Medieval India
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- Overview:**
- Medieval India spans from the breakup of the Gupta Empire in the 6th century CE to the start of the early modern period in 1526 with the Mughal Empire.
- Divided into early and late medieval eras.
- Characterized by diverse states, cultures, languages, religions, and influences.
- Influential kingdoms include the Pala Empire, Chola Empire, Delhi Sultanate, Vijayanagara Empire, Mughal Empire, and others.
- Early Medieval Period:**
- Marked by the collapse of the Gupta Empire around 480-550 CE.
- No dominant state until the rise of the Delhi Sultanate or Mughal Empire.
- Various dynasties ruled different regions, paying tribute to larger states.
- Notable dynasties include Pallavas, Harsha Empire, Gurjara-Pratiharas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Pala Empire, Chola Empire, among others.
- Late Medieval Period:**
- Followed by Islamic invasions from Central Asia, Afghanistan, and Iran.
- Establishment of the Delhi Sultanate in Northern India, Bengal Sultanate, Gujarat Sultanate, Malwa Sultanate, Bahmani Sultanate, etc.
- Decline of Buddhism, reinforcement of Hinduism.
- Resistance against Muslim conquests by the Vijayanagara Empire in the South.
- Early Modern Period:**
- Begins with the rise of the Mughal Empire in 1526.
- Other significant powers include Nayaka dynasties, Kingdom of Mysore, Maratha Empire, Sikh Empire, etc.
- Historiography reflects debates on periodization, colonial influences, and nationalistic interpretations.
- Historiography:**
- Criticism of simplistic periodization based on religious labels.
- Influence of colonial and nationalistic perspectives in historical narratives.
- Varied interpretations of Indian history by different scholars.
- Focus on understanding socio-economic changes and cultural developments.