Kingdoms
Delhi Sultanate
Chronology & Time Period
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Time Span | 1206 CE – 1526 CE |
| Foundation | After the death of Muhammad Ghori, his general Qutbuddin Aibak declared independence in Delhi. |
| End | Ended with the defeat of Ibrahim Lodi by Babur in the First Battle of Panipat. |
| Dynastic Phases | Slave (Mamluk) → Khilji → Tughlaq → Sayyid → Lodi |
| Major Transitions | Turkic origin → Afghan dominance → Collapse due to internal weakness and foreign invasion. |
🧠 Timeline Memory
- Foundation in early 13th century → Peak in 14th century → Decline after Timur’s invasion → Fall in 1526.
Rulers & Key Personalities
| Category | Key Personalities |
|---|---|
| Founder | Qutbuddin Aibak |
| Consolidator | Iltutmish (organized administration and Iqta system) |
| First Female Ruler | Razia Sultana |
| Strong Monarch | Balban (Theory of kingship – “Blood and Iron”) |
| Expansionist Ruler | Alauddin Khilji (military expansion, Mongol resistance, market control) |
| Experimental Ruler | Muhammad bin Tughlaq (Token currency, Daulatabad shift) |
| Welfare Reformer | Firoz Shah Tughlaq (canals, hospitals, madrasas) |
| Last Ruler | Ibrahim Lodi |
| Scholars & Chroniclers | Ibn Battuta, Amir Khusrau |
📝 Exam Tip
- Always tag: Alauddin → market control, Balban → kingship theory, Muhammad bin Tughlaq → experiments, Firoz → welfare.
Political Systems & Power
- Strict centralized monarchy with Sultan as supreme authority.
- Iqta system: land revenue assigned to military nobles in exchange for service.
- Power supported by military and Turkish–Afghan nobility.
- Weak succession system caused instability.
🧠 Power Concept
- Sultan + Iqta + Army + Nobility = Political Control
Institutions & Administration
| Department | Function |
|---|---|
| Diwan-i-Wizarat | Finance and revenue |
| Diwan-i-Arz | Military organization |
| Diwan-i-Insha | Royal correspondence |
| Diwan-i-Risalat | Religious affairs |
| Barid | Intelligence and spy network |
📝 Administration Tip
- Most exam questions match Diwans with their functions.
Laws, Welfare & Public Policies
- Sharia-based administration with political flexibility.
- Alauddin’s fixed price control system for stable army supply.
- Canals, rest houses, hospitals and madrasas under Firoz Shah Tughlaq.
- Land revenue (Kharaj) was the main source of state income.
🧠 Policy Recall
- Market control → Army stability
- Canals → Agricultural expansion
Society & Social Structure
- Elite: Turkish and Afghan nobles.
- Middle: Officials, traders, scholars.
- Lower: Farmers, artisans, labourers.
- Existing caste structure continued among local population.
Culture, Religion & Belief Systems
- Persian as court language.
- Sufi movements promoted spiritual harmony.
- Growth of Indo-Islamic culture and early Urdu.
- Social diversity nested within political dominance.
📝 Culture Tip
- Questions link Sultanate culture with Persian influence + local blending.
Art, Architecture & Heritage
- Introduction of arches, domes and minarets in Indian architecture.
- Major monuments: Qutb Minar, Alai Darwaza, Tughlaqabad Fort.
- Use of red sandstone and calligraphic decoration.
Economy & Livelihood Systems
- Agriculture-based economy supported by land revenue.
- Horse trade with Central Asia.
- State-regulated markets under strong rulers.
- Growth of urban crafts and textile centres.
🧠 Economic Recall
- Land revenue → Army → Power → Stability cycle.
Resources & Geography Control
- Controlled fertile Indo-Gangetic plains.
- Strategic command over trade routes from Central Asia.
- Power based on river valleys and agricultural surplus.
Development & Innovations
- Token currency experiment under Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
- Expansion of canal irrigation system.
- Organized intelligence network (Barid).
- Administrative centralization strengthened state control.
📝 Innovation Tip
- Identify which innovations succeeded and which failed for MCQs.
Kakatiya Dynasty
Chronology & Time Period
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Historical Phase | Medieval Deccan period |
| Time Period | c. 1083 CE – 1323 CE |
| Early Capital | Hanumakonda |
| Main Capital | Warangal (Orugallu / Ekasila) |
| End of Rule | Ended after Tughlaq conquest and defeat of Prataparudra |
🧠 Timeline Memory
- Kakatiyas = Medieval Telugu Kingdom
- Hanumakonda → Warangal → End under Tughlaqs
Rulers, Scholars & Prominent Personalities
| Personality | Role / Importance |
|---|---|
| Prola II | Early powerful ruler, laid foundation |
| Rudradeva I | Expanded territory and strengthened Warangal |
| Ganapati Deva | Major empire builder, promoted trade and irrigation |
| Rudrama Devi | Historic woman ruler, strong administration |
| Prataparudra | Last Kakatiya ruler, defeated by Delhi Sultanate |
| Tikkana Somayaji | Telugu scholar, Mahabharata translation |
| Palakuriki Somanatha | Shaiva poet and literary figure |
| Jayapa Senani | Military commander and author of dance text |
📝 Exam Tip
- Woman ruler + Telugu dynasty = Think Rudrama Devi
- Last ruler defeated by Delhi Sultanate = Prataparudra
Political System & Administration
| Term | Role / Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nadu | Regional unit made of villages |
| Sthala | Administrative sub-division |
| Karnam | Village land record officer |
| Reddi | Village head and land controller |
| Telari | Village security and messenger officer |
| Nayaka | Military-administrative officer |
🧠 Administration Recall
- Karnam = Records
- Reddi = Land & taxes
- Telari = Security
- Nadu = Group of villages
- Sthala = Sub-region
Society & Culture
- Village-based agrarian society
- Temple-centered social life
- Promotion of Telugu language and Shaiva traditions
- Integration of artisan groups like weavers, potters, sculptors
Art, Architecture & Heritage
- Warangal Fort with massive stone gateways
- Ramappa Temple (famous for floating bricks)
- Thousand Pillar Temple at Hanumakonda
📝 Architecture Tip
- Ramappa Temple = UNESCO heritage site
- Floating bricks = Unique engineering of Kakatiyas
Economy, Trade & Livelihoods
| Economic Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Income | Land revenue |
| Trade | Sea trade through Motupalli port |
| Key Crops | Rice, cotton, jowar, pulses |
| Occupations | Farming, weaving, metal work, trade |
Resources, Rivers & Irrigation Projects
| Feature | Importance |
|---|---|
| Godavari & Krishna Rivers | Agricultural support |
| Pakhal Tank | Major irrigation project built by Ganapati Deva |
| Ramappa Tank | Supported temple economy and farming |
🧠 Water System Memory
- Kakatiyas = Tank builders
- Pakhal & Ramappa lakes = Agricultural backbone
Development & Innovations (Mapped to Rulers)
| Ruler | Key Development |
|---|---|
| Ganapati Deva | Tank irrigation system expansion |
| Rudrama Devi | Strong village administration |
| Prataparudra | Military fortification upgrades |
📝 Development Tip
- Ganapati Deva → Water & Agriculture
- Rudrama Devi → Administration
- Prataparudra → Military defence
Vijayanagara Empire
Chronology & Time Period
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Historical Phase | Late medieval South India |
| Time Period | 1336 CE – around mid-17th century |
| Founding | Empire founded by brothers Harihara I and Bukka Raya I |
| Main Capital | Vijayanagara (Hampi) on the banks of the Tungabhadra river |
| Key Turning Point | Battle of Talikota (1565 CE) against Deccan Sultanates weakened the empire badly |
| Later Phase | Power shifted to Penukonda and Chandragiri under later dynasties |
🧠 Timeline Memory
- Start with Harihara–Bukka → rise under Krishnadevaraya → fall after Talikota.
Rulers, Dynasties & Key Personalities
| Dynasty | Ruler / Personality | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Sangama | Harihara I | Co-founder, began rule from Hampi area |
| Sangama | Bukka Raya I | Co-founder, strengthened administration and expansion |
| Sangama | Harihara II, Devaraya I | Further expansion and consolidation |
| Sangama | Devaraya II | Strong ruler, improved cavalry and military organisation |
| Saluva | Saluva Narasimha Raya | General who took control to protect the state, started Saluva line |
| Tuluva | Vira Narasimha Raya | Early Tuluva ruler |
| Tuluva | Krishnadevaraya | Greatest ruler, golden age of Vijayanagara, patron of Telugu, Kannada and Sanskrit |
| Tuluva | Achyuta Raya | Successor of Krishnadevaraya |
| Tuluva | Aliya Rama Raya | Powerful leader, acted as de facto ruler, led at Talikota |
| Aravidu | Tirumala Deva Raya | Shifted capital to Penukonda after Talikota |
🧠 Dynasty & Ruler Order Memory
- Sangama → Saluva → Tuluva → Aravidu.
- Krishnadevaraya belongs to Tuluva dynasty.
- Saluva Narasimha Raya is the bridge between early and later phases.
Poets, Writers & Court Scholars
| Name | Role / Work |
|---|---|
| Allasani Peddana | Leading poet (Ashtadiggaja), wrote “Manucharitra” |
| Tenali Ramakrishna | Poet and jester, famous for wit and stories in Krishnadevaraya’s court |
| Nandi Thimmana | Court poet, contributed to Telugu literature |
| Krishnadevaraya | Scholar king, wrote “Amuktamalyada” in Telugu and praised Telugu in the famous saying “Desa bhashalandu Telugu lessa” (Among the languages of the land, Telugu is the best) |
📝 Culture & Literature Tip
- Ashtadiggajas = eight famous poets in Krishnadevaraya’s court.
- Connect “Amuktamalyada” and “Desa bhashalandu Telugu lessa” with Krishnadevaraya.
Military Commanders & Nayakas
| Person | Role |
|---|---|
| Saluva Narasimha | Military leader who later became ruler (Saluva dynasty) |
| Aliya Rama Raya | Key military and political leader, managed relations with Deccan Sultanates |
| Various Nayakas (Pemmasani, Madurai, Tanjore Nayakas) | Local military chiefs under Nayankara system, controlled forts and regions |
🧠 Army & Power Memory
- Nayakas held land and supplied troops.
- Aliya Rama Raya is central to late Vijayanagara politics and Talikota.
Political System & Administration
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Type of Rule | Monarchy with strong king and powerful local chiefs (Nayakas) |
| Nayankara System | Land assignments to military leaders in return for army service |
| Local Administration | Village officers like Karnam (records), Talari (security), Reddi (local head) continued local traditions |
| Central Control | King and royal council took main decisions on war, revenue and temple grants |
📝 Administration Tip
- Nayankara is key: always think “land for service” model.
Society & Social Structure
- Agricultural communities formed the base of society.
- Merchant groups and guilds were active in inland and sea trade.
- Temples acted as social, cultural and economic centres.
- Women participated in religious life, arts and some aspects of local management.
Culture, Religion & Belief Systems
- Strong support to Hindu temples and festivals.
- Bhakti saints and poets spread devotional ideas in local languages.
- Empire allowed foreign traders and different religious groups in port towns for trade.
- Telugu, Kannada and Sanskrit were promoted in literature, learning and court life.
🧠 Culture Memory
- Vijayanagara = Temple culture, Bhakti movement and rich Telugu–Kannada literature.
- “Desa bhashalandu Telugu lessa” is a cultural slogan linked to Krishnadevaraya’s court.
Art, Architecture & Heritage
- Famous temples: Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple at Hampi.
- Stone chariot and musical pillars in Vittala temple complex.
- High gopurams, long pillared halls and bazaar streets in front of temples.
- Hampi remains show planned city with markets, water channels and royal enclosures.
📝 Architecture Tip
- Stone chariot symbol = Vijayanagara at Hampi.
Economy, Trade & Livelihood Systems
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Economic Base | Agriculture supported by river and tank irrigation |
| Major Crops | Rice, sugarcane, cotton, spices and pulses |
| Trade Links | Ports on east and west coasts; trade with Arabia, Persia, Portugal and Southeast Asia |
| Sources of Income | Land revenue, customs duties, taxes on markets and ports |
Resources & Geography Control
| Resource / Feature | Importance |
|---|---|
| Tungabhadra River | Provided water for agriculture, supported settlements and acted as a natural barrier |
| Rocky Hills around Hampi | Natural protection and fort-like landscape for the capital |
| Location | Controlled routes between Deccan plateau and southern coastal regions |
🧠 Geography Memory
- Tungabhadra + rocky hills = natural fort for the capital.
Development & Innovations (Linked to Rulers)
| Ruler | Development / Innovation |
|---|---|
| Devaraya II | Improved cavalry, invited horse traders, strengthened mixed army system |
| Krishnadevaraya | Encouraged irrigation works, temple construction, literature and foreign trade; strengthened fortifications |
| Aliya Rama Raya | Used diplomacy among Deccan Sultanates; his policies shaped the political map leading to Talikota |
📝 Development Tip
- Connect each ruler with one or two keywords: Devaraya II → army; Krishnadevaraya → golden age & Telugu; Aliya Rama Raya → diplomacy & Talikota.
Mughal Empire
Chronology & Time Period
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Time Period | 1526 CE – 1857 CE |
| Foundation | Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat (1526) |
| Expansion Phase | Akbar’s reign saw maximum territorial expansion and consolidation |
| Decline Phase | After Aurangzeb, regional powers emerged and central control weakened |
| End of Empire | 1857 Revolt – Bahadur Shah Zafar removed by the British |
🧠 Time Memory
- Babur → Akbar → Aurangzeb → Zafar = Rise to Collapse.
Rulers, Dynasties & Key Personalities
| Ruler | Period | Contribution / Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Babur | 1526–1530 | Founder, introduced gunpowder art of warfare |
| Humayun | 1530–1540, 1555–56 | Lost to Sher Shah, later restored Mughal rule |
| Akbar | 1556–1605 | Strong administrator, religious tolerance, Mansabdari system |
| Jahangir | 1605–1627 | Patron of arts and justice, period of peace |
| Shah Jahan | 1628–1658 | Builder of Taj Mahal, peak of architectural development |
| Aurangzeb | 1658–1707 | Largest empire extent, orthodox policies, Deccan campaigns |
| Bahadur Shah Zafar | 1837–1857 | Last Mughal emperor, symbol of 1857 revolt |
🧠 Ruler Order Memory
- Babur → Humayun → Akbar → Jahangir → Shah Jahan → Aurangzeb → Zafar
Political System & Administration
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Type of State | Centralized Mughal Monarchy |
| Mansabdari System | Rank-based military-civil system introduced by Akbar |
| Jagirdari System | Revenue assignment in place of salary |
| Provincial Setup | Suba → Sarkar → Pargana → Village |
| Village Officials | Muqaddam, Patwari managed local administration |
📝 Administration Tip
- Mansab = rank, Jagir = land revenue, Suba = province.
Society & Social Structure
- Court life dominated by nobles, mansabdars and zamindars.
- Peasantry formed the majority and paid land revenue.
- Traders, artisans and craftsmen lived in growing Mughal cities.
- Social hierarchy based on occupation, rank and wealth.
Culture, Religion & Belief Systems
- Akbar’s policy of Sulh-i-Kul (universal peace) promoted harmony.
- Bhakti and Sufi movements influenced social and religious life.
- Persian was the court language; Hindi and regional languages flourished.
- Composite Indo-Islamic culture developed.
🧠 Culture Memory
- Akbar → Sulh-i-Kul
- Persian court + Indian traditions = Composite culture
Art, Architecture & Heritage
| Monument / Art | Associated Ruler |
|---|---|
| Taj Mahal | Shah Jahan |
| Red Fort (Delhi) | Shah Jahan |
| Buland Darwaza (Fatehpur Sikri) | Akbar |
| Humayun’s Tomb | Humayun / Akbar’s period |
📝 Architecture Tip
- White marble + gardens = Shah Jahan’s period.
- Red sandstone monuments = Akbar’s constructions.
Economy, Trade & Livelihood Systems
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Base | Agriculture (land revenue) |
| Major Crops | Wheat, rice, cotton, sugarcane, indigo |
| Trade | Internal trade + overseas trade with Europe, Arabia, Central Asia |
| Revenue System | Zabt system of measurement under Akbar |
Resources & Geography Control
| Region / Resource | Importance |
|---|---|
| Gangetic Plains | Main agrarian base of Empire |
| Deccan Plateau | Expanded and controlled during Aurangzeb |
| River Systems | Ganga–Yamuna belt supported agriculture and cities |
Development & Innovations (Linked to Rulers)
| Ruler | Innovation / Development |
|---|---|
| Akbar | Mansabdari & Zabt revenue systems; religious tolerance |
| Shah Jahan | Architectural advancements in marble construction |
| Aurangzeb | Deccan military expansion and consolidation |
📝 Development Tip
- Akbar = Administration & unity
- Shah Jahan = Architecture
- Aurangzeb = Military expansion
Contemporary Kingdoms
Chronology & Time Flow
| Timeline Range | Major Parallel Powers |
|---|---|
| 13th – 18th Century CE | Bahmani, Reddy, Gajapati, Deccan Sultanates, Rajputs, Marathas, Ahoms |
| Context | Emergence of regional dynasties during weakening of central powers |
🧠 Historical Flow
- These regional kingdoms filled political gaps when Delhi or Mughal control weakened.
- They shaped strong regional identities and administrative models.
- Gajapati kingdom replaced Reddy power in coastal Andhra after mid-15th century.
Major Contemporary Kingdoms
| Kingdom | Region | Period | Main Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bahmani Sultanate | Deccan | 1347 – 1527 | First independent Muslim kingdom in South India |
| Reddy Dynasty | Coastal Andhra | 1325 – 1448 | Regional power resisting Tughlaqs |
| Gajapati Kingdom | Odisha & North Coastal Andhra | 1434 – 1541 | Expanded from Odisha, replaced Reddy rule in coastal Andhra |
| Deccan Sultanates | Deccan | 1490 – 1687 | Successors of Bahmani Sultanate |
| Maratha Empire | Western India | 1674 – 1818 | Strong regional Hindu power challenging Mughals |
| Ahom Kingdom | Assam | 1228 – 1826 | Defended eastern India from Mughal expansion |
Bahmani Sultanate
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Founder | Alauddin Bahman Shah |
| Capital | Gulbarga → Bidar |
| Key Rulers | Firuz Shah Bahmani, Ahmad Shah Wali |
| Administration | Centralized Sultanate with provincial governors called Tarafdars |
| Religion & Culture | Persian influence, Deccan Islamic culture |
| Architecture | Bidar Fort, Mahmud Gawan Madrasa |
📝 Exam Tip
- Bahmani Sultanate later split into five Deccan Sultanates after internal conflicts.
- Mahmud Gawan was the most famous minister.
Reddy Dynasty (Andhra)
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Founder | Prolaya Vema Reddy |
| Capital | Kondavidu, Rajamahendravaram |
| Major Rulers | Anavota Reddy, Kumaragiri Reddy |
| End of Dynasty | Overrun by Gajapati expansion from Odisha |
| Administration | Village-based land revenue system, strong local chieftain network |
🧠 Andhra Focus
- Reddy power declined due to Gajapati military expansion.
- They strengthened Telugu culture before being replaced.
Gajapati Kingdom
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Founder | Kapilendra Deva |
| Capital | Cuttack |
| Key Rulers | Kapilendra Deva, Purushottama Deva, Prataprudra Deva |
| Territory | Odisha, North Coastal Andhra, parts of Telangana |
| Political Role | Successor to Reddy rule in coastal Andhra |
| Conflicts | Frequent wars with Vijayanagara Empire |
📝 Exam Tip
- Gajapati rulers fought several battles with Krishnadevaraya.
- They controlled regions up to Krishna river in Andhra.
Economy & Livelihood
| Kingdom | Main Economic Strength |
|---|---|
| Bahmani | Horse trade, textiles, coin minting |
| Reddy | Agriculture, irrigation-based economy, land grants |
| Gajapati | Coastal trade, temple economy, agrarian revenue |
| Deccan Sultanates | Diamond trade (Golconda), port trade |
Resources & Geography Control
| Region | Strategic Advantage |
|---|---|
| Deccan Plateau | Natural defense & mineral resources |
| Coastal Andhra | River irrigation – Krishna & Godavari belts |
| Kalinga Coast | Strategic maritime access & trade control |
| Western Ghats | Protected Maratha territories |
Developments & Innovations
| Dynasty | Key Innovation |
|---|---|
| Bahmani | Persian-based administration, madrasas |
| Reddy | Tank irrigation expansion |
| Gajapati | Temple-based administration, coastal military strength |
| Marathas | Guerrilla warfare and mobile army system |
Fall and Raise of Kingdoms
| Time Period | Kingdom | Predecessor | Successor(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1163 – 1323 | Kakatiya Dynasty |
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| 1206 – 1526 | Delhi Sultanate |
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| 1325 – 1448 | Reddy Dynasty |
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| 1347 – 1527 | Bahmani Sultanate |
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| 1336 – 1646 | Vijayanagara Empire |
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| 1434 – 1541 | Gajapati Kingdom |
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| 1490 – 1687 | Deccan Sultanates |
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| 1526 – 1857 | Mughal Empire |
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| 1228 – 1826 | Ahom Kingdom |
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| 1674 – 1818 | Maratha Empire |
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Kingdoms, Capitals & Regions Covered
🧠 Purpose
- Links each kingdom with its main capital city and broad region.
- Useful for map-based and matching questions.
| Kingdom | Capital City | Regions Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Kakatiya Dynasty | Warangal (Orugallu) | Telangana and parts of Coastal Andhra |
| Delhi Sultanate | Delhi | North India, Gangetic Plains, parts of Rajasthan and Deccan |
| Reddy Dynasty | Kondavidu, Rajamahendravaram | Coastal Andhra region (Krishna–Godavari belt) |
| Bahmani Sultanate | Gulbarga → Bidar | Deccan plateau (parts of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana) |
| Vijayanagara Empire | Hampi (Vijayanagara) | Large parts of South India – Karnataka, Andhra, Tamil regions |
| Deccan Sultanates | Bijapur, Golconda, Ahmadnagar, Bidar, Berar | Deccan region – Marathwada, Telangana, North Karnataka |
| Mughal Empire | Agra → Delhi | Almost entire Indian subcontinent at its peak |
📝 Map Tip
- Warangal = Kakatiya; Hampi = Vijayanagara; Bidar = late Bahmani.
- Golconda and Hyderabad later become key for Telangana history.
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