Medieval India PDF

# Medieval India ## Introduction **Fig. 1.1** shows the Red Fort in Delhi, built during the reign of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. It is a historical relic of the Mughal Kingdom. **Fig. 1.2** shows the figure of Hampi, the capital of the Vijayanagara Kingdom in South India, which existed during the...

# Medieval India ## Introduction **Fig. 1.1** shows the Red Fort in Delhi, built during the reign of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. It is a historical relic of the Mughal Kingdom. **Fig. 1.2** shows the figure of Hampi, the capital of the Vijayanagara Kingdom in South India, which existed during the same period as the Mughals. These two kingdoms ruled medieval India. **Fig. 1.3** shows the Mughal Kingdom under ruler Aurangzeb in 1707. The Mughals had a vast kingdom that spread to neighboring countries. ## Mughal Rule Babur established the Mughal rule in 1526. The Mughals ruled India until 1857, with Delhi as their capital. **Main Rulers During the Mughal Period**: * Babur (1526-1530) * Humayun (1530-1540) * Akbar (1556-1605) * Jahangir (1605-1627) * Shahjahan (1628-1658) * Aurangzeb (1658-1707) ## The Mughals and the First Battle of Panipat - The name "Mughal" is derived from the term "Mongol". - Babur, the founder of the Mughal Kingdom, was a descendant of: - Turkish ruler Timur (paternal) - Mongol King Genghis Khan (maternal) - Europeans started referring to the dynasty as "Mughal" in the 16th century. - In 1526, the last ruler of the Lodi dynasty, Ibrahim Lodi, and Babur, the ruler of Kabul, fought at Panipat in Haryana. - This battle is known as the **First Battle of Panipat**. - Babur's victory established the Mughal rule in India. ## Emperor Akbar: A Just and Tolerant Ruler **Emperor Akbar** was known for his just rule, respect for his subjects, and tolerance toward different religions. - *"Emperor Akbar, who shook the East, passed away. Akbar was indeed a great emperor. Even while having great command over his subjects, they all loved him, respected him and was always submissive to him. He administered equal justice without any distinction of high-low castes, familiar-unfamiliar. He considered Hindu/Christian/Muslim alike. He treated the strong with force and the weak with mercy... He was loved by all..."* This is an obituary written by the Jesuit priest Pierre Jaric, after the death of Akbar in 1605 CE. ### Akbar's Religious Policy - **Akbar was a powerful ruler.** - In 1575, Akbar built the Ibadat Khana in Fatehpur Sikri, his new capital. - Scholars and dignitaries from various religions gathered here, reflecting Akbar's policy of religious tolerance. - Akbar created the **Din-i-Ilahi**, a visionary religion that combined the good aspects of all religions. - This reflects Akbar's belief that all people are equal, and that their "visions" exist for the welfare of all humans. ## The Abolition of "Jaziah" Akbar's abolition of the religious tax, **"Jaziah"**, illustrated his commitment to tolerance. People from all religious sects received equal treatment in the Mughal administration. **Prominent figures under Akbar's rule**: * Raja Todarmal * Raja Mansingh * Raja Bhagavandas * Birbal ## Mughal Sultan Jahangir's Perspective - Mughal Sultan Jahangir, in his memoir, "Tusuk-i-Jahangiri", wrote that Akbar instructed his followers: - *"My followers should not waste time in enmity with other religions. Let the concept of sulh-i-kul (peace to all) be applied to all belonging to other religions. "Do not kill animals or take up arms except in times of war"* This provides insight into the broader context of Akbar's approach, and highlights his focus on peace and respect. ## The Mughal Army - A strong army was essential for expansion and maintenance of the Mughal Empire. - Akbar implemented the **Mansabdari system** to organize the military. ### Mansab - The **Mansab** refers to the number of cavalry an officer had to maintain. - It was determined by the number of soldiers. - The system was implemented as an alternative to paying the army directly from the state. ### Mansabdars - The **Mansabdars** were allotted lands according to their rank. - They maintained their armies by collecting taxes from this land. - Mughal rulers relied on the support of the Nobles and the military to strengthen their regime. ## The Mughal Administration During Akbar's reign, a structured and effective administrative system was established. - The **emperor** held the power. He was: - The sovereign authority of the country - The commander-in-chief - The law-maker - The supreme judge ### Mughal Administrative Structure - **Suba (province)** - **Sarkar (district)** - **Pargana (sub-district)** - **Grama (village)** - There were no separate courts during the Mughal period. - **Qazi (local religious scholars)** investigated and adjudicated disputes. - Individuals could appeal to the emperor if they were dissatisfied with a Qazi's ruling. - **Ministers and Heads of departments** advised the king on administrative matters. **Fig. 1.6** shows Emperor Akbar listening to the people at the **Diwan-i-Khas**. ## Socio-Economic Status A feudal social system existed during the Mughal rule. - **The common man** was at the bottom of society, with the **king** at the top. - **Standard of living** depended on wages and income. - The **caste system** prevailed. Each caste had its own customs and rituals. ### Travelers' Accounts * **Tavernier**, a French traveller, visited India during the Mughal period. He recorded the social conditions, way of life, food, and clothing of the people. * **Babur**, in his memoirs, documented the labor system and caste system prevalent in India. * **Ralph Fitch**, an English traveller, described two cities in India: - Agra: larger than London, bustling with people, and filled with markets. - Fatehpur Sikri: also larger than London. - The 12-mile distance between these cities was filled with markets. **Fitch's account highlights the economic progress achieved during the Mughal rule.** ### Agricultural Advancements - Agriculture was a major contributor to the economy. - **Major agricultural products**: - Rice - Wheat - Barley - Sugarcane - Cotton - Oilseeds - **Abul Fazal**, in his book **"Ain-i-Akbari"**, documented the cultivation of different rice varieties. - Farmers were not evicted from their land if they paid their tax. ### Technology and Irrigation - **Technology and tools** enriched the agricultural sector. - **Persian wheels and canals** for irrigation. **Fig. 1.7** shows a Persian wheel. ## Trade and Urbanization Increased agricultural productivity led to accelerated trade and urbanization. ### Gateway of Foreign Goods - **Gujarat** was the gateway for foreign goods. - **Major exports**: - Textiles - Muslin - Sugar - Rice ### Water Transport - Water transport made significant progress during this period. - Major cities of this era included: - Dhaka - Murshidabad - Surat - Lahore - Agra ### Mughal Cities and Present-Day Countries - Dhaka is now located in **Bangladesh**. - **Identify the present-day countries where the other cities are located.** ## Cultural Integration - **Fusion of Indian and Persian styles** resulted in unique architectural masterpieces. - Examples include the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Red Fort. ### Urdu Language - The fusion of Persian and Hindi languages led to the creation of the **Urdu language**. ### Hindustani Music - **Hindustani music** originated from this synthesis. **Fig. 1.9** and **Fig. 1.10** showcase the Taj Mahal and Agra fort. ## Cultural Life of Vijayanagara - **Fig. 1.12** shows the Hazara Ram temple in Hampi. - **Fig. 1.13** shows the Vitthala Swami temple in Hampi. ### Vijayanagara Period - Schools were established for the study of Vedas and Sastras. - **Dravidian style of sculpture** dominated the period. - Gigantic temple gates, known as **"Gopurams"**, were a significant feature. **Fig. 1.14** and **Fig. 1.15** shows Virupaksha Temple and Lotus Mahal. ### Literature - **Telugu literature** flourished. - **Sanskrit works** were translated into regional languages. ## The Vijayanagara Rule **Fig. 1.11** shows Vijayanagara during the period of Krishna Deva Raya. ### Vijayanagara and Hampi - **Vijayanagara** was the name of both a city and a kingdom. - The city was destroyed in 1565 CE and only existed in the minds of the people. - The ruins of **Hampi** were discovered in 1800 by **Colonel Mackenzie**. - **The discovery of the ruins drew attention to the history of Vijayanagara.** ### Kings of Vijayanagara **List the present-day Indian states that were part of Vijayanagara:** * **Sangama dynasty**: Harihara, Bukka * **Saluva dynasty**: Narasimha Saluva * **Tuluva dynasty**: Vira Narasimha * **Aravidu dynasty**: Krishna Deva Raya, Tirumala, Venkita I ### The Founding of Vijayanagara - **Harihara and Bukka** established Vijayanagara in 1336 CE. - **Krishna Deva Raya** (1509-1529) was the most famous ruler of Vijayanagara. ### Barbosa's Account - The Portuguese traveler **Barbosa** described Krishna Deva Raya's reign as one of great freedom: - *"The king allowed such freedom that anyone, irrespective of being Christian, Jew, Moor or Heathen can come and go and live according to his creed without being annoyed in any way. Equality was ensured by the judicial system present there."* ### Reign of Krishna Deva Raya - **Krishna Deva Raya's reign was characterized by imperial expansion and development.** - The empire grew through the construction of new forts, palaces, and temples. - Religious tolerance prevailed, as people from all faiths were allowed to practice their beliefs freely. - Art, literature, and cultural spheres flourished. ### Krishna Deva Raya's Achievements - Krishna Deva Raya was a scholar and writer. - He authored: - "Amuktamalyada" - "Jambavatikalyanam" - He promoted Telugu, Kannada, and Tamil literature. - He was known for his patronage of scholars known as **"Ashtadiggajas"**. ### The Vijayanagara Administrative System - The Vijayanagara administration was based on monarchy. - The country was divided into: - **Mandalam (provinces)** - **Nadu (districts)** - **Sthala (sub-districts)** - **Grama (villages)** - **The king was the head of the administration.** - **A cabinet** advised the king. - The king had the power to demote and punish ministers. - **Courts** at various levels dealt with justice. - **Minor offenses** were handled by village courts. ### The Role of Nayakas and Amara-Nayakas - **Nayakas and Amara-Nayakas** (military commanders) played important roles in the administration. ### The Amara-Nayaka System - **Amara-Nayakas** received land known as "Amara" from the king. - They collected taxes from these areas and paid a fixed amount to the king. - The Amara-Nayakas maintained armies, including foot soldiers, horses, and elephants. ## Socio-Economic Conditions of Vijayanagara - The Vijayanagara society comprised various castes and religions. ### Brahmins - **Brahmins** were the dominant group. - They received revenue from the land granted to the temples. - They led religious rituals and ceremonies. ### Other Groups - Other groups were primarily involved in agriculture, trade, and handicrafts. - The king employed women to manage the royal palace accounts. ### Practices in Society - **Polygamy** was prevalent among the wealthy. - **Child marriage** was practiced. - **Sati** (the practice of a widow immolating herself on her husband's funeral pyre). ### Domingo Paes's Account - **Domingo Paes**, a Portuguese traveller, described Vijayanagara as a grand and rich city: - *"going forward, you have a broad and beautiful street...In this street live many merchants, and there you'll find all sorts of rubies and diamonds and emeralds and pearls and cloths...that you may wish to buy... Then... a fair where they sell... horses and oranges and grapes... and wood..."* ## Trade and Culture - **Agriculture** was the main occupation in Vijayanagara. - **Silk and cotton** were commonly used. - **Irrigation** was crucial in the arid areas. - The **Kamalapuram lake**, constructed in the 15th century CE, the **Hiriyakanal dam**, and the dam across the **Tungabhadra River** boosted agricultural production. ### Revenue Sources - The Vijayanagara administration levied taxes based on land productivity: - Land tax - Professional tax - Building tax - License fees - Fines ### Vijayanagara, a Major Trading Center - Trade flourished in Vijayanagara. - Traders from across India and the world visited the city. - **The rulers actively encouraged foreign trade.** - **The Portuguese and Arabs** had a monopoly over foreign trade. - **Trade also occurred with China and Sri Lanka.** ### The Trade of Horses - **Horses** were imported from Arabia and Central Asia primarily by the Arabs. - They were a significant source of trade. - **Kuthirachettis** (local horse traders) eventually lost trade to the Portuguese. - **The Portuguese dominance increased the nation's economy.** - **Chinese pottery** found in the city indicated trade relations with China. ## Summarize the information about the Mughal Period Under the leadership of Babur, the Mughal rule began in 1526 and lasted until 1857. The Mughals established a vast empire encompassing neighboring countries and were known for their distinct administrative system, strong military, and policies aimed at tolerance and religious inclusivity. Notably, Akbar, a prominent Mughal emperor known for his just rule and religious harmony, abolished the "Jaziah" tax, highlighting his commitment to treating all subjects equally regardless of their faith. The Mughal period witnessed the emergence of Urdu and Hindustani music, marking significant cultural achievements.