delhi residents.
(Gaazi Malik/Tughlaq Gazi).
Named Devagiri Daultabad
Defeated Khusrau Khan (5 Sept
(according to KE Nizami).
1320), ascended throne on 8 Sept
1320. ​ Social Aspects: First Sultan
to participate in Hindu
​ Titles: Gazi Malik.
festivals (Holi). Appointed

e
​ Mother: Hindu Jat, Father: Karuana
Turk. Slave of Balban.
​ Governor of Dipalpur under
Alauddin.
non-Turks & Indian Muslims
to official posts (criticized
by Barani).
​ Death: 20 March 1351, near
Fr
​ Military: Defended against Mongol Thatta in Sindh while
invasions (titled Malik ul Gazi). Took pursuing rebels.
back Delhi from Khusrau Shah ​ Quote on Death: "Sultan was
(1320). freed from his people, and
​ Revenue Administration: Reduced they from their Sultan"
land revenue to 1/5 or 1/3 of (Badauni).
produce. Waived land tax during ​ Coinage: Inscribed 'Al Sultan
famine. Gave tax-free jagirs instead Zill Allah' (Sultan is God's
of share in revenue collection to shadow), 'God is supporter
S

officials. Introduced Nasq and Batai of Sultan'. Issued gold coins

systems. 'Dinar' (as per Ibn Battuta).
​ Construction: First Sultan to start ​ Five Major Policies
canal construction (for irrigation). (according to Barani):
Built Tughlaqabad city near Delhi. Increased taxation in Doab,
IA

​ Death: 1325 AD, killed by wooden Capital Transfer to

pavilion collapse built by Jauna Daultabad, Introduction of
Khan (Ulugh Khan/Muhammad bin Token Currency, Khurasan
Tughlaq) on return from Bengal campaign, Karachil
campaign. expedition.
​ Muhammad bin Tughlaq (1325 - 1351 ​ Token Currency: Issued
AD): bronze (Farishta) & copper
​ Real name: Jauna (Barani) coins equivalent to
Khan/Ulugh Khan. silver Tanka.
​ Considered most educated, ​ Given title 'Prince of
learned, and capable among Moneers' by Edward Thomas.
Delhi Sultans. Token currency also used in
​ Controversial ruler, called China (Kublai Khan) & Iran
'visionary', 'mad', 'cruel', (Ghazan Khan).

71st BPSC SANKALP BATCH 5

 COMPLETE MEDIEVAL HISTORY​
By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)

​ Ibn Battuta: Moroccan Delhi Sultan (non-Islamic

traveler, arrived in India c. tax).
1333 during his reign. ​ Construction: Built 5 major
Appointed as Qazi of Delhi. canals. Founded ~300 new
Sent as ambassador to China towns: Hissar, Firuzabad
(1342). Wrote 'Rihla' (in (Delhi), Fatehabad, Jaunpur,
Arabic). Describes postal Firuzpur. Shifted Ashoka
system (Uluq-horse post, pillars from Meerut & Topra
Dawa-foot post), foreign (Haryana) to Delhi.
merchants, intelligence ​ Social Welfare: Established
system. Describes Sati 'Diwan-i Khairat'
practice (permission from (Department for poor

ak
Sultan needed). Muslims, orphans, widows,
​ Literary Patronage: Zia sponsoring marriage of poor
Nakhshabi first to translate girls). State sponsored Hajj
Sanskrit tales to Persian pilgrimage.
('Tuti Nama' - story of a ​ Slave Department: Had
parrot). Honored Jain monk largest number of slaves
Jinaprabha Suri. (180,000). Established
​ Built tombs for saints: 'Diwan-i Bandagan'

e
Badaun (Mirun Mu'im), Delhi
(Sheikh Nizamuddin Auliya),
Multan (Sheikh Ruknuddin),
Ajodhan (Sheikh Multan).
(Department for slaves).
​ Military: Made military posts
hereditary.
​ Autobiography: 'Futuh-at-i
Fr
​ Simultaneous Establishment Firuz Shahi'.
of Kingdoms: Vijayanagara ​ Patronage: Protected
(Harihara & Bukka, 1336 in Ziauddin Barani & Shams-i
South), Bahmani (Alauddin Siraj Afif.
Hasan Bahman Shah, 1347 in
​ Literary Contribution:
Maharashtra).
Translated Sanskrit texts to
​ Persian (e.g., Dala'il-i Firuz
​ Firuz Shah Tughlaq (1351 - 1388 Shahi - from Jwalamukhi
AD): temple library in
S

​ Cousin of Muhammad bin Nagarkot/Kangra, 1300 texts

Tughlaq. Ascended throne found).
near Thatta (20 March ​ Coinage: Issued mixed silver
1351), re-coronated in Delhi & copper coins 'Adha' &
(Aug 1351). 'Bikh'.
IA

​ Title from Caliph: Qasim ​ Death: Sept 1388.

Amir ul Momin. ​ Built Kotla Firuz Shah fort in
​ Taxation: Abolished 24 Delhi.
oppressive taxes, levied ​ Khan-i Jahan Telangani's
only 4 as per Quran: Kharaj tomb (built during his reign)
(land tax), Khums (booty - compared to Dome of the
note: reduced Sultan's share Rock (Mosque of Umar) in
back to 1/5), Jaziya (poll Jerusalem.
tax - first Sultan to tax
​
Brahmins), Zakat (religious
tax on Muslims). ​ Nasiruddin Mahmud Shah Tughlaq
(1398 - 1412 AD): Last ruler of
​ Introduced 'Haq-i Sharb'
Tughlaq Dynasty.
(Irrigation tax - 1/10 of
produce), first such tax by a

71st BPSC SANKALP BATCH 6

 COMPLETE MEDIEVAL HISTORY​
By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)

​ Kingdom reduced to ​ Spent his last days in

'Jahanpanah ki Saltanat Badaun.
Delhi se Palam tak' ​
(Sultanate from Jahanpanah ​ Duration of Rule: ~37 years
to Palam). (comparatively short).
​ During his reign: Khwaja ​
Jahan founded independent
​ Lodi Dynasty (1451 - 1526 AD)
Jaunpur kingdom, Khizr
Khan (governor of Punjab) ​ Founder: Bahlul Lodi (19 April
became independent. 1451). First Afghan state in India.
​ Taimur's Invasion: Invaded ​ Title: Bahlul Shah Ghazi.
India in 1398 AD during his ​ Most Important Conquest: Jaunpur,

ak
reign. Tughlaq dynasty defeating Hussain Shah Sharqi.
severely weakened. ​ Coinage: Introduced 'Bahlul' सिक्के
​ (coins) - primary exchange medium
​ End of Tughlaq Dynasty: 1413 AD, in North India before Akbar.
nobles selected Daulat Khan as ​ Successor Nomination: Nominated
Sultan. Defeated by Khizr Khan. third son Nizam Khan (Sikandar
​ Shah Lodi) as successor.
​ Longest reigning dynasty of Delhi

e
​ Sayyid Dynasty (1414 - 1451 AD)
​ Founder: Khizr Khan (1414 AD).
​ Didn't adopt title of Sultan, ruled as
'Raiyat-i Ala' (given by Taimur).
Sultanate. (Tughlaq longest in
duration, Khilji shortest).
​ According to Farishta: Crowned
twice.
Fr
​ Taimur appointed him governor of
​ Sikandar Shah Lodi (1489 - 1517
Multan, Lahore, Dipalpur on leaving
AD):
India.
​ Became Sultan on 17 July
​ Sent regular tribute to Taimur's son
1489. Greatest ruler of Lodi
Shahrukh.
dynasty.
​ Inscribed names of Tughlaq rulers
​ Founded Agra city (1504
on his coins.
AD).
​ Death: 20 May 1421.
​ Introduced 'Gaz-i Sikandari'
​ Successor: Mubarak Shah (Son). (Standard unit for measuring
S

Adopted title of Sultan. land).

​ Patronized Yahya bin Ahmad ​ Translated Ayurvedic text to
Sirhindi (author of Tarikh-i Persian (Farhang-i
Mubarak Shahi - main source Sikandari).
for Sayyid dynasty).
IA

​ Patronized music - 'Lahjat-i

​ Founded city of Sikandar Shahi' (treatise on
Mubarakabad on banks of music). Fond of listening to
Yamuna. Shehnai.
​ ​ Wrote Persian poetry under
​ Successor: Muhammad Shah. Delhi pen name 'Gulrukhi'.
Sultanate significantly shrank during ​ Abolished customs duties
his time. Decline of Sayyid dynasty (Chungi) & Zakat on grains.
began. Called Bahlul Lodi his son.
​ Efficient spy system.
​ Alauddin Alam Shah: Son of
​ Banned celebration at
Muhammad Shah. Last ruler of
dargah of Syed Salar Masud
Sayyid Dynasty.
Ghazi in Bahraich.
​ Wazir Hamid Khan invited
​ Died on 21 Nov 1517 due to
Bahlul Lodi to seize Delhi.
throat illness.

71st BPSC SANKALP BATCH 7

 COMPLETE MEDIEVAL HISTORY​
By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)

​ First Sultan of Delhi to ​ Diwan-i Istihaq: Pension Department

participate in Hindu festival (Firuz Shah Tughlaq).
(Holi). ​
​ Moth ki Masjid in Delhi built ​ Military Organization (Decimal System):
by his PM Miyan Bhuiyan ​ Sar-i Khel: Chief of 10 soldiers.
(1505).
​ Sipah Salar: Chief of 10 Sar-i Khel.
​
​ Amir: Chief of 10 Sipah Salar.
​ Ibrahim Lodi (1517 - 1526 AD):
​ Malik: Chief of 10 Amirs.
​ Son of Sikandar Lodi.
​ Khan: Chief of 10 Maliks.
Ascended throne at Agra.
​ Supreme Commander: Sultan.
​ Defeated by Rana Sanga in
​ Central Army: Sawar-i Qalb.

ak
Battle of Khatoli (1518).
​ Quote on his death: "Died ​ Provincial Army: Hashm-i Atraf.
fighting like a soldier" ​ Introduction of Dagh (branding of
(Farishta). According to horses) & Chehra (descriptive roll):
Niamatullah, only Delhi Alauddin Khalji, revived by Akbar.
Sultan to die on battlefield. ​
​ Died in First Battle of ​ Coinage:
Panipat (21 April 1526) ​ Iltutmish: Tanka (Silver), Jital

e
fighting Babur.
​ Invited by Punjab Governor
Daulat Khan Lodi & uncle
Alam Khan to invade India.
(Copper). Ratio 1:48. First to
inscribe Caliph's name (Al Mustasim,
last Caliph of Baghdad) on coins (on
Alauddin Masud Shah's coins).
Fr
​ End of Delhi Sultanate. ​ Muhammad bin Tughlaq: Tanka-i
​ Siha (Black Tanka), issued in
​ bronze/copper as token currency.
​ 3. Delhi Sultanate - Administration & ​ Firuz Shah Tughlaq: Adha & Bikh
Miscellaneous (Mixed silver & copper coins).
​ Administrative Departments (Important ​ Sikandar Lodi: Bahlul coins.
Terms): ​ Shershah Suri: Silver Rupiya (178
​ Diwan-i Mustakharaj: Revenue grains), Copper Dam (380 grains).
Arrears Department (Alauddin Rupiya:Dam ratio 1:64.
S

Khalji). ​
​ Diwan-i Riyasat: Market Control ​ Taxation:
Department (Alauddin Khalji). ​ Firuz Shah Tughlaq: Kharaj, Jaziya
​ Diwan-i Amir-i Kohi: Agriculture (on Brahmins), Khums, Zakat. Haq-i
Department (Muhammad bin Sharb (Irrigation tax).
IA

Tughlaq). ​ Alauddin Khalji: Kharaj (50% of

​ Diwan-i Khairat: Charity produce), Ghari (House tax), Charai
Department (Firuz Shah Tughlaq). (Pasture tax), Khums (3/4 Sultan's
​ Diwan-i Bandagan: Slave share).
Department (Firuz Shah Tughlaq). ​ Sikandar Lodi: Did not take share
​ Diwan-i Arz: Military Department from buried treasures.
(Balban). ​
​ Diwan-i Risalat: Department for ​ Village Administration: Smallest unit:
Religious Matters/Foreign Affairs. Gram (Village). Supreme officer for land
​ Diwan-i Vizara: Finance/Revenue revenue at village level: Chaudhary.
Department. ​ Vizara (Wazirate): Recognized in Islamic
​ Diwan-i Insha: Royal law. Inspiration from Abbasid Caliphs. First
Secretariat/Correspondence. Wazir: Abbas Fazl bin Muhammad. Head of
Revenue Department. Golden Age of

71st BPSC SANKALP BATCH 8

 COMPLETE MEDIEVAL HISTORY​
By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)

Vizara: Tughlaq period, especially under ​ Sharqi: Sloping walls with large
Firuz Shah Tughlaq. main gate.
​ Judicial Administration: Sultan: Supreme ​ Khilji: Lotus bud fringe below arch.
Judicial Authority. Qazi: Chief Judicial ​ Tughlaq: Sloping walls (military
Officer. architecture - Salaami).
​ Iqta System: ​ Vijayanagar: Use of elephant figures
​ Systematized by Iltutmish. on pillars.
​ First Iqta given by Muhammad Ghori ​
to Qutubuddin Aibak. ​ Architectural Sites:
​ Iqtadar: Head of Iqta. ​ Jami Masjid: Kalburgi, Karnataka.
​ Fawazil/Fazil: Surplus revenue from ​ Jahaz Mahal: Dhar, Madhya Pradesh.

ak
Iqta deposited in government
​ Atala Masjid: Jaunpur, Uttar
treasury.
Pradesh (Built by Ibrahim Shah
​ Made hereditary by Firuz Shah Sharqi, replacing a Hindu temple).
Tughlaq.
​ Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque: Delhi.
​
​
​ Art & Architecture (Indo-Islamic Style):
​ Nobles (Amirs): Mostly from Turkic tribes.
​ Mix of Indian & Islamic styles. Use Central to governance. Influence high when
of lime concrete (chuna rabis). Sultan is weak/young.

​
domes (Gummat). e
​ Use of Arabic scripts (Kufi style).
​ Emphasis on arches (Mehrab) and
​ Dynasty Duration: Tughlaq Dynasty:
Longest rule. Khilji Dynasty: Shortest rule.
​ South Indian Dynasties & Capitals:
Fr
​ Pallava: Kancheepuram.
​ Ruler & Construction: ​ Pandya: Madurai.
​ Qutubuddin Aibak: Arhai Din ka ​ Yadava: Devagiri.
Jhonpra (Ajmer), Quwwat-ul-Islam
​ Kakatiya: Warangal.
Mosque (Delhi), Started Qutub
Minar. ​ Hoysala: Dwarasamudra (Present
day Halebidu, Karnataka - famous
​ Iltutmish: Sultan Ghari, Hauz-i
Hoysaleswara temple).
Shamsi, Shamsi Idgah, Atarkin
Darwaza, Completed Qutub Minar. ​
​ Literary Works & Authors:
S

​ Alauddin Khalji: Alai Darwaza,

Jamaat Khana Mosque, Siri Fort, ​ Jami-ul Hikayat: Sadruddin
Hauz-i Alai. Muhammad al-Awfi.
​ Mubarak Shah Khalji: Ukhla Mosque. ​ Haqaiq-i Hindi: Abdul Wahid
​ Balban: Balban's Tomb (Delhi) - first Bilgrami.
​ Tadbir al-Akhlaq: Ibn Miskawayh.
IA

pure Islamic style tomb in India.

​ Firuz Shah Tughlaq: Kotla Firuz Shah ​ Tabqat-i Nasiri: Minhaj-us Siraj.
fort, repaired Qutub Minar, built ​ Tarikh-i Firuz Shahi: Ziauddin
several cities. Barani, Shams-i Siraj Afif.
​ Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq: Tughlaqabad. ​ Taj-ul Maasir: Hasan Nizami.
​ Sikandar Lodi: Moth ki Masjid (by ​ Tarikh-i Mubarak Shahi: Yahya bin
PM Miyan Bhuiyan), Razon ki Baoli Ahmad Sirhindi.
(1516). ​ Futuh-us Salatin: Abdullah Malik
​ Oldest complete dome in Delhi: Isami.
Large dome in Lodi Garden (likely ​ Sangit Mimansa, Sangit Raj: Rana
built by Sikandar Lodi). Kumbha.
​ ​ Futuh-at-i Firuz Shahi
​ Architectural Styles by Dynasty: (Autobiography): Firuz Shah
Tughlaq.

71st BPSC SANKALP BATCH 9

 COMPLETE MEDIEVAL HISTORY​
By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)

​ ​ Tavernier: French traveller, came

​ Amir Khusrau: during Shah Jahan's reign. Jeweler
​ Original name: Abul Hasan by profession. Wrote 'The Six
Yaminuddin Khusrau. Voyages of Jean Baptiste Tavernier'.
Wrote about famous Indian
​ Birth: 1253 AD, Patiyali (Kasganj
diamonds like Kohinoor.
district).
​ Malim/Maulin: Staff working on
​ Titles: Tuti-i Hind (Parrot of India).
Indian trading ships. Navigators
Nayak (given by Jalaluddin Khalji).
(knew position of stars/sun).
Turqullah (given by Nizamuddin
Auliya). ​ Ahilya Bai: Maratha ruler of Holkar
dynasty.
​ Associated with 7+ Sultans from
​ Tarabai: Wife of Maratha

ak
Balban to Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
Chhatrapati Rajaram. Led Marathas
​ Major Works: Qiran-us Sa'dain,
against Mughals after Rajaram's
Tarikh-i Delhi, Miftah-ul Futuh,
death (at Aurangzeb's death).
Khazain-ul Futuh (Tarikh-i Alai),
Tughlaq Nama, Nur Sipihr, Ashiqa. ​ Durgavati: Capable Hindu queen of
Gondwana.
​ Contribution to Music: Initiator of
Qawwali style. Credited with ​
invention of Tabla & Sitar. Founder ​ 4. Vijayanagar Empire (1336 - 1646 AD)

​
​ Farishta:
(Sabaq-i Hindi).
e
of Hindustani Classical Music ​ Founded: 1336 AD by Harihara & Bukka
(two brothers).
​ Meaning: 'City of Victory'.
​ Founded with blessings of Sage Vidyaranya.
Fr
​ Full name: Muhammad Qasim Hindu ​ Named after their father Sangama
Shah. (Sangama Dynasty).
​ Court scholar of Murtaza Nizam ​ Capital: Hampi (present day Karnataka).
Shah of Ahmadnagar. Ruins on banks of Tungabhadra river.
​ Major work: Tarikh-i Farishta UNESCO World Heritage Site.
(Dedicated to Ibrahim Adil Shah II of ​ Official Language: Telugu.
Bijapur). Also called 'Gulshan-i ​ Hampi's ruins brought to light by Col. Colin
Ibrahimi'. Mackenzie (British EIC officer).
​ ​ Harihara & Bukka were originally
S

​ Al-Biruni: feudatories of Kakatiya ruler Pratap Rudra

​ Work: Tahqiq-i Hind. Deva of Warangal.
​ English Translator: Edward Sachau. ​ Ruling Dynasties (in order): Sangama,
​ Saluva, Tuluva, Aravidu.
​ Sangama Dynasty (1336 - 1485):
IA

​ Rana Kumbha: Built Vijay Stambh (Victory

Pillar) in Chittorgarh to commemorate ​ Founders: Harihara I (1336-1356) &
victory over Malwa. Architect: Jaita, son Bukka I (1356-1377). Converted to
Poma & Puja. Also mentioned as Jay (son of Islam after defeat by Muhammad
Jaita) & Mahesh. Tughlaq, reconverted to Hinduism
​ Important Terms: under Vidyaranya.
​ Amaram: Land granted to ​ Harihara II (1377 - 1404): Son of
Vijayanagar Nayakas for salary or Bukka I. First Sangama ruler to
maintenance of troops. adopt title 'Maharajadhiraja'.
Conquered Kanara, Mysore,
​ Mokasa: 66% of Chauth collected in
Tiruchirappalli, Kanchi. Extracted
Maratha rule, given to sardars for
revenue from Sri Lanka ruler. Most
maintaining cavalry.
successful in taking Belgaum & Goa
​ Surat Port: Known as 'Bab-ul from Bahmani rulers. Worshipper of
Makkah' (Gate of Mecca). Shiva (Virupaksha).

71st BPSC SANKALP BATCH 10

 COMPLETE MEDIEVAL HISTORY​
By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)

​ Deva Raya I (1406 - 1422): Italian ​ Patronage: Patronized

traveler Nicolo Conti visited during 'Ashtadiggajas' (Eight
his reign. Described slave trade. renowned Telugu poets).
Built dam on Tungabhadra & canal Allasani Peddana was
into city. Built dam on Haridra river foremost (author of
for irrigation. Manucharitram, Harikatha
​ Deva Raya II (1422 - 1446): Most Saram). Peddana called
powerful Sangama ruler (called 'Grandfather of Telugu
Immadi Deva Raya). Persian envoy Poetry', 'Andhra Kavita
Abdur Razzaq visited during his Pitamaha'.
reign. Noted police paid from ​ Works: Wrote
income of brothels. Recruited 2000 'Amuktamalyada' (in Telugu),

ak
Muslims into army & gave them 'Jambavati Kalyanam' &
jagirs (as per Farishta). Known as 'Usha Parinayam' (in
'Gajabetkara'/'Gajantakara' (Slayer Sanskrit).
of elephants) in inscriptions. Wrote ​ Construction: Built Vitthala
Sanskrit works 'Mahanataka Swami Temple & Hazara
Sudhanidhi' & commentary on Rama Temple (Hampi),
'Brahmasutra'. Telugu poet Srinatha नागलपरु (new city). Also
was in his court. built Chidambaram Temple,

​
(1446 - 1465).
e
​ Mallikarjuna (Pratapa Deva Raya)

​ Virupaksha II (1465 - 1485).

Ambaram Parvati Temple,
Varadaraja & Ekambaratha
Temples in Kanchipuram.
​ Foreign Visitors: Portuguese
Fr
​ Saluva Dynasty (1485 - 1505): traveler Domingos Paes
visited.
​ Founder: Saluva Narasimha.
Overthrew last Sangama ruler. ​ Granted permission to
Portuguese to build a fort at
​ Immadi Narasimha (Son of Saluva
Bhatkal.
Narasimha), overthrown by Vir
Narasimha. ​ Died in 1529.
​ ​ Telegu's Five Great Epics:
Amuktamalyada (Krishna
​ Tuluva Dynasty (1505 - 1565):
Deva Raya), Manucharitram
S

​ Founder: Vira Narasimha (Allasani Peddana), Vasu

(1505-1509). Died in 1509. Charitram (Bhatta Murti),
​ Krishna Deva Raya (1509 - 1529): Raghavapandaviyam (Pingali
Tuluva Dynasty. Reign considered Surana),
'Classical Age' of Telugu literature. Pandurangamahatmyamu
IA

​ First Fort Won: Udayagiri (Tenali Ramakrishna).

fort. ​
​ Married Gajapati princess ​ Achyuta Raya (1529-1542).
Tukka Devi / Annapurna Portuguese traveler Fernao Nuniz
Devi. visited.
​ Defeated Ismail Adil Shah in ​ Sadasiva Raya (1542 - 1570): Last
Raichur Doab. Defeated Quli ruler of Tuluva Dynasty. Actual
Qutb Shah in Battle of power held by his minister Rama
Golconda. Raya.
​ Abolished marriage tax. ​
​ Titles: Andhra Bhoja, Yavana ​ Aravidu Dynasty (1570 - 1646):
Raja Sthapanacharya, ​ Founder: Tirumala (Overthrew
Abhinava Bhoja. Sadasiva Raya). Shifted capital to
Penukonda.

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 COMPLETE MEDIEVAL HISTORY​
By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)

​ Venkata II: Contemporary of ​ Main Revenue Source: Land Revenue

Wodeyar dynasty (founded Mysore (Lagana).
State in 1612). Capital shifted to ​ Land Revenue Rate: 1/6 of produce.
Chandragiri. Diplomatic relations ​ Marriage Tax: Collected from both
with Spain. bride & groom. Not on widow
​ Last ruler: Ranga III. remarriage.
​ ​ Ubha: Tax-free land grant for
​ Battle of Talikota village services.
(Rakkasi-Tangadi/Bannihatti) (23 Jan ​ Rakta-kodage: Land given to family
1565): of soldiers who died showing valor
​ Between: Combined armies of in battle.

ak
Deccan Sultanates (Bijapur, ​ Kudgi: Land given on rent by
Ahmadnagar, Golconda, Bidar) vs. Brahmins/temples/big landlords to
Vijayanagar Empire. farmers who didn't cultivate
​ Berar was NOT part of the Deccan themselves.
confederacy. ​ Kudi: Agricultural laborers
​ Vijayanagar leader: Rama Raya transferable with sale/purchase of
(minister of Sadasiva Raya). land.
​ Deccan Confederacy leader: Ali Adil ​ Gand-perada: Ornament worn on
Shah of Bijapur.

e
​ Rama Raya was killed by Hussain
Nizam Shah (Ahmadnagar).
​ Major cause of Vijayanagar defeat:
leg as symbol of valor in war.
​ Female Bodyguards: Mentioned in
Krishna Deva Raya's court.
​ Military Department: Known as
Fr
Treachery by Rama Raya's two Kadachara. High officers:
Muslim generals (Gilani brothers). Dandanyaka or Senapati.
​ Result: Devastating defeat for ​ Mint Department: Known as Jori
Vijayanagar, led to its decline. Khana.
​ Aftermath: Sadasiva Raya, with ​ Artisan Class: Skillful in trade,
help of Tirumala, ruled from called Vir Panchala.
Penukonda. ​ Baravas: People from North India
​ who settled in South India.
​ Administration: ​ Slavery: Prevalent (Men/women
S

​ Nature: Traditional autocratic purchase/sale called Vesavaga).

monarchy. ​ Purdah System: Not prevalent. Sati
​ King (Raya): Supreme authority (all voluntary. Child marriage common.
powers), Supreme Commander of ​ Devadasis: Women living in
army. temples, given land/salary for
IA

​ Nayaka System: Similar to Delhi livelihood.

Sultanate's Iqta system. Nayaka ​
(Military Commander) granted land ​ Art & Architecture (Dravidian Style):
for service/salary. Collected taxes ​ Temples enclosed within walls.
in their area. Presented gifts to
​ Key Features: Kalyana Mandapam
King.
(marriage hall for deities),
​ Ayangar System: Each village was a 1000-pillared Mandapam, Gopurams
self-sufficient unit with 12 (tall gateways).
administrative officers (Ayengars).
​ Amman Temple: Separate shrine for
Hereditary posts, could
deity's consort.
sell/mortgage post/land. Tax-free
land granted for service. ​ Important Temples: Virupaksha
Temple (Hampi), Hazara Rama
​ Karnam: Ayengar responsible for
Temple (Hampi), Lotus Mahal.
land sale/purchase records.

71st BPSC SANKALP BATCH 12

 COMPLETE MEDIEVAL HISTORY​
By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)

​ Use of horse figures on pillars. ​ Tajuddin Firuz: Built city Firuzabad on

​ banks of Bhima river. Encouraged
​ Literature: Patronized Telugu, Sanskrit, astronomy, built observatory near
Kannada. (See list of authors & works Daultabad. Knew multiple languages
above). (Persian, Arabic, Turkish, Telugu, Kannada,
Marathi). Most important work: Inclusion of
​ Social Life: Devadasi & Sati system
Hindus in administration on large scale.
prevalent. Silk, cotton, perfume in use.
Prostitution institutionalized. Four Varnas. ​ Important Ports: Chaul & Dabhol.
Sangama rulers primarily Shaivites. Wealthy ​ Prominent Rulers (Chronological, Partial
life. List): Muhammad Shah I, Alauddin Mujahid
​ Festivals: Mahanavami (Dasara) - main Shah, Daud I, Muhammad Shah II, Tajuddin
Firuz, Shihabuddin Ahmad I, Alauddin

ak
state festival, to please Goddess Durga.
Ahmad II, Shamsuddin Muhammad III.
​ Kanna Literature: Basava Purana by Bhima
(important Lingayat religious text). ​ Shihabuddin Ahmad I: Shifted capital from
Gulbarga to Bidar. Renamed Bidar
​ Sanskrit Literature: Madhura Vijayam by
'Muhammadabad'.
Ganga Devi (wife of Kumar Kampana, son of
Bukka I). ​ Muhammad III: Appointed Mahmud Gawan
(Persian, titled Khwaja Jahan) as Prime
​ Music & Dance: Lakshmi Narayan: Court
Minister. Executed Mahmud Gawan (1482,
musician of Krishna Deva Raya, wrote
age 70) on false charges.

e
'Sangita Suryodaya'. Saint Vidya Aranya
wrote 'Sangita Sara'. Vina most popular
musical instrument. Yakhshagana style (mix
of dance & music).
​ Mahmud Gawan: Built a college (Madrasa)
in Bidar (3 stories, 1000 teachers/students,
state provided food/clothing). Collected
letters in 'Riyaz-ul Insha'.
Fr
​ Painting: Known as Lepakshi art. Subjects
from Ramayana & Mahabharata. ​ Russian traveler Nikitin visited Bahmani
kingdom (Bidar) in 1470 during Muhammad
​ Coinage:
III's reign.
​ Most famous: Gold coin 'Vara' (52
​ Prominent cities: Bijapur, Gulbarga, Tarav.
grains), called 'Parados' or 'Pagoda'
by foreigners. ​ Last ruler: Kalim Ullah. Bahmani kingdom
disintegrated into 5 independent states
​ Smaller gold coins: Pratapa (26
during his reign.
grains), Fanams (5.5 grains).
​ Independent Deccan Sultanates
​ Small silver coins: Tara.
S

(Successors of Bahmani Kingdom):

​ Foreign coins also used: Portugese
​ Berar: Founder - Fateh Ullah Imad
Cruzado, Persian Dinar, Italian
Shah. Dynasty - Imad Shahi (1490).
Florin & Ducat.
​ Bidar: Founder - Amir Ali Barid.
​
Dynasty - Barid Shahi (1526).
​ 5. Bahmani Kingdom (1347 - 1527 AD)
IA

​ Bijapur: Founder - Yusuf Adil Shah.

​ Founded: 1347 AD by Hasan Gangu Dynasty - Adil Shahi (1489). MOST
(Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah) during reign IMPORTANT.
of Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
​ Ahmadnagar: Founder - Malik
​ Capital: Gulbarga (present day Kalburgi), Ahmad. Dynasty - Nizam Shahi
renamed Ahsanabad. (1490). IMPORTANT.
​ Official Language: Marathi. ​ Golconda: Founder - Quli Qutb
​ Divided kingdom into 4 provinces (Tarafs): Shah. Dynasty - Qutb Shahi (1512).
Gulbarga, Daultabad, Berar, Bidar. IMPORTANT.
​ Death of Hasan Gangu: 11 Feb 1358. ​
​ Successor: Muhammad Shah I (Son of ​ Bahmani Administration (Similar to Delhi
Alauddin Hasan). First use of gunpowder in Sultanate):
Deccan (against Bukka I of Vijayanagar). ​ Wazirs (Minister):

71st BPSC SANKALP BATCH 13

 COMPLETE MEDIEVAL HISTORY​
By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)

​ Vakil-i Sultanat: Similar to ​ Ibrahim Roza: Tomb of Ibrahim Adil

Malik Naib of Delhi. Shah II (Bijapur).
​ Vakil-i Kul: Supervised other ​
ministers (except Vakil-i ​ Golconda (Qutb Shahi Dynasty):
Sultanat). ​ Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah: Built
​ Amir-i Jumla: Head of Charminar (Hyderabad, 1591-92).
Finance Department. Founded Hyderabad city.
​ Wazir-i Ashraf: Responsible ​ Madanana & Akkanna: Brahmin
for foreign policy & court ministers of Golconda ruler Abul
ceremonies. Hasan.
​ Nazir: Assistant to Amir-i ​

ak
Jumla (Finance). ​ 6. Provincial Kingdoms (North & Deccan)
​ Pesha (Pesha): Assistant to ​ Jaunpur:
Vakil-i Sultanat. Later
​ Founded: By Firuz Shah Tughlaq in
became very powerful (in
memory of his brother Jauna Khan
Maratha context).
(Muhammad bin Tughlaq).
​
​ Independent Sharqi Dynasty:
​ Kotwal: Chief Police Officer of the Founded by Malik Sarwar (Khwaja
city. Jahan) who was governor appointed

Departments. e
​ Sadr-i Jahan: Head of Judicial,
Religious, and Endowment

​ Sakh-i Khel: Special guard unit for

by Sultan Mahmud (son of Firuz
Shah Tughlaq). Titled 'Malik-us
Sharq' (Master of the East) in 1394.
​ Prominent Sharqi Rulers: Mubarak
Fr
palace/court security (divided into Shah, Shamsuddin Ibrahim Shah
4 parts/naubat). Chief officer: Sar-i (most famous), Muhammad Shah,
Naubat. Hussain Shah (last ruler).
​ Provinces (Tarafs): Governed by ​ Under Ibrahim Shah: Jaunpur
Tarafdar (later given titles like became known as 'Shiraz-i Hind'
Masnad-i Ali, Majlis-i Ali, Azam-i (Shiraz of India) due to
Humayun, Malik Naib). advancements in literature &
​ Districts (Shiqs): Governed by architecture.
Shiqdar. ​ Architecture: Atala Devi Mosque
S

​ (1408, Ibrahim Shah, built on ruins

​ Bijapur (Adil Shahi Dynasty): of Hindu temple). Jama Masjid
​ Ali Adil Shah: Called a Sufi. Invited (1470, Hussain Shah Sharqi).
Catholic missionaries to court Jhanjhri Mosque (1430, Ibrahim
before Akbar. Appointed famous Shah). Lal Darwaza Mosque (1450,
IA

Sanskrit scholar Bamana Pandit as Muhammad Shah).

head of library. ​ Hussain Shah Sharqi: Defeated by
​ Ibrahim Adil Shah II: Known as 'Ab-la Bahlul Lodi. Jaunpur reincorporated
Baba' (Friend of the Poor). Wrote into Delhi Sultanate after ~75 years
'Kitab-i Nauras' (book of songs set to of independence.
various Ragas). Called 'Jagat Guru' ​
for his broad outlook. Gave grants ​ Kashmir:
to Pandharpur (center of Vitthoba ​ Hindu rule established by
worship). Shahadeva (1301).
​ Gol Gumbaz: Mausoleum of ​ First Muslim Dynasty: Founded by
Muhammad Adil Shah II (Bijapur). Shah Mir (Shamsuddin Shah Mir) in
Largest dome in India. Built in 1656 1339-40. Capital in Inderkot.
by Yaqut of Dabhol. Famous for ​ Alauddin: Shifted capital from
Whispering Gallery. Inderkot to Alauddinpur (Srinagar).

71st BPSC SANKALP BATCH 14

 COMPLETE MEDIEVAL HISTORY​
By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)

​ Sultan Sikandar Shah (1389-1413): ​ Khalji Dynasty in Malwa: Founded

Known as 'Butshikan' (Idol Breaker) by Mahmud Shah.
for destroying Hindu temples/idols. ​ Malwa annexed by Bahadur Shah of
​ Zain-ul Abedin (1420-1470): Most Gujarat (defeated & killed Mahmud
famous medieval ruler of Kashmir. Shah II) and merged into Gujarat.
Known as 'Akbar of Kashmir' due to ​ Architecture (Mandu): Hindola
religious tolerance. Abolished Bhavan, Darbar Hall (Hoshang
Jaziya, banned cow slaughter, Shah). Delhi Darwaza (most
prohibited Sati (voluntary). important gate).
Recruited Hindus to high posts (Shri ​ Baz Bahadur & Rupmati's palace:
Bhat was justice minister & court Built by Sultan Nasiruddin Shah.
physician). Built artificial island

ak
​ Jahaz Mahal: Built by Ghiyasuddin
'Zaina Lanka' in Wular Lake. Knew
Khalji in Mandu.
Persian, Sanskrit, Kashmiri, Tibetan.
Translated Mahabharata & ​ Kushk Mahal: Built by Mahmud
Rajatarangini into Persian. Khalji at Fatehbad.
​ ​
​ Bengal: ​ Gujarat:
​ Incorporated into Delhi Sultanate by ​ Annexed by Alauddin Khalji in 1297
Ikhtiyaruddin Muhammad bin (defeating Raja Karna) & merged
Bakhtiyar Khalji.

e
​ Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq divided it into
3 parts: Lakhnauti (North),
Sonargaon (East), Satgaon (South).
with Delhi Sultanate.
​ Independent Sultanate: Founded by
Zafar Khan (governor appointed by
Muhammad Shah Tughlaq), assumed
Fr
title Sultan Muzaffar Shah in 1407.
​ Haji Ilyas (1345): Ended division,
became ruler as Shamsuddin Ilyas ​ Prominent Rulers: Ahmad Shah I
Shah. (1411-1452), Mahmud Shah I
(Mahmud Begarha, 1458-1511),
​ Adina Mosque (Pandua, 1364): Built
Bahadur Shah (1526-1537).
by Sultan Sikandar Shah (son of Haji
Ilyas). ​ Ahmad Shah I: Founded Ahmedabad
city on banks of Sabarmati (near
​ Ghiyasuddin Azam Shah
Asawal). Shifted capital from Patan
(1389-1409): Famous for justice.
to Ahmedabad.
S

​ Alauddin Hussain Shah (1493-1518):

​ Mahmud Begarha: Most famous
Shifted capital from Pandua to
ruler. Built Mustafabad near Girnar
Gaur. Contemporary of Maha Prabhu
& Muhammadabad near Champaner.
Chaitanya. Started 'Satya Pir'
Contemporary & friend of Sikandar
movement. Maladhar Basu wrote 'Sri
Lodi. Barbosa called him 'Venom
Krishna Vijaya' in his reign, given
IA

Man' (Vish Purush). Martha

title 'Gunaraj Khan'. His son given
commented on his long beard.
'Satyaraj Khan'.
Udayaraja: Court poet, wrote
​ Nusrat Shah (Son of Alauddin 'Mahmud Charit'.
Hussain Shah): Built Bara Sona
​ Mirat-i Sikandari (by Sikandar bin
Masjid & Qadam Rasul Mosque in
Muhammad Manjhu, 1611): History
Gaur.
of Gujarat.
​
​ Bahadur Shah: Lost to Humayun,
​ Malwa: ceded Diu to Portuguese. Patron of
​ Independent in 1401 by Dilawar music (patronized Manjhu Kala
Khan. want).
​ Dilawar Khan's son Alp Khan became ​
ruler as Hoshang Shah (1405). ​ Mewar:
Shifted capital from Dhar to Mandu.

71st BPSC SANKALP BATCH 15

 COMPLETE MEDIEVAL HISTORY​
By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)

​ Ruled by Guhilot dynasty. Annexed ​

by Alauddin Khalji in 1303 ​ Bhakti Saints & Philosophy/Sect (MOST
(defeating Ratan Singh). IMPORTANT):
​ Independent again: Sisodia branch ​ Adi Shankaracharya: Advaita
of Guhilots under Hamir Dev Vedanta (Non-dualism).
(defeated Muhammad Tughlaq). ​ Ramanujacharya: Vishishtadvaita
​ Capital: Chittorgarh. (Qualified Monism).
​ Rana Kumbha (1433-1468): ​ Madhvacharya: Dvaita Vedanta
Defeated Mahmud Khalji of Malwa. (Dualism).
Built Vijay Stambh in Chittorgarh ​ Nimbarkacharya: Dvaitadvaita
(1448). Wrote on music. Vedanta (Dualistic Non-dualism).

ak
​ Rana Sanga (Rana Sangram Singh): ​ Vallabhacharya: Shuddhadvaita
Defeated Ibrahim Lodi in Battle of Vedanta (Pure Non-dualism), Pushti
Khatoli (1518). Defeated by Babur Marg.
in Battle of Khanwa (1527). Died in
​ Shankaradeva: Eka Sarana Dharma
1528 (poisoned).
(Assam).
​ Maharana Pratap (Son of Udai
​
Singh): Fought Battle of Haldighati
against Akbar (1576). Capital ​ Nayanas: Devotees of Shiva. Collected
hymns in 'Tevaram' (Dravida Veda). Total 63

e
Kumbhalgarh at that time. Army
included Hakim Khan Sur & Bhils.
Died 1597 (injury). New capital:
Chavand (near Dungarpur). Horse:
Chetak, Elephant: Ram Prasad.
saints. Prominent: Sambandar, Nami Nandi
Adigal. Female saints: Karaikkal Ammaiyar.
​ Alvars: Devotees of Vishnu. Collected
hymns in 'Nalayira Divya Prabandham'. Total
Fr
​ 12 saints. Prominent: Tirumalisai Alvar,
Nammalvar. Only female saint: Andal.
​ Khandesh:
​ Forms of Bhakti:
​ Founded in 1382 by Malik Ahmad
Raja Faruqi (governor of Firuz Shah ​ Nirguna Bhakti: Worship of formless
Tughlaq) between Narmada & Tapi God. Emphasized by Adi
rivers. Shankaracharya. Rejected caste,
idol worship, rituals. Prominent
​ Capital: Burhanpur. Military HQ:
saints: Kabir, Ravidas. Universal,
Asirgarh.
inclusive.
S

​ Annexed by Akbar in 1601 (last

​ Saguna Bhakti: Worship of God with
conquest).
form (idol worship). Believed in
​ physical manifestation of God.
​ 7. Bhakti & Sufi Movements Supported traditional worship &
​ Bhakti Movement: prayers. Prominent saints: Tulsidas,
IA

​ Meaning: Devotion, attachment. Surdas, Mirabai.

​ Origin: Dravidian region (South ​
India). ​ Ramananda:
​ Initiation: 8th century AD with Adi ​ Promoter of Bhakti movement in
Shankaracharya. North India.
​ Spread: By Alvars (Vaishnava saints) ​ Birth: 1299 AD, Prayag (Allahabad).
and Nayanas (Shaiva saints) in South ​ Believed in Saguna Brahma.
India. Preached in Hindi.
​ Revival: 15th-16th century AD (in ​ Had 12 chief disciples, including
North India). Kabir & Dhanna.
​ Causes: Influence of Vaishnavism & ​
Shaivism, evils in Hindu society, ​ Kabir:
fear of Islam spread, influence of
Sufi saints, work of reformers.

71st BPSC SANKALP BATCH 16

 COMPLETE MEDIEVAL HISTORY​
By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)

​ Brought up by weaver couple Niru & ​ Famous quote: "God knows the
Nima. qualities of men, He does not ask
​ Collection of teachings: 'Bijak' their caste...". Opposed caste
(compiled by disciple Dharmadas). system.
Divided into Ramaini, Sabad, Sakhi. ​ Founded 'Guru ka Langar' (Free
​ Other compositions: Sakhi, Sabad, community kitchen) - all eat
Ramaini. together regardless of caste.
​ Amarmul: Collection of dialogues ​ Major works: Japji Sahib, Bara
between Kabir & Dharmadas. Maha, Dakhani Onkar.
​ Belonged to Nirguna tradition. ​ Contemporary of Sikandar Lodi.
Opposed caste system, religious ​ Undertook Udasi (religious tours).

ak
rituals, idol worship, external show, ​
avataravada. Emphasized oneness ​ Sikh Guru Tradition (Important facts):
of God (Ram, Rahim, Allah are
​ Guru Angad: Successor of Guru
same) & worship of formless
Nanak (original name Bhai Lehna).
Brahma. First saint to live
Devised Gurmukhi script. Compiled
householder life while being a saint.
Nanak's teachings in local language.
Followers called Kabir Panthi.
​ Guru Amar Das: Divided religious
​ Language: Sadukkari (mix of Braj,
realm into 22 Gaddi. Started Anand

​
e
Awadhi, Rajasthani).
​ Death: 1510 AD, Maghar.
​ Contemporary of Sikandar Lodi.
Karaj (simple marriage ceremony).
​ Guru Ram Das: Founded Amritsar
city (Akbar granted 500 bigha land).
Made Guruship hereditary. Original
Fr
​ Bhakti in Maharashtra: name Ramdaspur.
​ Popularized by Namdev. ​ Guru Arjan Dev: Compiled Adi
​ Namdev's Guru: Vishoba Khechar. Granth. Built Harmandir Sahib
Associated with Varkari (Golden Temple) in Amritsar.
Sampradaya. Founded Tarn Taran & Kartarpur
​ Jnaneshwar/Gyaneshwar: cities. Executed by Jahangir for
Introduced Namdev to omnipresent helping rebel prince Khusrau. (MOST
form of God. Some verses in Guru IMPORTANT FACT).
Granth Sahib. ​ Guru Hargobind: Built Akal Takht.
S

​ Other saints: Eknath, Tukaram, Transformed Sikhs into a militant

Ramdas. community. Built Lohgarh fort for
Amritsar's defense. Introduced 'Piri'
​
(spiritual) & 'Miri' (temporal)
​ 12 Jyotirlingas: Mahakaleshwar, concepts (two swords). Founded
Omkareshwar, Mallikarjuna Swami,
IA

Kiratpur city.
Nageshwar, Somnath, Vaidyanath, Kashi
​ Guru Har Rai: Supported Dara
Vishwanath, Kedarnath, Rameshwar, Bhima
Shikoh. Sent son Ram Rai to
Shankar, Ghushmeshwar, Tryambakeshwar.
Aurangzeb's court.
​ Guru Nanak:
​ Guru Har Krishan: Youngest Guru
​ Founder of Sikhism. (died of smallpox < 8 yrs). Called
​ Birth: 1469 AD, Talwandi (Nankana 'Bal Guru'. Shortest period as Guru.
Sahib, Pakistan). Death: 1539 AD, ​ Guru Tegh Bahadur: Founded
Dera Baba Kartarpur. Anandpur Sahib. Struggled for
​ Believed in one God farmers & Kashmiri Brahmins.
(Ekeshwarvada). Emphasized Traveled widely (Agra, Prayag,
worship of formless Brahma Banaras, Sasaram, Patna, Monghyr,
(Nirguna). Dhaka, Assam). Executed by
Aurangzeb for refusing to convert to

71st BPSC SANKALP BATCH 17

 COMPLETE MEDIEVAL HISTORY​
By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)

Islam. (MOST IMPORTANT FACT). India. Died 1236. Guru:

Martyrdom place: Sis Ganj Sahib Khwaja Usman Chishti
Gurdwara (Chandni Chowk, Delhi). Haruni. Disciple:
​ Guru Gobind Singh: Tenth & last Qutubuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki.
Guru. Founded Khalsa Panth ​ Baba Farid (Fariduddin
(Anandpur Sahib, Baisakhi, 13 April Ganj-i Shakar): Popularized
1699). Started 'Pahul' (initiation Chishti silsila in India.
ceremony). Instituted 'Singh' (for Son-in-law of Balban.
men) & 'Kaur' (for women) Compositions in Guru Granth
surnames. Mandated 'Five Ks' (Kada, Sahib. Disciples: Nizamuddin
Kirpan, Kangha, Kesh, Kachha). Auliya, Alauddin Sabir.
Works: Zafarnama, Vichitra Natak, ​ Nizamuddin Auliya: Spiritual

ak
Chandi di Var. Allied with Bahadur Guru of Baba Farid. Died
Shah I, got high Mansab. Founded 1325. Dargah in Delhi.
Nirmala (order for Sikh Contemporary of 7+ Sultans
scholars/teachers). Assassinated by of Delhi. Titles: Mahbub-i
Afghan near Nanded (Maharashtra). Ilahi, Sultan-ul Auliya (King
Hazur Sahib Gurdwara at his tomb. of Saints). Refused to meet
​ Alauddin Khalji. Disciples:
​ Impact of Bhakti Movement: Reduced Sheikh Salim Chishti, Amir

e
caste discrimination, promoted
brotherhood, encouraged social service,
challenged rituals/superstitions, increased
religious feeling in daily life, promoted
Khusrau, Amir Hasan
Dehlavi.
​ Sheikh Burhanuddin Gharib:
Started Chishti silsila in
Fr
equality. South India (1340). Main
​ Sufi Movement: center: Daultabad.
​ Origin in India: 12th-13th century ​ Sheikh Salim Chishti: One of
AD. the last Sufi saints of Chishti
​ Philosophy: Mystical tradition within branch. Titled Sheikh-ul
Islam. Liberal movement. Hind. Jahangir born by his
blessings (belief).
​ Pir (Teacher) & Murid (Disciple)
concept. ​
​ Division: ​ Suharwardi Silsila: Founded by
S

Sheikh Shahabuddin Umar

​ Basara: Followed Islamic
Suharwardi. Popularized in India by
laws/traditions.
Sheikh Badruddin Zakariya (1262).
​ Besara: Not bound by Main centers: Sindh & Multan.
Islamic laws/traditions. Accepted state patronage.
IA

​ ​ Shatari Silsila: Founded by Sheikh

​ Qadiri Silsila: Founded by Sheikh Abdullah Shatar. Main center: Bihar.
Muhyiddin Abdul Qadir Jilani ​ Naqshbandi Silsila: Founded by
(Baghdad). First preacher in India: Khwaja Bahauddin Naqshband (14th
Shah Niamat Makhdum Jilani. century). Founded in India by
​ Chishti Silsila: Founded in Chist Khwaja Baqi Billah. Popularized by
(Afghanistan) by Abu Ishaq Shami his disciple Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi
Chishti. Abu Ahmad Abdal. (contemporary of Akbar).
​ Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti: Advocated 'Wahdat-ul Shuhud'.
Came to India with Islam reformer. Opposed music &
Muhammad Ghori's army. Akbar's liberal policies. Follower:
Resided in Ajmer (Main Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
center of Chishti Silsila in ​ Firdausi Silsila: Branch of
India). First Sufi preacher in Suharwardi silsila. Area of activity:

71st BPSC SANKALP BATCH 18

 COMPLETE MEDIEVAL HISTORY​
By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)

Bihar. Popularized by Sheikh ​ Military Tactics: First to use

Sharfuddin Yahya Maneri (disciple of 'Tughluma' strategy &
Khwaja Nizamuddin). artillery/gunpowder in India (Battle
​ of Panipat). Famous marksmen:
​ Important Terms: Ustad Ali & Mustafa.
​ Awliya: Term used by Sufi saint ​ Major Battles (MOST IMPORTANT):
Muhammad Gaus to refer to ​ First Battle of Panipat (21
Krishna. April 1526): Babur vs.
​ Khanqah: Residence of Sufi saints Ibrahim Lodi. Babur won.
(also called Math). Founded Mughal rule.
​ Sama: Sufi music ceremony. ​ Battle of Khanwa (17 March
1527): Babur vs. Rana

ak
​ Ulema: Scholars of Islamic religious
law. Sanga. Babur won. Declared
'Jihad'. Adopted title 'Ghazi'
​ Prem Vatika: Work by Raskhan (Sufi
after victory. Rana Sanga
poet who accepted Krishna).
died 30 Jan 1528 (poisoned).
​ Padmavat, Akharawat, Akhiri
​ Battle of Chanderi (29 Jan
Kalam: Works by Malik Muhammad
1528): Babur vs. Medini Rai.
Jayasi.
Babur won.
​ Tulsidas: Contemporary of Akbar &

​
Jahangir.

e
​ Amir Hasan: Called 'Sadi of India'.
​ Jesus Christ: Born in Judea.
​ Battle of Ghagra (6 May
1529): Babur vs. Afghans
(led by Mahmud Lodi).
Babur won.
Fr
​
​ 8. Mughal Empire (1526 - 1857 AD) ​ Ibrahim Lodi: First Sultan of Delhi
​ Founder: Babur. to die on battlefield. Companion
​ Members of Timurid dynasty. Paternal side Raja Vikramajit of Gwalior also
from Timur, maternal side from Genghis died. Humayun got Kohinoor
Khan. diamond from Vikramajit's family.
​ Established two empires in history: Timurid ​ Titles: 'Qalandar' (for generosity).
(Persia/Central Asia, 1370-1507), Mughal ​ Signed treaty with Bengal ruler
(Indian subcontinent, 1526-1857). Nusrat Shah (6 May 1529) respecting
S

​ Early Mughals: Turkic & Sunni Muslims. each other's sovereignty, Nusrat
​ Babur introduced 'Padshah' title (ruler Shah promised not to shelter Afghan
called Padshah). rebels.
​ Babur (1526 - 1530 AD) ​ Death: 26 Dec 1530, Agra (age ~48).
​ Birth: Feb 1483. ​ Burial: First in Arambagh (Agra),
IA

​ Father: Umar Sheikh Mirza (ruler of later in Kabul (chosen by him).

small state of Fergana). ​ Language: Mother tongue Turkic.
​ Became ruler of Fergana: 8 June Knew Arabic & Persian.
1494 (age ~11). ​ Autobiography: 'Tuzuk-i Baburi' (in
​ Adopted title 'Padshah': 1507 (first Turkic). Translated to Persian by
Timurid ruler). Abdul Rahim Khan-i Khana.
​ Children: Humayun, Kamran, ​ Interests: Formal gardens
Askari, Hindal (4 sons). Humayun (Charbagh) - walled, divided into 4
was the eldest. parts by artificial canals. (Note:
Charbagh tradition started in
​ Invasions of India: 5 times.
Akbar's time - different source).
​ First Campaign in India: 1519
​ Credited with inventing 'Mubaiyan'
against Yusufzai tribe (captured
(poetry style).
Bajaur & Bhera).

71st BPSC SANKALP BATCH 19

 COMPLETE MEDIEVAL HISTORY​
By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)

​ Follower of Naqshbandi Sufi Khwaja ​ Humayun Nama: Written by his

Ubaidullah Ahrar. sister Gulbadan Begum. Describes
​ Built mosques in Panipat (Haryana) history of Babur & Humayun, war
& Sambhal (UP). between Humayun & Kamran.
​ Written on Akbar's order.
​ Humayun (1530 - 1556 AD) ​ Believed in astrology, wore clothes
of 7 different colors on different
​ Full name: Nasiruddin Muhammad
days of the week. Fond of writing
Humayun.
Persian poetry and painting.
​ Ascended throne: 29 Dec 1530, Agra
​
(age 23).
​ Sher Shah Suri (1540 - 1545 AD)
​ Governor of Badakhshan before

ak
accession. ​ Founder of Sur Empire (Afghan
dynasty).
​ Divided kingdom among brothers
(Kamran, Askari, Hindal) as per ​ Childhood name: Farid Khan.
father's wishes. Gave Badakhshan to ​ Birth: 1486 (according to K.R.
cousin Sulaiman Mirza. Qanungo, at
​ Founded city 'Dinpanah': 1533 AD. Narnaul/Mahendragarh, Haryana in
house of Ibrahim's son Hasan) or
​ First attack on Chunar Fort: 1532.
1472 (according to Parmatma
​ Major Battles (MOST IMPORTANT):

e
​ Battle of Devra/Daurah
(1532): Won. Sher Khan
accepted Humayun's
authority.
Saran).
​ Father: Hasan Khan, Jagirdar of
Sasaram (Bihar).
​ Title 'Sher Khan': Given by Afghan
Fr
ruler of Bihar Sultan Muhammad
​ Battle of Chausa (25 June Bahar Khan Lohani for killing a tiger
1539): Against Sher Khan. with a single sword stroke.
Humayun defeated. Sher
​ Became ruler of Delhi after Battle
Khan took title 'Sher Shah'.
of Bilgram (1540).
​ Battle of Kannauj/Bilgram
​ Death: 22 May 1545 during Kalinjar
(17 May 1540): Against Sher
siege (last victory). Died from
Khan. Humayun defeated.
accidental explosion of Ucca
Lost Agra & Delhi. Exiled for
(firearm).
15 years (lived like a
S

wanderer in Sindh). ​ Ruler of Kalinjar: Kirat Singh.

​ Battle of Sirhind (22 June ​ Tomb: Sasaram (Bihar), built on a
1555): Defeated Sur ruler raised platform in middle of a lake.
Sikandar Sur. Re-captured Example of Indo-Iranian
Delhi throne. architecture fusion.
IA

​ ​ Administration: Improved Revenue,

Administration, Military, Currency
​ Exile: Married Hamida Banu Begum
systems. Divided provinces (Subas)
(daughter of Hindal's spiritual guru,
into Sarkars (districts), Sarkars into
Shia Mir Baba Dost) on 29 Aug 1541.
Parganas. E.g., Bengal.
Akbar born to Hamida in 1542.
​ Coinage: Issued pure gold (Ashrafi),
​ Regained control of Kandahar &
silver (Rupiya - 178 grain), & copper
Kabul with help of Persian ruler
(Dam - 380 grain) coins. First to
(1545).
issue Rupiya coin. Rupiya:Dam ratio
​ Death: 1 Jan 1556, fell from stairs 1:64. Other copper coins: Adho,
of library (Sher Mandal) in Dinpanah Pawala, Damri, Jital.
building.
​ Land Revenue: Based on
​ Historian Lane-Poole's quote: measurement of land & produce
"Humayun tumbled through life, and (1/3 of produce). Issued Pattas
tumbled out of it."

71st BPSC SANKALP BATCH 20

 COMPLETE MEDIEVAL HISTORY​
By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)

(title deeds) to farmers, took ​ Regent (1556-1560): Bairam Khan

Kabuliyat (acceptance agreement) (Shia, native of Badakhshan).
from them. Established famine Known as "Khan Baba."
relief fund. ​ Second Battle of Panipat (Nov 5,
​ Military: Permanent army. Dagh & 1556): Akbar vs. Hemu. Akbar
Chehra system revived. Won.
​ Infrastructure: Built old fort ​ Bairam Khan's Death: Jan 31, 1561
(Purana Qila) in Delhi. Built 'Sadak-i AD, assassinated by Mubarak Khan
Azam' (Grand Trunk Road) from at Patan (during pilgrimage to
Sonargaon (Bangladesh) to Kabul Mecca).
(Afghanistan). Revived postal ​ "Harem Dal" (Petticoat
system. Government): Ended by Akbar in

ak
​ Central Administration (4 key 1562.
departments): ​ Battle of Haldighati (June 18,
​ Diwan-i Vizarat: State & 1576): Akbar (commanded by Man
Finance (Wazir). Singh & Asaf Khan) vs. Maharana
​ Diwan-i Arz: Military. Pratap. Akbar Won.
​ Diwan-i Risalat: Foreign ​ Din-i-Ilahi:
Affairs. ​ Chief Priest: Akbar himself.

​ e
​ Diwan-i Insha:
Communications.

​ Division: Empire into 47 Sarkars.

​
​ First Hindu Convert: Birbal
(Mahesh Das).

​ Religious Tolerance:
Fr
Sarkar into Parganas. ​ Honored Jainacharya Hari
​ Important Officers: Shiqdar-i Vijay Suri with title
Shiqdaran (Chief Shiqdar - "Jagatguru."
military/admin head of Sarkar). ​ Introduced Sun Worship in
Munsif-i Munsifan (Chief Munsif - court.
judicial head of Sarkar). Potdar
​
(Treasurer). Karkun (Accountant).
​ Revenue System:
​ Patronage: Malik Muhammad Jayasi
(author of Padmavat) was his ​ Zabti System: Land revenue
system.
S

contemporary.
​ Re-established Patliputra as Patna ​ Diwan Raja Todar Mal
(1541). (Khatri caste): Introduced
"Dahsala Bandobast"
​ Successor: Son Islam Shah.
(10-year settlement) in 1580
AD.
IA

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
​ Land Classification
(4 types):
​ Akbar (1556-1605 AD):
​ Polaj:
​ Birth: Oct 15, 1542 AD, in palace of
Annually
Rana Virsal (Amrakot), to Hamida
cultivated
Banu Begum.
(twice a
​ Childhood Name: Jalal. year).
​ Coronation: Feb 14, 1556 AD, at ​ Parati:
Kalanaur (Punjab). Fallow for
​ Teacher: Abdul Latif (Iranian 1-2 years.
scholar). ​ Chachar:
​ Title: "Jalaluddin Muhammad Akbar Fallow for
Badshah Ghazi." 3-4 years.

71st BPSC SANKALP BATCH 21

 COMPLETE MEDIEVAL HISTORY​
By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)

​ Banjar: Arabic epic. First major

Uncultivable work of Mughal miniature
land (no painting. Depicts valor of
tax). Prophet Muhammad's uncle,
​ Amir Hamza. Started under
Humayun, completed under
​ Khalisa Land
Akbar. (15 years, 100 artists,
Revenue:
led by Mir Sayyid Ali &
Introduced "Zabti"
Abdus Samad).
(cash payment based
on cultivated area) ​ Translation Department:
for Khalisa land Established by Akbar.
(1570-71). ​ Translated Works (into

ak
​ Tax Categories: Persian):
Taksh, Tahsil. ​ Ramayana &
​ Mahabharata: By
Naqib Khan, Abdul
​ Karori Officer: Appointed in
Qadir Badauni,
1573 to collect 1 crore Dam
Sheikh Sultan.
from their area.
(Mahabharata called
​ "Razmnama" - Book

time saw the sea.e

​ Gujarat Victory (1571): First
encounter with Portuguese, first

​ Historian Smith: Called

of Wars).
​ Panchatantra:
"Anwar-i-Suhaili" by
Abul Fazl;
Fr
Gujarat campaign "most "Yar-i-Danish" by
momentous attack in world Maulana Husain Faiz.
history." ​ Atharvaveda: Haji
​ Ibrahim Sirhindi.
​ Court Artists: Abdus Samad (famous ​ Rajatarangini:
painter). Mullah Shah
​ Court Musician: Tansen (born 1506 Muhammad.
Gwalior, real name Ramtanu ​ Tuzuk-i-Baburi:
Pandey). Master of Dhrupad. His Abdur Rahim
S

works: Miyan ki Todi, Miyan ka Khan-i-Khana.

Malhar, Miyan ka Sarang, Darbari ​ Lilavati: Faizi.
Kanhara.
​ Nal Damayanti: Faizi
​ Titles from Akbar: "Kantha (titled "Saheli").
Bharan Vani Vilas."
​ Bhagavata Purana:
IA

​ Pre-Akbar: In service of Todar Mal.

Raja Ramchandra of Rewa.
​ Simhasana Battisi:
​ Other Musicians: Baz Abdul Qadir Badauni.
Bahadur, Baba Ramdas,
​ Tazak & Tuzuk
Baiju Bawra.
(astronomy):
​ Swami Haridas: Great "Jahan-i-Zafar" by
musician, lived in Muhammad Khan
Vrindavan, dedicated to Gujarati.
God. Some say he was
​ Yoga Vasishtha:
Tansen's guru.
Nizamuddin
​ Panipati.
​ Literary & Artistic Endeavors: ​
​ Dastan-i-Amir Hamza ​
(Hamzanama): Famous

71st BPSC SANKALP BATCH 22

 COMPLETE MEDIEVAL HISTORY​
By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)

​ Golden Age of Hindi Literature: ​ Coronation: Oct 24, 1605 AD. Title:
Akbar's reign. "Nuruddin Muhammad Jahangir
​ Titles Granted: Badshah Ghazi."
​ Birbal: "Kavi Priya." ​ Birth: Aug 30, 1569 AD. Named
​ Narhari: "Mahapatra." after Sufi saint Sheikh Salim Chishti.
​ Abdus Samad: "Shirin ​ Justice: Remembered for "Chain of
Qalam." Justice" (golden chain from Shah
Burj of Agra Fort to Yamuna bank).
​ Muhammad Husain Kashmiri:
"Zarrin Qalam." ​ Autobiography: "Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri."
Completed by Motamad Khan.
​ Raja Bhagwan Das (son of
Raja Bharmal): ​ Son's Revolt: Khusrau revolted in

ak
"Umar-ul-Umra." 1606.
​ ​ Execution of Sikh Guru: Guru Arjan
Dev (5th Sikh Guru) executed by
​ Brave Death: Birbal killed
Jahangir for helping Khusrau.
suppressing Yusufzai revolt.
Khusrau met Guru in Goindwal.
​ Abul Fazl's Death: 1602 AD,
​ Title "Shah Jahan": Given to Prince
assassinated by Veer Singh Bundela
Khurram (later Shah Jahan) for
(on Jahangir's orders).
success against Malik Ambar (Wazir
​ Buldand Darwaza: Built to

e
commemorate Gujarat victory.
​ Instrument: Played "Nagara"
(kettledrum).
​ Coinage: Standardized Mughal
of Ahmednagar).
​ Loss of Kandahar: Mughals lost
Kandahar to Shah Abbas of Persia
(1622).
Fr
​ Nur Jahan:
currency. Some coins had "Allah
​ Real Name: Mehrunissa.
Akbar" & "Jalle Jalaluhu" & mint
Daughter of Mirza Ghiyas
name. Some silver coins had Rama
Beg (Iranian).
& Sita with "Ram Siya Ram." Coins
with falcon symbol ​ First Marriage: Ali Quli Beg
(commemorating Asirgarh victory). (given title "Sher Afghan" by
Jahangir for killing a tiger).
​ Death: Oct 16, 1605 AD. Buried in
Sikandra (near Agra). ​ After Sher Afghan's Death
(1607): Mehrunissa served
​ Major Constructions: Humayun's
S

Akbar's widow, Salima

Tomb (Delhi), Agra Fort, Fatehpur
Begum.
Sikri (Shah Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas,
Panch Mahal, Buland Darwaza, ​ Marriage to Jahangir: Saw
Jodha Bai's Palace, Ibadat Khana), her at Nauroz festival,
Allahabad Fort, Lahore Fort. married her in May 1611.
IA

​ Navaratnas (Nine Jewels): Abul ​ Titles from Jahangir: "Nur

Fazl, Faizi, Tansen, Birbal, Todar Mahal," then "Nur Jahan."
Mal, Raja Man Singh, Abdur Rahim ​ Coinage: Issued silver coins
Khan-i-Khana, Faqir Aziao-din, in her honor.
Mullah Do Piyaza. ​ Family: Mirza Ghiyas Beg
​ Faizi (Abul Fazl's brother) (her father) made Imperial
was court poet. Diwan, given title
​ Abul Fazl wrote "Itimad-ud-Daula." Her
"Akbarnama" and was chief mother, Asmat Begum,
priest of Din-i-Ilahi. invented rose perfume
extraction method. Her
​
niece, Ladli Begum
​ Jahangir (1605-1627 AD): (daughter of Sher Afghan &
​ Successor to Akbar: Prince Salim.

71st BPSC SANKALP BATCH 23

 COMPLETE MEDIEVAL HISTORY​
By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)

Mehrunissa), married ​
Jahangir's son Shahriyar. ​ Shah Jahan (1628-1658 AD):
​ ​ Accession: Feb 4, 1628 AD, in Agra.
​ Mahabat Khan's Rebellion: Title: "Abul Muzaffar Shihabuddin
Imprisoned Jahangir, Nur Jahan, Muhammad Sahib Kiran-i-Sani."
Asaf Khan on Jhelum Riverbank ​ Birth: Jan 5, 1592 AD, in Lahore to
(1626 AD). Jagat Gosaini (daughter of Marwari
​ Sons: Khusrau, Parvez, Khurram, ruler Raja Udai Singh).
Shahriyar, Jahandar. ​ Marriage: 1612 AD, to Arjumand
​ Death: Oct 28, 1627 AD, at Banu Begum (daughter of Asaf
Bhimbar. Buried in Shahdara Khan, Nur Jahan's brother).
(Lahore) on Ravi River.

ak
​ Title from Shah Jahan:
​ Painting: Golden Age of Mughal "Malika-i-Zamani."
Painting. ​ Death: June 7, 1631 AD
​ Prominent Painters: Aqa (due to childbirth
Raza, Ustad Mansur, Abul complications).
Hasan, Muhammad Nadir, ​
Muhammad Murad, Bishan
​ Titles Granted: Asaf Khan (Wazir),
Das, Manohar, Govardhan,
Mahabat Khan (Khan-i-Khana).

e
Farrukh Beg, Daulat.
​ Art Studio: Established in
Agra under Aqa Raza.
​ Titles: Ustad Mansur
​ Nur Jahan: Sent to Lahore with
pension of 2 lakh rupees/year (died
1645).
​ Taj Mahal: Built in Agra over his
Fr
("Nadir-ul-Asr"), Abul Hasan
wife Mumtaz Mahal's grave.
("Nadir-uz-Zaman").
​ Architect: Ustad Isa.
​ Jagannath (Sanskrit Poet):
Given "Panditraj" title. ​ Chief Architect: Ustad
Ahmad Lahori.
​ Jahangir's Expertise:
Claimed he could identify ​
individual artists in ​ Peacock Throne (Mayur
composite paintings. Singhasan): Built by Shah Jahan.
​ Chief artist: Be-Badal Khan.
​ Pietra Dura: Used behind
S

​ Itimad-ud-Daula's Tomb (1626):

Built by Nur Jahan. First Mughal throne, depicting Greek god
building fully made of white Orpheus playing lyre.
marble. First to use "Pietra Dura" ​
(inlay work). ​ Architecture: Golden Age of
IA

​ Inscriptions: His inscription found Mughal Architecture.

on Ashokan pillar (Kaushambi, now ​ Major Constructions: Delhi
Allahabad) also bearing Red Fort, Diwan-i-Am,
Samudragupta's Prayag Prashasti. Diwan-i-Khas (Delhi), Jama
​ Foreign Visitors (Important for Masjid (Delhi), Moti Masjid
exam): Captain Hawkins (first (Agra Fort), Sheesh Mahal
Englishman), Sir Thomas Roe, (Lahore Fort).
William Finch, Edward Terry. ​
​ Tobacco Cultivation: Started in ​ Conquests: Annexed Ahmednagar
India during his reign (introduced by (1632 AD).
Portuguese from Brazil in 1605 in ​ Capital Shift: Agra to Delhi (1638
Deccan). AD). Laid foundation of
​ Marathas in Mughal Service: First Shahjahanabad on right bank of
time in 1620. Yamuna.

71st BPSC SANKALP BATCH 24

 COMPLETE MEDIEVAL HISTORY​
By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)

​ Jama Masjid (Agra): Built by his ​ Title: "Shah Buland Iqbal"

daughter, Jahanara. (King of Lofty Fortune).
​ Court Painters: Muhammad Faqir, ​
Mir Hashim. ​ Imprisonment & Death: Aurangzeb
​ Sanskrit Poets: Bansidhar Mishra, imprisoned Shah Jahan in Agra Fort
Harinarayan Mishra. (June 8, 1658). Shah Jahan died
​ Titles Granted to Musicians: (Jan 22, 1666, aged 74) after 8
​ Lal Khan: "Gun Samandar." years of captivity.
​ Jagannath (Hindi Poet & ​
Musician): "Mahakavi Rai." ​ Aurangzeb (1658-1707 AD):
​ ​ Birth: Oct 24, 1618 AD, at Dohad

ak
​ Dara Shikoh (Eldest Son): Most (Gujarat).
learned of his sons. ​ Early Life: Spent most of childhood
​ Translations (to Persian): with Nur Jahan.
Bhagavad Gita, Yoga ​ Marriage: May 18, 1637, to Dilras
Vasistha, Upanishads, Banu Begum (Persian Royal family).
Ramayana. ​ Coronations:
​ Upanishads Title: ​ First: July 31, 1658 (hasty,
"Sirr-i-Akbar" (Greatest after seizing Agra). Title:
Secret).

e
​ Spiritual Master: Mullah
Shah Badakhshi (Qadiri
Order).
"Abul Muzaffar Muhiuddin
Muhammad Aurangzeb
Bahadur Alamgir Badshah
Ghazi."
Fr
​ Physician: Francois Bernier ​ Second: June 5, 1659 (after
(French traveler). final victory at Deorai).
​ ​
​ Educational Institutions: Repaired ​ Guru: Mir Muhammad Hakim.
Darul Baqa College, built a new ​ Religious Belief: Sunni Muslim.
college in Delhi. Known as "Zinda Pir" (Living Saint).
​ War of Succession (Sept 1657): ​ Treaty of Purandar (June 22,
Started due to his severe illness & 1665): Between Jai Singh I (Mughal
rumor of death. Sons were in general) & Shivaji.
S

different regions: Shuja (Bengal), ​ Shivaji's Imprisonment: May 1666,

Murad (Gujarat), Aurangzeb in Jaipur Bhawan (Diwan-i-Azam,
(Deccan). Agra Fort) by Aurangzeb. Escaped
​ Battle of Dharmat (April Aug 16, 1666.
15, 1658): Dara vs. ​ Execution of Sikh Guru: Guru Tegh
IA

Aurangzeb. Dara defeated. Bahadur (9th Sikh Guru) executed in

​ Battle of Samugarh (May Delhi (1675) for refusing to convert
29, 1658): Dara vs. to Islam.
Aurangzeb. Dara defeated. ​ Reimposition of Jizya: 1679 AD
​ Battle of Deorai (March (abolished by Akbar in 1564).
1659): Final battle of ​ Jizya Exemptions:
succession. Dara defeated. Brahmins, saints, elderly,
​ Dara's Execution: Aug 30, poor, insane, minors,
1659 (accused of women.
blasphemy/apostasy). ​ First Collector: Muhammad
​ Dara's Exile: Spent time in bin Qasim (712 AD).
Kakwa fort (Alwar, ​ First on Brahmins: Firoz
Rajasthan), built by Jai Tughlaq.
Singh II.

71st BPSC SANKALP BATCH 25

 COMPLETE MEDIEVAL HISTORY​
By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)

​ Final Abolition: Muhammad Indian classical music

Shah (1720 AD). written during his reign).
​ ​
​ Bibi ka Maqbara: Built in ​ Instrument: Was a skilled Veena
Aurangabad (Maharashtra) in 1679 player.
AD (tomb of his wife Dilras Banu ​ Temple Destruction: Ordered
Begum). destruction of Hindu temples
​ Jat Revolts: Led by Gokula & Raja (1665).
Ram. ​ Examples: Somnath (Patan),
​ Battle of Tilpat (1670): Jats Vishwanath (Banaras),
defeated, Gokula killed. Keshava Dev (Mathura, built
by Bir Singh in Jahangir's

ak
​ Raja Ram: Sacked Akbar's
tomb at Sikandra (1685). time).
​ Bharatpur State: Founded ​
by Churaman (Raja Ram's ​ Death: Feb 20, 1707 AD. Buried in
nephew) during Aurangzeb's Khuldabad (now Roza).
reign. ​ Subas (Provinces): 20 during his
​ reign.
​ Conquests: Annexed Bijapur (1686) ​ Aim: Convert "Dar-ul-Harb" (land of
& Golconda (1687).

e
​ Golconda Ministers:
Madanna & Akkanna
(Brahmins).
infidels) into "Dar-ul-Islam" (land of
Islam).
​ Foreign Visitor: Francois Bernier
(French traveler, his physician).
Fr
​
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
​ Hindu Mansabdars: Highest number
(337) during his reign compared to
other Mughal emperors. Appointed ​ 9. Mughal Administration & Miscellaneous
most Hindus as officials. ​ Wizarat (Ministerial Council): Called
​ Son's Revolt: Prince Akbar revolted Vizarat. Wazir post important under Babur.
due to influence of Durga Das Akbar divided duties of Wakil (chief officer)
Rathore. among Diwan, Mir Bakhshi, Sadr-us Sudur,
Mir Saman. Asad Khan served longest as
​ Religious Policies (Orthodox):
S

Diwan (31 yrs under Aurangzeb).

​ Based rule on Quran.
​ Mir Bakhshi: Head of Military Department.
​ Banned Kalma on coins, Signed 'Sarkhat' (certificate) for soldiers'
Nauroz festival, cultivation monthly salary. Responsible for military
of Bhang, singing/dancing in salary. Oversaw provincial Bakhshis.
court.
IA

Supervised revenue officers. According to

​ Abolished Jharokha Darshan Jadunath Sarkar, not a regular/permanent
(daily public appearance), post.
Tula Dan (weighing emperor ​ Cavalry Soldiers:
against gold/silver on
​ Ahadis: Soldiers appointed by
birthday), applying Tilak on
Emperor, served as bodyguards.
forehead (started by Akbar).
​ Dakhilis: Soldiers recruited by
​ Banned Sati.
Emperor, served under Mansabdars.
​ Ordered courtesans to marry
​
or leave the country.
​ Madad-i Maas: Tax-free land grants given to
​ Stopped Holi, Diwali
scholars & religious persons. Other names:
celebrations in court.
Suyurghal, Milk. Hereditary,
​ Banned music in court (but non-transferable. Sadr was supervisor of
most Persian books on these grants.

71st BPSC SANKALP BATCH 26

 COMPLETE MEDIEVAL HISTORY​
By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)

​ Mansabdari System: ​ Issued coins with falcon image to

​ Introduced by Akbar (in 19th year of commemorate Asirgarh conquest.
reign, based on Decimal system). ​ Shah Jahan: Introduced 'Ana' coin.
Inspired by Central Asia. ​ Aurangzeb: Highest number of coins
​ Mansab: Rank or position. minted.
Mansabdar: Officer holding a ​ Base of Mughal economy: Silver
Mansab. Rupiya. Copper Dam for
​ Total ranks: 66 (33 prevalent). transactions.
​ Ranks: Mansabdar, Amir, Amir-i ​ Most prevalent gold coin: Mohur.
Azam. Satasah (Akbar, 101 tolas), Ilahi
​ Dual system of 'Zat' (personal (round gold coin), Rahas

ak
rank/salary) & 'Sawar' (cavalry rank) (round/square gold coin, 10.5
introduced by Akbar. tolas), Atma (25 tolas), Binsat (20
​ First Class: Sawar = Zat. tolas).
​ Second Class: Sawar >= Half ​ Silver coins: Rupiya, Jalali, Darb,
of Zat. Charan, Chandan, Dah, Kala, Suki.
​ Third Class: Sawar < Half of ​
Zat. ​ Mughal Court:
​ ​ Diwan-i Riyasat: Religious matters,

rank.
e
​ Sawar rank could not exceed Zat

​ Military and civil officers integrated

into a single service cadre.
pious people, stipend for
scholars/religious figures. Headed
by Sadr.
​ Diwan-i Insha: Royal
Fr
Correspondence.
​ Number of Mansabdars: 29 with
5000 Zat rank under Akbar. ​ Wazirs: PM, head of revenue.
Increased to 79 under Aurangzeb. ​ Mushrif-i Mumalik: Accountant
​ Jahangir introduced 'Du Aspa' general (revenue/expenditure).
(double horse) & 'Si Aspa' (triple ​ Majumadar: Account of borrowed
horse) system within Sawar rank. money.
First given to Mahabat Khan. ​ Khazin: Treasurer.
​ Ahadis: Separate class of cavalry ​ Ariz-i Mumalik: Head of Military
directly under Emperor (Shah Department (Diwan-i Arz).
S

Jahan). Paid higher, more trusted. ​ Sadr-us Sudur: Head of Religious &
Recruited by Emperor, separate Charity Department.
attendance officer. Could own ​ Qazi-ul Qazat: Chief Justice after
multiple horses or share. Versatile Sultan.
duties (scribes, painters, foremen).
IA

​ Barid-i Mumalik: Head of

​ Intelligence Department.
​ Coinage: ​ Vakil-i Dar: Looked after personal
​ Mints produced gold, silver, copper services of Sultan.
coins. ​ Diwan-i Khairat, Diwan-i Bandagan,
​ Akbar: Issued coins with images of Diwan-i Istihaq: (See above, under
Rama & Sita, and 'Ram Siya' in Firuz Shah Tughlaq).
Devanagari script. Dam (Copper ​ Barids: Appointed to get info on
coin) = 1/40th of Rupiya. activities in different parts of
​ Jahangir: Issued coins with his own empire. Most trusted were
image. Some coins with image of appointed.
himself & Nur Jahan, or with cup in ​ Public Works Department:
hand. 'Nisar' (Silver coin) = 1/4th of Established by Firuz Tughlaq. Built
Rupiya. canals & public buildings.

71st BPSC SANKALP BATCH 27

 COMPLETE MEDIEVAL HISTORY​
By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)

​ Administration Hierarchy ​ Darogha-i Dak Chowki: Head of

(Descending): Sultan > Suba information & intelligence
(Province) > Sarkar department.
(District/Shiqdar) > Pargana/Mahal ​ Muhtasib: Ensured public morality
(Amil) > Gram (Village/Muwada or (stopped acts against Shariat).
Deh). Small hamlets under Muwada ​ Hierarchy (Aurangzeb): Suba >
called Nagla. Dastur > Gram.
​ Chief village officers: Khut (small ​ Hierarchy (Generally): Suba >
landlords), Muqaddam (Headman), Sarkar > Pargana/Mahal >
Patwari (Accountant). Zila/Dastur > Gram.
​ Khas Khel: Sultan's permanent army. ​ Smallest unit: Gram (Muwada/Deh).
​ Military system based on Decimal

ak
Nagla (small settlements under
system of Mongol army. Muwada).
​ Mangalik & Arrada: Machines for ​ Provincial Officers: Subedar
throwing projectiles using (peace/order), Diwan (provincial
gunpowder. revenue), Bakhshi (provincial
​ Iqta system: Abolished by Alauddin military), Faujdar (district military
Khalji, reintroduced by Firuz Shah head), Amil/Amalguzar (district
Tughlaq. (Started by Iltutmish). revenue head), Kotwal (city head),

e
​ Good quality horses imported from
Turkey, Arabia, Russia. Elephants
mainly from Bengal.
​ Laws based on Shariat, Quran,
Shiqdar (Pargana head), Amil
(direct link to farmers, fixed
revenue).
​ Chakla: New unit between Sarkar &
Pargana (Shah Jahan).
Fr
Hadis.
​ Sultan held court twice a week for ​ Land Division: Khalsa (direct
justice. control), Jagir (granted for
​ Mixed system of revenue salary/service), Sayurghal/Madad-i
assessment: Muktai. Maas/Milk (tax-free grant).
​ Measurement-based assessment: ​ Land Revenue System: Ray (Sher
Masahat (Started by Alauddin). Shah's system, used by Akbar).
Karori (Officer appointed by Akbar
​ Khalsa land: Land under direct
in 1573 to collect 1 crore Dam).
control of Emperor. Alauddin
Dahsala System (Akbar, 1580, also
S

converted most land to Khalsa.

called Todar Mal's bandobast).
​ Silver Tanka & Copper Dirham: Base
​ Land Classification (Dahsala): Polaj
of Sultanate currency.
(cultivated annually), Parauti
​ Deval: Important international port (fallow 1-2 yrs), Chachar (fallow 3-4
during Sultanate period. yrs), Banjar (uncultivable, no tax).
IA

​ ​ Zabt System: Measurement based

​ Mughal Court & Administration: system, revenue collected in cash
​ Wazir: PM (See Vizarat). (started by Todar Mal in Khalsa
​ Sadr-us Sudur: Head of religious and land, 1570-71). Two categories of
charity matters. assessment: Taqsim & Tahsil.
​ Qazi-ul Qazat: Chief Justice. ​ Nasq System: Assessment based on
​ Mir Bakhshi: Head of military. standing crop, collected after
​ Mir Saman: Head of household harvest (Aurangzeb, practiced in
department/imperial workshops. Bengal).
​ Diwan: Head of finance. ​ Aurangzeb: Adopted Nasq, reduced
revenue to half of produce.
​ Sadr: Inspected Madad-i Maas land
grants. ​ Farmer Categories: Khud Kashta
(cultivated own village land), Pahi

71st BPSC SANKALP BATCH 28

 COMPLETE MEDIEVAL HISTORY​
By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)

Kashta (cultivated land in other ​ Akbar's Painters: Daswant

villages), Mujarian (rented land (committed suicide), Basawan.
from Khud Kashta). ​ Jahangir's Painters: Abul Hasan
​ Agricultural Products: Indigo (Agra, (titled Nadir-uz Zaman - Master of
Bayana, Sarkhej - finest quality), the Age, excelled in portraiture),
Opium (Malwa, Bihar), Cloth (Bihar Ustad Mansur (titled Nadir-ul Asr -
- major center). Dadan system Wonder of the Age, excelled in
(advance payment to artisans). Fine animal/bird painting). (MOST
woolens (Kashmir, Lahore). IMPORTANT).
​ Currency: Highest number of rupees ​ Jahangir: Considered Mughal
minted under Aurangzeb. Ana coin painting's golden age. Connoisseur
(Shah Jahan). Coins with Emperor's of art. Claimed he could identify

ak
image (Jahangir). Coins with artist of different parts of a
Emperor and Nur Jahan (Jahangir). painting.
​ Military: 4 divisions - Infantry, ​ Established painting workshop in
Cavalry, Artillery, Elephantry. Based Agra under Aqa Reza.
on Mansabdari system (Akbar). ​ Dastan-i Amir Hamza (Hamza
​ Nama): Famous Arabic epic, first
​ 10. Mughal Art & Culture significant work of Mughal painting.
Illustrated heroic deeds of Prophet
​ Music:

e
​ Akbar's Court: Tansen (most famous
musician). Birth 1506 (Gwalior),
Brahmin family. Real name Ramtanu
Pandey. Master of Dhrupad. Works:
Muhammad's uncle Amir Hamza.
Began in Humayun's time,
completed in Akbar's. Took 15
years, involved ~100 painters. Final
Fr
Miyanki Todi, Miyanki Malhar, touches by Abdus Samad.
Miyanki Sarang, Darbari Kanhara. ​
Title from Akbar: Kanthabharan ​ Language:
Bani Vilas. Before Akbar, in court of ​ Persian: Official language of
Raja Ramachandra of Rewa. Mughals (Rajbhasha).
​ Other Singers in Akbar's time: Baz ​ Hindi: Golden age during Akbar's
Bahadur, Baba Ramdas, Baiju reign.
Bawra. ​
​ Swami Haridas: Great musician in
S

​ Translations:
Akbar's time, resided in Vrindavan.
​ Anuvad Vibhag (Translation
Believed to be Tansen's guru (or
Department): Established by Akbar
both were disciples of Mansingh
(under Faizi's chairmanship).
Tomar). Sang only for God, refused
to go to Akbar's court. ​ Ramayana & Mahabharata:
IA

Translated to Persian by Naqib

​ Muhammad Shah Rangeela: Khayal
Khan, Abdul Qadir Badauni, Sheikh
singing popular during his reign.
Sultan. Mahabharata Persian name:
​ Aurangzeb: Considered music Razmnama (Book of Wars).
un-Islamic, banned it. Dismissed
​ Panchatantra: Translated to Persian
court musicians. Ironically, was a
by Abul Fazl (Anwar-i Sadat),
skilled Vina player. Most Persian
Maulana Husain Faiz (Yar-i Danish).
books on Indian classical music
Arabic translation called Kalila wa
written during his reign.
Dimna.
​
​ Atharvaveda: Translated to Persian
​ Painting: by Haji Ibrahim Sirhindi.
​ Humayun's Painters: Mir Sayyid Ali, ​ Rajatarangini: Translated to Persian
Khwaja Abdus Samad. by Muhammad Shahabadi or
Maulana Shah Mohammad.

71st BPSC SANKALP BATCH 29

 COMPLETE MEDIEVAL HISTORY​
By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)

​ Tuzuk-i Baburi (Baburnama): ​ Pandit Jagannath: Ras Gangadhar,

Translated to Persian by Abdul Ganga Lahiri.
Rahim Khan-i Khana. ​ Tulsidas: Ramcharitmanas (Awadhi
​ Lilavati: Translated to Persian by language - MOST IMPORTANT),
Faizi. Vinaya Patrika, Dohavali, Gitavali,
​ Nal Damayanti: Translated to Kavitavali. Also smaller works like
Persian by Faizi ('Saihalli'). Parvati Mangal, Janaki Mangal,
​ Bhagawat Purana: Translated to Barvai Ramayan, Vairagya
Persian by Todar Mal. Sandipani, Krishna Gitavali.
Contemporary of Akbar & Jahangir.
​ Simhasan Battisi: Translated to
Mentioned in Ain-i Akbari.
Persian by Abdul Qadir Badauni.
​ Raskhan: Prem Vatika.

ak
​ Yoga Vasishtha: Translated to
Persian by Nizamuddin Panipati (as ​ Malik Muhammad Jayasi: Padmavat,
'Parishisht' to Ramayana, 'Vedanta'). Akharawat, Akhiri Kalam.
​ Tajak & Tuzuk (Astronomy texts): ​
Translated to Persian as 'Jahan-i ​ 12. Mughal Architecture
Zafar' by Muhammad Khan Gujarati. ​ Akbar's Constructions (MOST IMPORTANT):
​ ​ Humayun's Tomb (Delhi) - built by
​ 11. Mughal Literature Hamida Banu Begum. Considered

e
​ Gulbadan Begum: Daughter of Babur.
Wrote 'Humayun Nama' (in Persian) - history
of Babur & Humayun. Written on Akbar's
order.
precursor to Taj Mahal.
​ Agra Fort (Red Fort).
​ Fatehpur Sikri: Imperial Palace,
Diwan-i Khas, Panch Mahal, Buland
Fr
​ Key Authors & Works (MOST IMPORTANT): Darwaza (built to commemorate
​ Nizamuddin Ahmad: Tabqat-i Gujarat victory), Jodha Bai's Palace,
Akbari. Ibadat Khana.
​ Abbas Khan Sarwani: Tarikh-i Sher ​ Allahabad Fort.
Shahi. ​ Lahore Fort.
​ Hasan Nizami: Taj-ul Maasir. ​ Akbar's Tomb (Sikandra, near Agra):
​ Khwand Mir: Qanun-i Humayuni. 5-storied, dome-less. Plan made by
Akbar himself. Completed by
​ Bhim Sen Burhanpuri: Nuskh-i
Jahangir. Upper stories smaller than
Dilkusha.
S

lower ones.
​ Mirza Muhammad Kazim: Alamgir
​
Nama.
​ Jahangir's Constructions:
​ Ghulam Hussain: Siyar-ul
Mutakhirin. ​ Akbar's Tomb (completion).
​ Jahangir's Tomb (Shahdara, Lahore,
IA

​ Muhammad Salih Kamboh: Amal-i

Salih (Shah Jahan Nama). near Ravi) - built by Nur Jahan.
​ Inayat Khan: Shah Jahan Nama. ​ Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb (Agra) -
built by Nur Jahan for her father
​ Chandrabhan Brahman: Chahar
(Mirza Ghiyas Beg). First completely
Chaman.
marble Mughal building. First use of
​ Mutamid Khan: Iqbal Nama-i Pietra Dura (inlay work).
Jahangiri.
​ Writing on Ashoka pillar
​ Abdul Hamid Lahori: Padshah Nama. (Kausambi/Prayag) along with
​ Abul Fazl: Akbar Nama, Ain-i Samudragupta's Prayag Prashasti.
Akbari. Chief priest of Din-i Ilahi. ​
​ Keshavdas: Rasik Priya, ​ Shah Jahan's Constructions (MOST
Ramchandrika, Kavi Priya (MOST IMPORTANT):
IMPORTANT).

71st BPSC SANKALP BATCH 30

 COMPLETE MEDIEVAL HISTORY​
By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)

​ Reign considered Golden Age of Mogor' ('Mirror of 17th Century

Mughal Architecture. India').
​ Delhi Red Fort. ​ Jean-Baptiste Tavernier: French
​ Diwan-i Am, Diwan-i Khas (in Delhi traveler, visited India 6 times,
Fort). during Shah Jahan's reign. Jeweler.
Wrote 'The Six Voyages'. Described
​ Delhi Jama Masjid.
Kohinoor diamond.
​ Agra Taj Mahal (on grave of wife
​ Francois Bernier: French traveler,
Mumtaz Mahal - Arjumand Banu
Aurangzeb's physician.
Begum). Master plan by Ustad Isa.
Chief architect Ustad Ahmad ​ Nikitin: Russian traveler, visited
Lahori. Blend of Indian, Iranian, Bahmani kingdom (Bidar) in 1470.
​

ak
Central Asian styles.
​ Agra Moti Masjid. ​ 14. Later Mughals (1707 - 1857 AD)
​ Lahore Fort's Sheesh Mahal. ​ Started after death of Aurangzeb (1707).
​ Founded city of Shahjahanabad in ​ Bahadur Shah I (1707 - 1712 AD):
Delhi (on right bank of Yamuna, ​ Other name: Shah Alam I. Original
1638). name: Muazzam.
​ Agra Jama Masjid: Built by his ​ Title: Shah-i Bekhabar (Given by
daughter Jahan Ara. Khafi Khan).

​
e
​ Abolished Sijda & Zaminbos rituals.

​ Aurangzeb's Constructions:
​ Bibi ka Maqbara (Aurangabad,
​
​ Jahandar Shah (1712 - 1713 AD):
Incompetent ruler. Gained throne with help
of Zulfiqar Khan. Defeated & killed by
Fr
Maharashtra, 1679): Mausoleum of Farrukhsiyar (1713).
wife Rabia-ud-Daurani. Built under ​ Farrukhsiyar (1713 - 1719 AD):
supervision of son Azam Shah. ​ Issued 'Firman' (Royal Edict) in 1717.
Called 'Second Taj Mahal'. Based on ​ Firman of 1717: Granted English EIC
Taj Mahal design. right to trade in Bengal without
​ Moti Masjid in Delhi Red Fort. additional custom duties for 3000
​ annual payment. (Considered
​ 13. Mughal Relations with Foreigners 'Magna Carta' of EIC trade).
​
S

​ Foreign Visitors (MOST IMPORTANT):

​ Ralph Fitch: English, 1583-1586 ​ Muhammad Shah (1719 - 1748 AD):
(Akbar). ​ Last Mughal Emperor to sit on
​ William Hawkins: English EIC famous Peacock Throne (built by
representative/ambassador, Shah Jahan).
IA

1608-1611 (Jahangir). First ​ Nadir Shah's invasion: Invaded India

Englishman in Mughal court. Titled (1739), defeated Mughal army in
'English Khan' by Jahangir. Battle of Karnal. Took Peacock
​ Thomas Roe: British ambassador of Throne & Kohinoor diamond.
King James I, 1615-1619 (Jahangir, ​ Known as 'Rangeela' (Pleasant).
in Ajmer). Went hunting with ​ Established dominance of eunuchs
Emperor. & women in court.
​ Francisco Pelsaert: Dutch traveler ​ Jaziya finally abolished in 1720 by
(Jahangir). Muhammad Shah.
​ Niccolao Manucci: Italian traveler, ​
1653-1708 (Shah Jahan/Aurangzeb). ​ Shah Alam II (1759 - 1806 AD):
Served Dara Shikoh as artilleryman, ​ Original name: Ali Gauhar.
later physician. Wrote 'Storia do
​ Delhi captured by British during his
reign.

71st BPSC SANKALP BATCH 31

 COMPLETE MEDIEVAL HISTORY​
By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)

​ Put on Delhi throne by Marathas, ​ Namdev: Tailor (Darzi).

became their pensioner. ​ Kabir: Weaver (Julaha).
​ Defeated in Battle of Buxar (1764) ​ Ravidas: Cobbler (Mochi).
by British. Lived under British ​ Sena: Barber (Nai).
protection after Treaty of Allahabad
​
(1765).
​ Bhakti Saint & Life Span:
​
​ Kabir: 1398 - 1518 AD.
​ Bahadur Shah II (1837 - 1857 AD):
​ Guru Nanak: 1469 - 1539 AD.
​ Last Mughal Emperor. Called
'Emperor without an empire'. ​ Chaitanya Mahaprabhu: 1486 - 1533
AD.
​ Received monthly pension of Rs 1
​ Mirabai: 1498 - 1546 AD.

ak
lakh from EIC.
​ Participated in 1857 Revolt. Exiled ​
to Rangoon (Burma) by British. Died ​ Ruler & Reign (Chronological Order
there. Also known as Bahadur Shah Practice):
Zafar (wrote poetry). ​ Muhammad bin Tughlaq: 1325 - 1351
​ AD.
​ 15. Medieval Miscellaneous (Diverse ​ Maravarman Kulasekara (Pandya):
Points) 1308 - 1310 AD.
​ Notable Events & Rulers:

e
​ Alauddin Khalji abandoned idea of
starting a new religion on advice of
Kotwal Alaul Mulk.
​ Deva Raya II (Vijayanagar): 1422 -
1446 AD.
​ Krishna Deva Raya (Vijayanagar):
1509 - 1529 AD.
Fr
​ Quote: "When he obtained kingship, ​
he was completely independent of ​ Mahaprabhu Chaitanya:
the rules and orders of the Shariat": ​ Founder of Gaudiya Sampradaya.
Said by Barani for Alauddin Khalji. ​ Parents: Jagannath Mishra (Father),
​ Alauddin Khalji revived Balban's Sachi Devi (Mother).
theory of kingship. ​ Deity: Krishna.
​ ​ Life Span: 1486 - 1533 AD.
​ Prominent Medieval Architecture: ​ Childhood names: Nimai, Gauranga
​ Adina Mosque: Pandua, West (in पाठशाला). Real name:
S

Bengal. Vishambhar.
​ Lal Darwaza Mosque: Jaunpur, Uttar ​ Founded: Gosain Sangh. Started
Pradesh. Sankirtan (singing/chanting).
​ Dakhil Darwaza: Malda, West ​ Took Sanyas (monastic vows) from
IA

Bengal. Keshav Bharati (1510). Left Bengal

​ Teen Darwaza: Ahmedabad, for Puri (Orissa).
Gujarat. ​ Philosophical principle: Achintya
​ Bheda Abheda (Inconceivable
​ Ruler & Famous Work (MOST IMPORTANT): Oneness and Difference) - fusion of
​ Iltutmish: Turkan-i Chahalgani. Madhvacharya's Dvaita &
Ramanujacharya's Vishishtadvaita.
​ Muhammad bin Tughlaq: Introduced
Followers: Gaudiya Vaishnavas.
token currency.
ISKCON follows this philosophy.
​ Sher Shah: Built Sadak-i Azam (GT
​
Road).
​ Prominent Medieval Poets & Works:
​ Akbar: Ain-i Dahsala.
​ Mulla Daud: Chandayan.
​
​ Amir Khusrau: Ashiqa.
​ Bhakti Saint & Profession:

71st BPSC SANKALP BATCH 32

 COMPLETE MEDIEVAL HISTORY​
By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)

​ Damodar Kavi: Lakhan Sen ​ Guru: Kondadev. Spiritual Guru: Samarth

Padmavati Katha. Ramdas.
​ Somnath: Ragavibodha. ​ Marriage: Saibai Nimbalkar (1640).
​ ​ Shahji gave Pune jagir to Shivaji, worked
​ Varkari Sampradaya: for Bijapur Sultanate.
​ Main Seat: Pandharpur ​ First Conquest: Torna hill fort from Bijapur
(Maharashtra). (1644).
​ Founder: Dnyaneshwar/Gyaneshwar. ​ Killed Afzal Khan (Bijapur general): 10 Nov
Leading saints: Namdev, Tukaram. 1659 (Afzal Khan sent Sept 1659 to defeat
​ Belief: Worship of Vitthoba (form of him).
Krishna). ​ Sacked Surat: 1664 & 1670.

ak
​ ​ Purandar Treaty (June 1665): Between
​ Battle of Haldighati (1576): Maharana Maharaja Jai Singh (Mughal) & Shivaji.
Pratap vs. Man Singh & Asaf Khan (Akbar's ​ Siezed Panhala fort from Bijapur (1672).
generals). Hakim Khan Sur led Maharana's ​ Imprisoned by Aurangzeb: May 1666 (in
vanguard. Maharana Pratap defeated. Jaipur Bhavan, Agra). Escaped 16 Aug 1666.
​ Wars of Succession (Aurangzeb's time): ​ Death: 3 April 1680 (age 53).
​ Battle of Dharmat (15 April 1658): ​ Ashta Pradhan (Shivaji's Council of 8
Aurangzeb vs. Dara Shikoh (allied Ministers) - MOST IMPORTANT:

e
with Jaswant Singh). Dara defeated.
​ Battle of Samugarh (29 May 1658):
Dara Shikoh vs. Aurangzeb & Murad
(combined). Dara defeated.
​ Pesha (Peshwa): Prime Minister,
supervised administration &
economy. Most important & honored
post.
Fr
​ Battle of Deorai (March 1659): Final ​ Sari-i Naubat/Senapati:
battle. Dara defeated, executed on Commander-in-chief, head of army.
30 Aug 1659 for heresy. ​ Amatya/Majumdar: Revenue
​ Dara Shikoh lived in Kakwa Fort Minister, kept accounts of
(Alwar, Rajasthan) during exile. income/expenditure.
Built by Jai Singh II. ​ Wakianavis/Mantri: Minister for
​ Dara Shikoh titled 'Shah Buland daily affairs of King & court
Iqbal' (King of Lofty Fortune) by proceedings.
Shah Jahan. ​ Sumant/Dabir: Foreign Minister.
S

​ ​ Panditrao: Determined dates for

​ Treaty of Purandar (June 1665): Between religious ceremonies, looked after
Raja Jai Singh (Mughal general) & Shivaji. scholars/religious work.
​ Aurangzeb's Conquests: Bijapur (1686), ​ Nyayadish: Chief Justice.
IA

Golconda (1687). Mughal army had highest ​ Sachiv/Surnavis: Royal

number of Hindu generals under correspondence.
Aurangzeb. ​
​ 16. Maratha Empire ​ Language in Court: Marathi.
​ Founder: Shivaji. ​ Artillery: Provided by English.
​ Birth: 6 April 1627, Shivner fort (near ​ Maratha Territories:
Junnar).
​ Swaraj: Areas under direct Maratha
​ Capital: Raigad (1656). control.
​ Coronation: 5 June 1674, Raigad, by Pandit ​ Mulk-i
Vishveshwar Ganga Bhatt (from Varanasi). Qadim/Mughadai/Sardeshmukhi
Got title 'Chhatrapati'. areas: Areas under Mughal/Deccan
​ Parents: Shahji Bhonsle (Father), Jijabai rulers from which Marathas
(Mother). Shahji's second wife: Tukabai collected Chauth & Sardeshmukhi.
Mohite.

71st BPSC SANKALP BATCH 33

 COMPLETE MEDIEVAL HISTORY​
By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)

​ Chauth: 1/4 of land revenue, paid ​ Treaty of Warna (1731): Between Shahu &
to prevent Maratha raids. Not from Sambhaji II (son of Rajaram's second wife).
Swaraj. Divided Maratha kingdom - South (Kolhapur)
​ Sardeshmukhi: 10% additional levy, ruled by Sambhaji II, North (Satara) ruled
from areas claimed by Marathas but by Shahu.
under Mughals. Not from Swaraj. ​ Treaty of Sangola (1750): Between Balaji
​ Bajirao & Rajaram II. Made Peshwa the real
​ Successor: Sambhaji (Son). Appointed Kavi head of Maratha Confederacy (power
Kalash (Hindi & Sanskrit scholar) as advisor. shifted from Chhatrapati to Peshwa).
Considered a constitutional revolution.
​ Capture & Execution: Sambhaji & Kavi
Kalash captured by Mughal general ​ Treaty of Jalki: Between Nizam of
Hyderabad & Balaji Bajirao.

ak
Mukarrab Khan in Sangameshwar, executed
16 March 1689. ​ Third Battle of Panipat (14 Jan 1761):
​ Rajaram (Second Son of Shivaji): Crowned Between Marathas (led by Sadashivrao
new Chhatrapati (1689). Made Satara Bhau) & Afghan forces (led by Ahmad Shah
second capital. Fought Mughals, died 2 Abdali). Marathas defeated. Immediate
March 1700. cause: Abdali's desire for revenge after
Marathas expelled his viceroy Taimur Shah
​ Tarabai (Wife of Rajaram): Became regent
from Lahore. Witnessed by Kashiraj Pandit.
for 4-year old son Shivaji II. Real power
Disastrous for Marathas.
death).
e
after Rajaram's death (at Aurangzeb's

​ Shahu (Son of Sambhaji): Captive of

Aurangzeb. Released after Aurangzeb's
​ After Panipat loss: Balaji Bajirao died
(1761).
​ Madhavrao I (1761 - 1772): Became Peshwa.
Tried to regain Maratha prestige. Restored
Fr
death (1707).
Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II to Delhi
​ Battle of Kheda (1707): Between Shahu &
throne (he became Maratha pensioner).
Tarabai. Shahu won.
​ Narayana Rao (1772 - 1773): Killed by uncle
​ Shahu's Coronation: 22 Jan 1708 in Satara.
Raghunath Rao.
​ New Maratha Expansion: Promoted by
​ Sawai Madhavrao Narayan II: Minor Peshwa.
Peshwas (hereditary PMs of Shahu).
Maratha state governed by 'Bara Bhai Sabha'
Peshwas resided in Pune.
(council of 12 members). Important
​ Peshwa Succession (under Shahu): members: Mahadji Scindia & Nana
​ Balaji Vishwanath (1713 - 1720): Phadnavis.
S

First Peshwa appointed by Shahu. ​ Nana Phadnavis: Original name Balaji

Died 1720. Janardan Bhanu. Called 'Machiavelli of
​ Bajirao I (1720 - 1740): Became Marathas' by James Grant Duff.
Peshwa after Balaji Vishwanath. ​ Last Peshwa: Bajirao II (Son of Raghoba).
Said "Let us strike the trunk of the Became Peshwa with English help.
IA

withering Mughal tree..." Motivated Contributed most to Maratha decline. First

Shahu. First Peshwa to attack Delhi Maratha Sardar to accept Subsidiary
(29 March 1737). Alliance.
​ Battle of Palkhed (7 March 1728): ​ Anglo-Maratha Wars:
Bajirao I vs. Nizam-ul-Mulk. Nizam
​ First (1775-1782): Started after
defeated. Treaty of
Treaty of Surat (1775) - English
Mungi-Shivagaon.
supported Raghunath Rao. Ended
​ Balaji Bajirao (1740 - 1761): with Treaty of Salbai (1782).
Became Peshwa after Bajirao I. Also
​ Second (1803-1805): Bhonsle &
known as Nana Saheb. Real leader
Scindia defeated. Separate treaties
of Maratha Confederacy after
signed.
Sangola Treaty.
​ Treaty of Devgaon (17 Sept
​
1803): Between Raghuji

71st BPSC SANKALP BATCH 34

 COMPLETE MEDIEVAL HISTORY​
By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)

Bhonsle & English. After ​ Potdar: Checked weight & purity of

Battle of Argaon (Nov 1803). coins.
Bhonsle ceded Cuttack & ​ Other village staff: 12 Balutedars
territory west of Wardha (artisans), 12 Alutedars (servants).
river.
​ Kotwal: Chief city administrator.
​ Treaty of Surji-Arjungaon
​ Chowkidar/Jangla: Village
(30 Dec 1803): Between
watchman/criminal tracker.
Daulatrao Scindia & English.
Ceded territory between ​ Mirasdars: Permanent landholders.
Ganga-Yamuna, forts north Upari: Tenant farmers (Bataidar).
of Rajput states, ​ Pindaris: Looters with Maratha army
Ahmadnagar, Broach, Ajanta (paid 25% of loot to state).

ak
region in West. ​
​ ​ Shivaji's Revenue System: Based on Malik
​ Third (1817-1819): Ended Maratha Ambar's system. Used rope for
power & abolished hereditary measurement (Kathi, standard rod).
Peshwa post. Conducted comprehensive land survey
​ (1679, by Annaji Datto). Revenue rate 33%
of produce, raised to 40%.
​ Bajirao II: Defeated in Battles of Koregaon
& Ashti. Surrendered to Malcolm. ​ Revenue Collection Methods:

e
​ Treaty of Pune (13 June 1817): Ended
Peshwa post, Bajirao II removed from Pune,
sent on pension to Bithur (near Kanpur).
Died 1853.
​ Galla Bakhshi: Share of crop taken
by state.
​ Nasq: Assessment based on standing
crop, collected after harvest (in
Fr
​ Treaty of Mansaur (6 Jan 1818): Holkar vs. Bengal).
English. Holkar gave up claims on Rajput ​ Zabt: Assessment based on sown
states, ceded Southern Narmada districts. area, collected in cash.
​ Last Chhatrapati of Maratha Empire: Shahji ​
Appa Saheb. ​ Coinage (MOST IMPORTANT):
​ Maratha Administration: ​ Mohur: Most prevalent gold coin.
​ Center: Peshwa's secretariat in ​ Satsang: Largest gold coin (Akbar),
Pune (Huzur Daftar). 101 tolas.
S

​ Provinces (Subas): Called Prant or ​ Ilahi: Round gold coin.

Tarafs. Parganas called Mahals. ​ Rahs: Round/square gold coin, 10.5
​ Large provinces headed by tolas.
Sar-Subedar. Under him Mamlatdars ​ Atma: 25 tolas.
(reported to central office). ​ Binsat: 20 tolas.
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​ Deshmukhs & Deshpandes: Other ​ Rupiya & Jalali: Silver coins.

district officers controlling ​ Darb, Charan, Chandan, Dah, Kala,
Mamlatdars. Suki: Other silver coins.
​ Karkuns: District officers giving ​ Base of Mughal economy: Silver
specific event info to center. Rupiya (40 Dam in 1 Rupiya).
​ Chief worker of Mahal: Havaldar ​ Coinage reform credit: Akbar.
(aided by Majumdar & Phadnavis).
​
​ Chief village officer: Patel
​ Military: 4 parts (Infantry, Cavalry,
(revenue, justice, admin).
Artillery, Elephantry). Based on Mansabdari
​ Below Patel: Kulkarni (land (Akbar).
records). Below Kulkarni: Chaugule
​ Zat: Personal rank, salary, status.
(aided Patel, supervised Kulkarni's
records). ​ Sawar: Cavalry rank, number of
horsemen.

71st BPSC SANKALP BATCH 35

 COMPLETE MEDIEVAL HISTORY​
By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)

​ Du Aspa & Si Aspa: Ranks within

Sawar (Jahangir).
​ Ahadis: Directly recruited by
Emperor, paid higher, trusted.
​
​ Maharashtra Saints:
​ Dnyaneshwar (1275-1296): Father of
Bhakti movement in Maharashtra,
founder of Marathi lit/lang. Wrote
Bhavartha Deepika (commentary on
Bhagavad Gita, called

ak
Dnyaneshwari). Promoter of Varkari
Sampradaya.
​ Namdev (1270-1350): Deity
Vitthoba/Viththal of Pandharpur.
Important in Varkari development.
Composed Abhangs (devotional
songs). Bridge between Saguna &
Nirguna saints. Some verses in Guru
Granth Sahib.

e
​ Eknath (1533-1599): Wrote
commentary on Ramayana
(Bhavartha Ramayana).
Fr
​ Tukaram (1598-1650): Wrote
devotional poems (Abhangs), called
gems of devotional poetry.
​ Ramdas (1608-1681): Last great
saint-poet of Maharashtra. Work
compiled in Dasbodh. Popularized
worship of Rama.
​ Maharashtra Bhakti movements:
Varkari (Vitthoba/Krishna, e.g.,
S

Dnyaneshwar, Namdev, Tukaram)

and Dhar Kari (Rama, e.g.,
Ramdas).
IA

71st BPSC SANKALP BATCH 36