Important Topics From Medieval History- Overview, Regional Kingdoms

Published on 16 July 2025 by

Indian History is often asked in exams like SSC, UPSC, and RRB. To score well, it’s important for students to study the topics given in the official syllabus. In this guide, we’ve shared the important topics from Medieval Indian History to help you focus better and prepare more easily for your upcoming exams.

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Important Topics From Medieval History: Overview

Indian history is one such subject that contributes several questions in the general awareness section of the competitive exams. For these exams, Indian history is broadly classified into three topics:

  • Ancient Indian History
  • Medieval Indian History
  • Modern Indian History

Aspirants need to have a thorough understanding of all these three topics. In this guide, we have covered all important topics from medieval history of India, such as different empires and kingdoms, to make it easy for our readers. Medieval Indian history includes the period between the 8th century and the 18th century. It mainly covers the following topics:

Early Medieval Period (c. 600–1200 CE)

This period saw the rise of powerful regional kingdoms in north and south India. It was also marked by military conflicts like the Tripartite Struggle and the early arrival of Islam in India.

Tripartite Struggle

  • Fought for control over Kannauj and the Gangetic plains.
  • Dynasties involved: Palas (Bengal), Pratiharas (Malwa), Rashtrakutas (Deccan).
  • Lasted from the 8th to 10th century CE.

Southern Kingdoms

The southern region of India witnessed strong dynastic rule, cultural growth, and temple architecture. Pallavas and Cholas were among the most influential powers during this era.

Pallavas

  • Founder: Simhavishnu; capital at Kanchipuram.
  • Key rulers: Mahendravarman I, Narasimhavarman I (defeated Pulakesin II).
  • Promoted Dravidian temple architecture and art.

Cholas

  • Major rulers: Rajaraja Chola I, Rajendra Chola I.
  • Rajaraja I built the Brihadeeswara Temple at Thanjavur.
  • Strong naval power with trade and military reach in Southeast Asia.

Turks

The early medieval period ended with the invasions of Turkish rulers, who changed the political and cultural landscape of northern India.

Arab Invasions

  • Muhammad bin Qasim invaded Sindh in 711–712 CE.
  • Arab rule continued in Sindh for almost 300 years.
  • Islam also entered peacefully through Arab traders in southern India.

Mahmud of Ghazni

  • Invaded India 17 times between 1000 and 1027 CE.
  • Most notable attack: Somnath Temple raid in 1025 CE.
  • Focused on wealth and temple plunder rather than long-term rule.

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The Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526 AD)

The Delhi Sultanate marks a significant period in medieval Indian history, beginning with the rise of Qutbuddin Aibak in 1206. After Mahmud Ghazni’s last attack in 1206, a power struggle followed his death. Since Ghazni had no son, his generals Qutbuddin Aibak, Tajuddin Yalduz, and Nasiruddin Qubacha vied for control. Qutbuddin Aibak’s declaration of sovereignty in 1206 is considered the beginning of the Delhi Sultanate.

The Sultanate was ruled by five successive dynasties:

DynastyPeriodFounderOrigin
Mamluk (Ilbari)1206–1290Qutb-ud-din AibakTurkish
Khalji1290–1320Jalal-ud-din KhaljiTurkish
Tughlaq1320–1413Ghiyas-ud-din TughlaqTurkish
Sayyid1414–1451Khizr KhanDescent disputed
Lodi1451–1526Bahlul LodiAfghan
  • The Lodi dynasty was the last of the Delhi Sultanate, ending with the defeat of Ibrahim Lodi by Babur at the First Battle of Panipat in 1526.
  • The title “Sultan” was used by the rulers, signifying supreme authority, though often challenged by nobles and regional powers.

Regional Kingdoms

Vijayanagara Empire (1336 -1646 Ad) and Bahmani Kingdoms (C.1347- 1525 Ce) were two kingdoms that emerged in the Deccan region during Mohammed Bin Tughlaq’s rule. Vijayanagar was a Hindu kingdom while Bahmani Kings were Muslim, and both empires fought against each other for over two centuries. Two famous battles of that time were the Battle of Talikota and the Battle of Bannihatti.

Bhakti And Sufi Movement

Bhakti as a mass movement originated between the 6th and 8th centuries, led by Alwars Saints (Vishnaivaite Sects) and Nayanars Saints (Shaivaite Sects). It originated in the Andhra Pradesh & Tamil Nadu regions. It comprised both male and female saints but did not follow Vedic rituals, ceremonies, and sacrifices. It helped simplify religion and brought the masses closer. 

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Mughal Period (1526–40 and 1555–1857)

The Mughal Empire ruled most parts of India from the early 16th century to the mid-19th century. Known for strong administration, architecture, and culture, the Mughal rule started in 1526 and officially ended in 1857 after the British took over.

How the Mughal Empire Began

The Mughal Empire was founded by Babur, a ruler from Central Asia (present-day Uzbekistan). He first ruled Kabul and then entered India through the Khyber Pass.
In 1526, Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodhi in the First Battle of Panipat. This battle ended the Delhi Sultanate and gave Babur control over Delhi and Agra. It also marked the beginning of Mughal rule in India.

EmperorPeriodHighlights
Babur1526–1530Founded the Mughal Empire after defeating Ibrahim Lodhi
Humayun1530–1540, 1555–1556Lost empire to Sher Shah Suri but later regained it
Sher Shah Suri1540–1555 (Not a Mughal)Introduced key reforms like road and postal systems
Akbar1556–1605Expanded the empire, known for tolerance and strong rule
Jahangir1605–1627Encouraged art and justice
Shah Jahan1628–1658Built the Taj Mahal, peak of Mughal architecture
Aurangzeb1658–1707Expanded empire to its largest size, but faced many revolts
Bahadur Shah Zafar1837–1857Last Mughal emperor, removed by the British after 1857 revolt

End of Mughal Rule

The empire gradually declined after Aurangzeb’s death in 1707. In 1857, after the Revolt of 1857, the British ended the Mughal dynasty by exiling Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last emperor.

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Maratha State (1674–1720) and Maratha Confederacy (1720–1818)

The rise of the Marathas played a crucial role in Indian history after the decline of the Mughal Empire. The Maratha Empire began with Shivaji Maharaj and later expanded under the leadership of the Peshwas.

Formation of the Maratha State

  • Shivaji Maharaj founded the independent Maratha kingdom with Raigad as his capital.
  • He successfully used guerrilla warfare tactics to defeat the Mughals and other enemies.
  • In 1672, Shivaji defeated the Mughals at Salher, and in 1674, he was crowned as Chhatrapati at Raigad Fort.
  • After his death, his son Sambhaji fought bravely against the Mughals but was captured and executed in 1689.

Rise of the Peshwas (1720–1818)

  • After Shivaji, real power shifted to the Peshwas (Prime Ministers), especially during the reign of Shahu, Shivaji’s grandson.
  • The first powerful Peshwa was Balaji Vishwanath (1713–1720).
  • He was followed by Baji Rao I, known for his excellent leadership and continued use of guerrilla tactics.
  • Under the Peshwas, the Maratha Empire expanded across a large part of India.

Decline of the Marathas

  • The Third Battle of Panipat (1761) was a turning point. The Marathas were defeated by Ahmad Shah Durrani, which weakened their dominance.
  • The empire eventually became a confederacy with semi-independent chiefs like Scindias, Holkars, Gaekwads, and Bhonsles.
  • The Marathas fought three wars with the British East India Company.
  • The Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817–1818) led to the complete defeat of the Marathas, marking the end of their rule and the rise of British control.
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Medieval Indian History for Exams –FAQs:

Q1. What time period does Medieval Indian History cover in competitive exams?

Ans. Medieval Indian History spans from the 8th century to the 18th century CE.

Q2. What was the Tripartite Struggle in early medieval India?

Ans. It was a conflict between Palas, Pratiharas, and Rashtrakutas for control over Kannauj.

Q3. How many dynasties ruled under the Delhi Sultanate?

Ans. Five dynasties ruled: Mamluk, Khalji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, and Lodi.

Q4. Who founded the Maratha Empire and what tactics did he use?

Ans. Shivaji Maharaj founded it and used guerrilla warfare against Mughals and other enemies.

Q5. What caused the decline of the Maratha Empire?

Ans. Their defeat in the Third Battle of Panipat and later Anglo-Maratha wars led to their fall.