Medieval India refers to a long period of Post-classical history of the Indian subcontinent between the “ancient period” and “modern period”. It is usually regarded as running approximately from the breakup of the Gupta Empire in the 6th century CE and the start of the Early modern period in 1526 with the start of the Mughal Empire, although some historians regard it as both starting and finishing later than these points. The medieval period is itself subdivided into the Early medieval period and the Late medieval era.
Major Dynasties of North India (750-1200 AD)
Introduction
- The period between 750 AD and 1200 AD is referred to as an early medieval period of Indian History.
- It was earlier treated by historians as a ‗dark phase‘ because during this time the whole country was divided into numerous regional states which were busy fighting with each other.
- But recent studies have indicated that, though politically divided, India witnessed a growth of new and rich cultural activities in the fields of art, literature, and language.
- In fact, some best specimens of temple architecture and Indian literature belong to this period.
- Thus, far from being ‗dark‘ it may be treated as a bright and vibrant phase of Indian history. There were Gurjara Pratiharas in North India, Palas in Eastern India, and Rashtrakutas in South India.
- These powers were constantly fighting with each other with an aim to set up their control of the Gangetic region in northern India. (This armed conflict among these three powers is known as the „Tripartite struggle‟.) Later on, the breakup of these powers resulted in the rise of many smaller kingdoms all over the country.
Download full Medieval History of India free pdf