SSC - Medieval History Awareness Guide
The medieval period in India saw the rise of powerful empires, cultural movements, and regional conflicts. From the Delhi Sultanate to the Mughal Empire, and the Bhakti-Sufi movements to the Marathas, this era played a crucial role in shaping India’s history. Below are the key topics essential for SSC, KPSC, and other competitive exams.
Apply Now
1️⃣ DELHI SULTANATE (1206–1526)
- Slave, Khalji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, and Lodi Dynasties
- Alauddin Khalji’s reforms, Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s failed policies
- First Battle of Panipat (1526) – Babur defeats Ibrahim Lodi
2️⃣ MUGHAL EMPIRE (1526–1857)
- Babur’s invasion, Akbar’s administration (Mansabdari, Din-i-Ilahi)
- Shah Jahan’s architecture (Taj Mahal), Aurangzeb’s expansion
- Decline after Battle of Plassey (1757) & Buxar (1764)
3️⃣ BHAKTI & SUFI MOVEMENTS
- Saints: Kabir, Mirabai, Guru Nanak, Chishti Saints
- Promoted social unity, vernacular literature, and equality
4️⃣ VIJAYANAGARA EMPIRE (1336–1646)
- Harihara & Bukka I – Strong Hindu kingdom in South India
- Krishna Deva Raya (1509–1529) – Military conquests, temple architecture
- Defeat in Battle of Talikota (1565) by Deccan Sultanates
5️⃣ BAHMANI & DECCAN SULTANATES
- Alauddin Bahman Shah established Bahmani rule in 1347
- Later split into Bijapur, Golconda, Ahmednagar, Bidar, Berar
6️⃣ RISE OF THE MARATHAS (17TH CENTURY)
- Shivaji’s guerrilla warfare, Ashta Pradhan council, naval strength
- Peshwas’ expansion, Third Battle of Panipat (1761) defeat
7️⃣ REGIONAL KINGDOMS & CONFLICTS
- Rajputs: Rana Pratap (Haldighati), Jai Singh (Mughal alliances)
- Sikhs: Guru Nanak (Sikhism), Guru Gobind Singh (Khalsa formation)
- Mysore: Hyder Ali & Tipu Sultan’s resistance against the British
8️⃣ BRITISH EXPANSION & DECLINE OF MEDIEVAL INDIA
- Nadir Shah’s invasion (1739): Plunder of Delhi
- Battle of Plassey (1757): British control over Bengal
- 1857 Revolt: Official end of Mughal rule