Indian History

Medieval Indian History

Trace the rise of the Delhi Sultanate, the splendour of the Mughal Empire, the Maratha resurgence, and the spiritual renaissance of Bhakti & Sufi reformations.

Medieval Dynasties & Contributions

Mamluk (Slave) Dynasty

Founder: Qutb-ud-din Aibak • Capital: Lahore / Delhi • Timeline: 1206 AD – 1290 AD

Prominent Rulers & Contributions:

Qutb-ud-din Aibak (1206–1210 AD)

Established Delhi Sultanate. Began Qutub Minar construction, died playing Chaugan (polo).

Iltutmish (1211–1236 AD)

Real consolidator of the Sultanate, introduced Silver Tanka and Copper Jital coins, set up Chahalgani (group of 40).

Razia Sultana (1236–1240 AD)

First and only female ruler of Delhi Sultanate.

Ghiyasuddin Balban (1266–1287 AD)

Introduced Blood and Iron policy, Sajda and Paibos court rituals, and Persian festival Navroz.

Key Empire Achievements

Laid the foundation of Indo-Islamic architecture (Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque).
Successfully defended India from early Mongol invasions under Genghis Khan.
Centralized military and administrative structures in Northern India.

Rulers Comparison Dashboard

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Dynasty

Mughal Empire

Maratha Empire

Administration

Mansabdari System (civil & military grading)

Ashtapradhan Council of 8 ministers

Revenue / Taxes

Dahsala / Bandobast System (1/3rd of average yield over 10 yrs)

Chauth (1/4th protection tax) & Sardeshmukhi (additional 10%)

Religious Policy

Din-i-Ilahi (Syncretic faith), Sulh-i-kul (universal peace)

Hindu swarajya, but promoted religious tolerance & local scripts

Art & Monuments

Fatehpur Sikri, Buland Darwaza, Agra Fort

Raigad Fort, Sindhudurg Sea Fort

Critical Battles of Medieval Era

1191 AD

First Battle of Tarain

Between: Prithviraj Chauhan vs. Muhammad Ghori

Winner: Prithviraj Chauhan

Chauhan forces decisively defeated Ghori, but Ghori escaped to return next year with a larger force.

1192 AD

Second Battle of Tarain

Between: Prithviraj Chauhan vs. Muhammad Ghori

Winner: Muhammad Ghori

Established Islamic rule in North India, leading to the foundation of the Delhi Sultanate.

1526 AD

First Battle of Panipat

Between: Babur vs. Ibrahim Lodi

Winner: Babur

Marked the end of Lodi Dynasty and the Delhi Sultanate, and founded the Mughal Empire in India. Introduced gunpowder and field artillery to India.

1527 AD

Battle of Khanwa

Between: Babur vs. Rana Sanga of Mewar

Winner: Babur

Consolidated Mughal rule in Northern India by defeating the powerful Rajput confederacy.

1529 AD

Battle of Ghaghra

Between: Babur vs. Afghan Chiefs (under Mahmud Lodi)

Winner: Babur

Babur's third major victory, crushing Afghan resistance in Bihar and Bengal.

1539 AD

Battle of Chausa

Between: Sher Shah Suri vs. Humayun

Winner: Sher Shah Suri

Humayun was defeated and forced to flee into exile, establishing the Sur Empire.

1556 AD

Second Battle of Panipat

Between: Akbar (under Bairam Khan) vs. Hemu

Winner: Akbar

Restored Mughal power in North India and ended the Afghan threat under Sur Dynasty.

1565 AD

Battle of Talikota

Between: Deccan Sultanates vs. Vijayanagara Empire (under Rama Raya)

Winner: Deccan Sultanates

Led to the sack, destruction, and ultimate collapse of the great Vijayanagara Empire.

1576 AD

Battle of Haldighati

Between: Mughals (led by Man Singh I) vs. Maharana Pratap of Mewar

Winner: Mughal Empire (Tactical victory, but Maharana Pratap escaped)

Maharana Pratap continued a decades-long guerrilla warfare against the Mughals from Aravalli hills.

Medieval History Knowledge Check

Complete this quick 5-question test to review administrative and military terms from the Delhi Sultanate & Mughal periods.