From A.D 712 to A.D P a g e 1

Transcription

1 Self Study Materials MEDIEVAL INDIA From A.D 712 to A.D P a g e 1

2 ARAB CONQUEST OF INDIA (712 AD) In the early years of 8 th century AD, the Khalifa of Baghdad wanted his Persian Governor Hajaj to invade Sindh and destroy the infidels. The cause given for the invasion was that the pirates off the coast of Sindh plundered certain Arab Ships carrying some valuables from Ceylon to Baghdad. Mohammed Bin Qasim, a commander of Persian Governor invaded sindh in 712 AD and killed the Hindu King Dahir in the Battle of Rowar. He occupied the capital of Sindh-Alor. The Arab conquest was limited to Sindh only. Arab conquest of Sindh resulted in the spread of Islam in North India. Chachnama gives us the information about the conquest of Sindh. According to Chachnama, Mohammed Bin Qasim was later executed by Khalifa The conquest of Sindh brought Islamic civilization face to face with the ancient civilization of the Indo-Gangetic Plains. TURKISH INVASION ( AD) MOHAMMED GAZNI Mohammed Gazni was the first Turkish conqueror in North India. He attacked India only for plundering the wealth. He attacked India 17 times between 1001 and 1027 AD. Ghazni first invaded modern Afghanistan and Pakistan in He defeated Anandpal of Hindu Shahi in the battle of Waihind in 1009 AD. In 1025 he attacked Somanath Temple in Gujarat and completely destroyed it. Gazni died on 30 th April His mausoleum is located in Ghazni, Afghanistan. Famous Persian poet Firdausi, who wrote Shahanma lived in his court. Al-biruni, an Arab historian, who wrote Tarrikh-ul-Hind (Reality of Hindustan), accompanied Gazni to India. CHACHNAMA Chach Nama is a book about the history of Sindh. The Chach Nama was written by Kazi Ismail, who was appointed the first Kazi of Alor by Muhammad Kásim after the conquest of the Sindh. It was translated into Persian by Muhammad Ali bin Hamid bin Abu Bakr Kufi in 1216 CE from an earlier Arabic text. Page 2

3 AL-BIRUNI Al-Biruni is regarded as one of the greatest scholars of the medieval Islamic era. He spent a large part of his life in Ghazni in modern-day Afghanistan, capital of the Ghaznavid dynasty which was based in what is now central-eastern Afghanistan. In 1017 he traveled to the Indian subcontinent and became the most important interpreter of Indian science to the Islamic world. He is given the titles the founder of Indology. He also made contributions to Earth sciences, and is regarded as the father of geodesy for his important contributions to that field, along with his significant contributions to geography. PRITHVIRAJ CHAUHAN Prithviraj Chauhan ( ), was a Rajput king who ruled the kingdoms of Ajmer and Delhi in northern India during the latter half of the 12th century. Chauhan defeated Shahabuddin Muhammad Ghori in the First Battle of Tarain in Ghori attacked for a second time the following year, whereupon Chauhan was defeated, captured at the Second Battle of Tarain (1192) and executed.chand Bardai compiled the story of the life of Prithviraj Chauhan in his epic poem Prithviraj Raso. MOHAMMED GHORI Muhammad of Ghor, was the Sultan of the Ghurid Empire He attacked India Between 1175AD to 1206 AD He invaded Gujarat in 1178AD, but its ruler Bhima II inflicted a terrible defeat on him. In the First Battle of Tarain he defeated by Prithviraj Chauhan, ruler of Delhi in 1191 AD In the Second Battle of Tarain he defeated Prithviraj Chauhan in 1192 AD. In 1193, the battle of Chandwar Ghori attacked Jaichandra and defeated him. He returned from India after made Qutb-ud-din Aibak the Governor of the new Territories. Mohammed Ghori died in 1206 FIRDAUSI Firdausi, (Abu Ol-Qasem Mansur) of Iran is considered to be one of the greatest Persian poets to have ever lived and a national hero. He wrote the greatest national epic in world literature, the Book of Kings or Shah-nameh (60, 000 couplets). It tells DELHI SULTANATE the mythical and historical past of Iran from the creation of the world up until the Islamic conquest of Persia in the 7 th century. Page 3

4 DELHI SULTANATE SLAVE DYNASTY ( ) QUTB-UD-DIN AIBAK ( ) After Ghori s death in 1206, Qutb-ud-din founded the Mamluk/ Slave/Ilbari dynasty. He was a slave of Mohemmed Ghori. Gradually he rose to be the commander of Ghori s army. He belonged to Ilbari Tribe. So Slave dynasty is also known as Ibari dynsty. Aibak was the first Muslim ruler of India and his capital was Lahore Known as Lakh Baksh means giver of lakh for his magnanimity. Aibek started the construction of Qutb Minar in 1199 in Delhi in memory of the Sufi Saint Kwaja Qutb-ud-din Baktiar Kaki. He constructed the Quwwat-Ul-Islam mosque and Adhai Dinka Jhopra at Ajmir. Died in 1210 by an accidental fall from horse while playing polo. Aram shah succeeded Qutb-ud-din but he was defeated by Iltumish, son-in-law of Aibak. ILTUMISH ( ) Considered as the real founder of Delhi Sultanate. Completed the construction of Qutb Minar. First Mongol invasion by Chengish Khan in 1221 was during his reign. He issued coins such as Silver Tanka and Copper Jittal. He was the first Sultan of Delhi who got recognition of the Khalifa of Baghdad in 1229 He organized the Chalisa or the famous Turkish forty to help him in the administration. He divided the country into Iqtas for tax collection. Each Iqta was headed by Iqtadars. Iltumish was succeeded by his son Ruknudhin Firoz Shah. But he was later exhausted. IQTA SYSTEM It was a practice of Tax farming that was introduced by IItumish in Delhi Sultanate. It was basically grant of revenue from a territory in lieu of salary. This grant was not hereditary and was subject to passing from officer to officer. Iqta system linked the farthest part of the Sultanate linked to the Central Government. Page 4

5 RAZIYA ( ) Raziya was the daughter of Iltumish She was the only Muslim women ruler who ever ruled Delhi She declared herself the Sultana in 1236 Raziya and Altunia were beheaded on October 14, 1240 at Kaithal. Raziya was succeeded by Bahram Shah ( ), Alauddin Mazud Shah ( ), Naziruddin Mohemmed ( ) and Balban Nizam-ul-Malik Junaidi was the wazir of Raziya CHALICE AND THE FORTY Ilabari tribe used to have administrative & military elite called Chihal gani or the Corp of Forty. Chalice was a group of 40 powerful Turkish nobles which was formed by Iltumish. Later it was abolished by Balban. GIASUDDIN BALBAN ( ) Balban was the greatest of the slave Kings. His real name was Ullukh Khan. Balban is considered as the Founder of the second Ilbari Dynasty. Balban described himself as Shadow of God on earth (Zil-i-Illahi). The Chalice and the Forty was destroyed by Balban. He introduced Iranian systems of Sijda, Nauroze (Persian New Year Festival in India) and Paibos (Kissing the feet of monarch s). Madhavacharya of Dwaita philosophy also got help from Balban. Balban founded Diwan-i-Arz ( Military department). QUWWAT-UL-ISLAM It literally means Might of Islam. It is also known as th e Qutb Mosque or the Great Mosque of Delhi and was the first to be constructed in Delhi after the Islamic invasion in India. This mosque was built by Qutb-ud-din-Aibak, the founder of Slave or Mamluk dynasty. Its design and style is somewhat similar to that of Adhai-Din-ka-Jhonpra in Ajmer, which was built after demolishing the Jain temples and the Sanskrit learning center. Quwwat-ul-Islam was built during the rule of Mohammad Ghori. Later on, Qutb-ud-Din Aibak named this mosque as Jami Masjid or Friday Masjid. Balban followed the policy of Blood & Iron to deal with the Mewatis. He was the first ruler to pay salary to soldiers instead of land. Page 5

6 Mongol invaded India in 1279 and Balban successfully defeated Mongols but continous invasions weakened his empire. Tomb of Balban is at Mehrauli. Kaiqubad succeeded him as the last slave Sultan in He was murdered by Jalaluddin Khilji, the then Iqtadar of Samana. KHILJI DYNASTY ( ) JALALUDDIN KHILJI ( ) Khilji Dynasty was founded by Jalaluddin Khilji in In 1292, Jalaluddin Khilji defeated the Mongols under Abdullah. Jalaluddin Khilji began his rule from Kilkhori. Jalaluddin Khilji was the first Sultan who had a benevolent attitude towards Hindus. He was assassinated by his nephew Ali Gurshap (Alauddin Khilji) near Kara. ALAUDDIN KHILJI ( ) Alauddin was the most famous ruler of the Khilji Dynasty. In 1303 Alauddin Khilji attacked Chittor, Capital of Mewar to marry Padmini the wife of Chittor King Ratansingh. But Padmini and the other women committed suicide. It is the theme of the Padmavat written by the Malik Muhammad Jaisi, the court poet of Shershah Suri. Alauddin Khilji was the first Muslim ruler who invaded south India. Malik Kafur was his General & Prime Minister. Alauddin Khilji had a dream of becoming a world conqueror. So he assumed the title Sikender-i-Sani or the second Alexander. Alauddin Khilji was the first Sultan of Delhi who separated religion from politics. Alauddin Khilji constructed Alai Darwaza the gateway of Qutb Minar. He built the city of Siri, the second of the 7 cities of Delhi, near Qutb Minar (Siri Fort - Delhi) Alauddin Khilji was the first Sultan in Delhi to fix land tax in cash. He set up Diwan-i-Mustakraj to collect the land revenue Arrears. Alauddin started paying salary in cash. In military field Alauddin introduced Dagh(branding of horse) and Chahra (roll of soldiers). Alauddin abolished the Zamindari system and imposed tax on Cattles and horses. P a g e 6

7 AMIR KHUSRO Amir Khusro was a prolific Persian poet ( AD) associated with royal courts of more than seven rulers of Delhi Sultanate.Amir Khusro was a genius of those times. A very versatile person, he was a soldier, a composer of poetry in Arabic, Persian, Urdu and a diplomat, shrewd in Court matters and was also a good musician. He innovated Khayal (a style of singing). Amir Khurso wrote Tarikh-i-Alai or Khazain-ul-Fatuh. In this book he gave an account of conquest of Alauddin. He wrote another book called Ashiqa, which contains the love story of Deval Rani and Khizr Khan. In his Nur- Siphir or nine skies, he gave the Story of Sultan Mubarak Shah. He also lived in the court of Ghias-ud-din Tughluq and wrote Tughluqnama. Khushro is also known as Tuti-i-Hind or Parrot of India. Alauddin was the first Muslim ruler of Delhi who introduced measurement of land for taxation. He introduced market regulations to control prices. Amir Khusru was the court poet of Alauddin. Tarikh-i-Alai written by Amir Khusro is about the life and times of Alauddin Khilji. Alauddin was the first Sultan maintains a standing IBN BATTUTA Army. Ibn Battuta was a Moroccan He introduced postal system. Alauddin was the first Sultan who banned use of liquor. He was the first sultan to marry a Hindu princess. He married Kamala Devi, the widow of king of explorer. He is known for his extensive travels, accounts of which were published in the Rihla. He visited the court of Mohammed bin Tughlaq in Gujrat. He imposed restriction on marriage between nobles. Alauddin Khilji was killed by Malik Kafur in MUBARAK SHAH KHILJI He declared himself the Khalifa and took the title of Baqi-billa. Mubarak Khilji was killed by Naziruddin Khusru Shah. Naziruddin Khusru shah was the only Hindu convert to sit on the throne of Delhi Sultanate. Khusru shah was the last Khilji ruler. Page 7

8 PADMAVAT Padmavat or Padmawat is an epic poem written in 1540 by Malik Muhammad Jayasi in the Awadhi language. It is the first important work in Awadhi. This epic poem is a fictionalized version of the historic siege of Chittor by Alauddin Khilji in 1303 AD, who attacks Chittor after hearing of the beauty of Queen Rani Padmini, the wife of King Rawal Ratan Singh. TUGHLAQ DYNASTY ( ) GIASUDDIN TUGHLAQ ( ) Founder of the Tughlaq dynasty after killing the Khusru khan in Giasuddin Tughlaq was the first Sultan to start irrigation works. Giasuddin Tughlaq built the fortified city of Tughlaqabad,the third city of Delhi. He annexed Warangal to his kingdom and renamed as Sultanpur. Giasuddin Tughlaq was died by collapse of a pavilion. MUHAMMED - BIN - TUGHLAQ ( ) Giasuddin Tughlaq was succeeded by his son Jauna Khan,who took the title Muhammed-Bin-Tughlaq. He was the most educated Delhi Sultan. Mohemmed Bin Tughlaq was known as a mixture of opposites, wisest fool and Saint with the heart of devil. Ibn Batuta, famous Moroccan traveller who visited him during his reign and called him as an ill starred idealist He shifted his capital from Delhi to Devgiri (Daulatabad) in But the it was a failure. Later capital was shifted backed to Delhi. In 1330 he introduced token currency of silver and bronze, backed by Silver and Gold in teasury. Edward Thomas described Mohemmed bin Tughlaq as Prince of Moneyers. During his reign the Viayanagara Empire was founded in 1336 by Harihara and Bukka. TIMUR INVASIONS ( AD) Timur was an ambitious ruler who ruled Samarkhand in Central Asia. He invaded India in 1398 AD during the reign of Nasiruddin Mahmud of Tughlaq Dynasty. The raid into India was to seize the wealth accumunished by the Sultans of Delhi over the last 200 years. He plundered Delhi and Tughluq empire could not recover from such a terrible blow and came to an end in Page 8

9 Mohemmed-bin-Tughlaq set up a separate department for agriculture, Diwan-i- Amirkohi. He introduce sondhar or takkavi loans to cultivators. He planned an expedition to conquer Iraq and Khusrasan. But the plan was later abandoned and it led to tremendous loss to the state exchequer. He abolished the practice of Sati. FIROZ SHAH TUGHLAQ ( ) Firoz Shah Tughlaq was the cousin of Mohemmed bin Tughlaq. Waved off all the loans of people owed to the state. First Sultan to impose Jaziya upon Brahmins. He built Firozabad, Firoza kotla, Jaunpur and Hissar. Firoz Shah Tughlaq transplanted two Ashokan pillars from Topra and Meerut to Delhi. He was the only Delhi Sultan who wrote an autobiography. He destructed Jwalamukhi temple and Jaganath temple at Puri manuscripts from Jwalamukhi temple were translated in to Persian by Azizudhin Khan. He was well known for the construction of network of canals and irrigation. He created deparment of slaves (Diwan-i-Bandagan) and built a Charitable hospital (Dar-ul-Shafa) ZIA-UD-DIN BARANI Court historian of Muhammad bin Tughlaq; described in detail the various events during the reign of the Tughlaqs in his works Tariq-i-firuzshahi and Fatwa-ijahandari; with fairly accurate narrations and chronological sequences, his works share a prominent place in medieval historiography with incisive sarcasm and humour. LATER TUGHLAQS Giasuddin Tughlaq Shah II succeeded Firoz Shah. Later three sultans, Abu Bakr, Muhammad Shah and Alauddin Sikkander Shah ruled Sultanate. Nasiruddin Mahmud Shah ascended the throne in He was the last ruler in Tughlaq dynasty. Page 9

10 LAND REVENUE SYSTEM There were 5 types of taxes (1) Ushra (2) Kharaj, (3) Khams, (4) Jazia, (5) Zakat. Ushra: It was the land tax levied on Muslims on the total produce of the land. Its rate was 5 % to 10 %. The land irrigated by natural resources were charged 10 % and the land irrigated by artificial resources wre charged 5 % of the produce. Kharaj: It was a land tax taken from the non-muslims. The rate was 2/3 the maximum and 1/3 minimum. Khams: It was the booty looted during the war booty and the buried treasures. It was 1/5 of the total property. It was charged by the Sultan for his use and 4/5 was distributed among the soldiers. Alauddin and Muhammad Tughlaq kept 4/5 in the royal Treasury and distributed 1/5 among the soliders. Zakat: It was a religious tax charged from the rich Muslims. It was 2.5% of the income. It was invested for the welfare of Muslims. Jazia: The non-muslims and the Zimmis paid this tax and in return the Governent of shouldered the responsibilites of safeguarding their property. Zimmis were categorized into 3 categories paying 12, 24 and 48 Dirhams as Jazia, Brahmans, women, children, beggars, hadicapped such as lame and blind, priestes and old people were exempted from it. Those who had no income were also exempted. Feroz Shah Tughlaq imposed this tax even on Brahmans of Delhi. Being afraid of Hindu revolts. Jazia was not realized very strictly. During his reign, Timur attacked India in Timur s invasion resulted a death blow to the Tughlaq dynasty. Timur appointed Khizr Khan as Governor of Multan and Lahore before he left India in SAYYID DYNASTY ( ) Sayyid dynasty was founded by Khizr Khan in Khizr Khan did not rule as a soveriegn ruler. He was a deputy of Timur s successor Shah Rukh. Mubarak Shah, Muhammad Shah and Alauddin Alam Shah were the other rulers in this dynasty. Sayyid rule was short lived and was confined to a radius of 40 miles around Delhi. Alam Shah was killed by Bahulal Lodhi, the powerful governor of Lahore and Sirhind in LODHI DYNASTY ( ) Lodhi s were pure Afghan origin. Page 10

11 Lodhi s was the first Afghan / Pathan dynasty in India. Lodhi dynasty was founded by Bahlol Lodhi. BAHALOL LODHI ( ) He belonged to the clan of Shahurbel. Bahlol Lodhi conquered many territories around Delhi and tried to reestablish Delhi Sultanate. Bahlol Lodi defeated and annexed Sharqi dynasty based at Jaunpur. He was the longest serving king in Delhi Sultanate. SIKANDAR LODHI ( ) Sikandar Lodhi was the most important Lodhi Sultan. He built the Agra city in 1506 and shifted his capital to Agra. Wrote Persian verses under pen name of Gulrukhi. IBRAHIM LODHI ( ) He was the Last Delhi Sultan. Rana Sanga of Mewar defeated him in the Battle of Bakarol. His brother Daulath Khan Lodhi invited Babar to invade India in 1524 to defeat Ibrahim Lodhi. In the Battle of Panipat in 1526, Babar defeated Ibrahim Lodhi. This put an end to the era of Delhi Sultanate. P a g e 11

12 MUGHAL EMPIRE BABAR Babar was the founder of Mughal dynasty in India. The real name of Babar was Zahir-ud-din Mohammad. Babar became king at the age of 12 when his father died in Babar occupied Kabul in 1504 and Kandahar in He had a lure on the fabulous wealth of India. He was a direct descendant of Turco-Mongol conqueror Timur. Dilwar Khan and Rana Sanga invited Babar to invade India. In the Battle of Panipat (April 21, 1526), Babar defeated Ibrahim Lodhi and killed him. The battle of Khanwa was in 1527, Babar defeated Rana Sanga. The battle of Bhangra in 1529, Babar defeated the combined forces of Afghans. and Nusrat Sha of Bengal on the banks of the river Ghagra near Patna. Tuzuk-i-Babari, written in Turkish was his autobiography. Babars Tomb is in Kabul. HUMAYUN Humayun was the eldest son of Babar and ascended the thrown on December 29, Babar s empire was divided into three among his brothers. Kamran - Governor of Kabul and Quandhahar Hindal - Governor of Mewar Askari - Sambhal, Gujarat TUZUK-I-BABURI Tuzuk-i-Baburi (Baburnama) is the autobiography of Zahiruddin Muham mad Babur. It was written in Turkish language; Abdur Rahim Khan -i- Khana, son of Bairam Khan translated it into Persian. The Tuzuk-i- Baburi is a faithful description of the world the author had lived in, and of the people he had come into contact. Humayun s first expedition was against Fort Kalanjar (Bundelkhand) Humayun built a new city at Delhi called Dinpanah. Humayun was defeated by Sherkhan in the Battle of Chausa in Page 12

13 Again defeated in the battle of Kannauj in 1540 and he lost his empire. He fled to persiia. On his way was at Amarkot Akbar was born to Hamida Banu Begum on October 15, The Persian king shah Tahmasp who helped Humayun to recapture Delhi and he recaptured all his lost territories. Humayun s brothers Askari and Kamran exiled to Mecca and Hindal died fighting for his brother. Humayun captured Delhi on July 23, 1555, defeated Sikander Sur. Humayun died after slipped from the staircase of the library in, Famous painters Sayyid Ali and Abdul Samad lived during the period of Humayun. Humayun s Tomb is in Delhi. It was built by Haji Begum. Humayun Nama was written by Gulbadan Begum. BATTLE OF PANIPAT (1526) The repressive policy of Ibrahim Lodhi towards nobles turned them against Sultan. Daulat Khan Lodhi invited Babur, the ruler of Kabul to invade India. Babur fought against Ibrahim Lodhi in the Battle of Panipat on 21 st April Ibrahim Lodhi was defeated and died in the battle along with 15,000 of his troops. AKBAR ( ) Akbar was born in October 15, 1542 at Amarkot at the council of Rana Prasad. Akbar ascended the throne on April 16, 1556 A.D. at the age of 14. Bairam Khan was the Tutor of Akbar and his Teacher was Abdul Latif In the second battle of Panipat (November 5, 1556) Akbar defeated Hemu. Hemu was captured and executed. Akbar expelled Bairam Khan in 1560 and he decided to go to Mecca. But on his way near Ahmedabad he was killed by an Afghan. In the battle of Haldigati (June 18, 1572). Akbar defeated Rana Prathap Singh. Raja Man Singh of Amber was the commander in-chief of the Mughal army. His last campaign was against Asirgarh in OTHER REFORMS OF AKBAR He abolished pilgrim tax and Tasya in Akbar abolished sati, permitted widow re-marriage and encourage monogamy. The marriageable age of girls was raised to 14 and that of boys to Page 13

14 JHAROKHA DARSHAN It was a daily practice of addressing the public audience (darshan) at the balcony (jharokha) at the forts and palaces of medieval kings in India. It was an essential and direct way of communicating face-to-face with the public. This was first introduced in India by the 16th-century Mughal ruler Akbar. This ancient practice was discontinued by Aurangzeb during his 11 th year of reign as he considered it a non-islamic practice, a form of idol worship. He banned the sale of wine and advanced the age of circumcision to 12. He prohibited slavery. Akbar founded the Fatepur Sikri in honour of Shaik Salim Chishti. Raja Todarmal was the Finance Minister of Akbar. Mohar was the gold coin issued by Akbar. Farukh Beg, Daswanth, and Beswan were the painters belonging to the court of Akbar. Akbar died on October 16, 1605 A.D. Akbar s Tomb in Sikandra. Monserrete and Aquiviva were the two ambassadors sent by the Portuguese to the court of Akbar Jarib was the standard land measurement during Akbar s period Tansen was a court poet of Akbar. His real name was Ramtanu Pande and He invented Rudraveena. TAJMAHAL OF THE POOR Bibi Ka Maqbara (meaning - Tomb of the Lady ) is a replica of the famous Taj Mahal. It is nicknamed as Poor Man s Taj Mahal because unlike the original which is made entirely of white marble, it is made of sand stone, except for its dome which is of white marble. Being smaller in size it is also known as Mini Taj Mahal. Located in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, it was built in 1660 by Prince Azam Shah, grand son of Emperor Shahjahan, who had built the marvellous Taj Mahal. The Tomb is in memory of Dilrus Bano Bagum, wife of Emperor Auregzeb. Agra fort, Lahore fort and Allahabad fort were built during the period of Akbar. Jodha Bai s palace, and Panch Mahal were constructed by Akbar in Fatepur Sikri Ralph Fitch came to India during the reign of Akbar and stated that both Agra and Fatepur Sikri were greater than London Page 14

15 BATTLE OF HALDIGHATI (1576) The battle of Haldighati was an indecisive battle fought between Akbar (Mughal ruler) and Maharana Pratap Singh I, Ruler of Mewar in 1576 at Haldighati, a pass in the Aravalli Mountain range.in the battle Rana was defeated by Akbar. Raja man singh was the military commander. Panch Mahal at Fatepur Sikri and Akbari Mousoleun at Sikandra were inspired by Buddhist architecture. Both were built by Akbar Jain Saint Harivijaya suri got the title Jagadguru from Akbar. He built an Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri to discuss religious matters in To curb the dominance of Ulema, Akbar introduced a new Khutba, written by Faizi and proclaimed Mahzarnama in 1579, which made him the final interpreter of Islamic law in case of any controversies. His liberalism is reflected again in the pronouncement of Thauhid-i-Ilahi or Din-i- Ilahi in 1581 which propounded Sufi divine monotheism. SEVEN CITIES OF DELHI 1. Quila-i-Raj Pithora : It was constructed by Qutb-din-Aibak. 2. Siri : Allauddin Khilji was the creator of Siri. 3. Tughlakabad : Ghiasuddin Tughlak, a Turk governor, was the creator of Tughlakabad. 4. Jahanpan : It was built by Muhammed bin-tughlaq. 5. Firozabad : Firoze Tughlak created Firozabad or Kotla Firoze Shah next to the river Yamuna. 6. Dinpanah : It was Constructed by Humayun but later it was demolished by Shersha and he constructed Purana Qila on its ruins. 7. Shahjehanabad : Shahjahan created the city of Shahja hanabad. JAHANGIR Jahangir ascended the throne October 24, 1605 at the age of 36. From 1608 onwards Jahangir made several attempts to capture, Ahmednagar, but all were futile. This was due to the ability of the Prime Minister of Ahmednagar Malik Ambar. Jahangir married Nurjahan in Nurjahan means Light of the world. John Hawkins came to India in 1608 and Sir Thomas Roe arrived court in Jahangir called Hawkins English Khan. Ustad Mansur was a famous painter in the court of Jahangir. Page 15

16 HEMU Samrat Hem Chandra Vikramaditya (Hemu) ( November 1556) was a Hindu emperor of north India during the sixteenth century AD. The Second Battle of Panipat was fought on November 5, 1556, between the forces of Hemu and the army of Akbar. It was a decisive victory for Akbar s generals Khan Zaman I and Bairam Khan. Jahangir set a chain of justice in the country. Aqa Reza, Abdul Hassan, Muhammed Nadir were foreign painters in the court of Jahangir Itmad-ud-daulah s tomb (Nurjahan s father) at Agra was constructed by Nurjahan. Painting reached its zenith during the reign of Jahangir. Tobacco was banned by Jahangir. The greatest failure of Jahangir s reign was the loss of Khandahar to Persia in The loss of Khandahar greatly affected the Mughal prestige in Central Asia. SHAJAHAN Shajahan was proclaimed emperor at Agra on February 4, 1628 The first rebellions that Shajahan had to face was Bundella chief Juhar Singh and Khan Jahan Lodhi Shajahan ousted the Portuguese from Hugli on Dara, the eldest son of the Shajahan was a lover of learning. Majma-ul-Bahrayn (The mingling of Two Oceans) was his famous work. Shajahan s reign is regarded as a Glorious epoch in the history of Mughal Empire because of the development of the architecture. Shajahan built the Peacock throne in Tavernier, who visited India during the Mughal period, was a jeweler and has left as an expert s description of the peacock throne. Shajahan transferred the capital of Mughal Empire from Agra to Delhi in Shajahan was imprisoned and his elder son Dara was defeated and killed by his 3 rd son Aurangazeb and he became the emperor of Delhi. AURANGAZEB Aurangazeb ascended the throne on July 21, 1658 and assumed the title Alamgir. But his formal coronation took place on June 5, 1659 after the battle of Deovarai. Aurangazeb claimed the throne as the champion of Sunni orthodoxy. In 1659, Aurangazeb issued a number of Puritanic, conservative and discriminatory measures; Page 16

17 JAIMAL AND PATTA The Mughal-Rajput War ( ) was a conflict between the Mughal Empire of India and the local Hindu kings, the Rajputs. Rana Udai Singh was the ruler of Chittor at that time. Jaimal and Patta were his two brave army chieftains. They were killed in the war. In honour of these two warriors Akbar built two stone statues outside the chief gate of the fort Agra. Discontinued in the practice of ensuring the Kalima on the coins. Abolished the celebration of the new year s day (Nauroz). Censors of public morals (Muhtasibs) were appointed in all big cities to enforce Quranic law. Discontinued the practice of weighing the emperor on his birthday. Abolished the practice of Jharokadarshan. In 1665, the custom duty on commodities was fixed at 2%.Duty for Muslims was totally withdrawn. In 1668, observance of Hindu festivals was prohibited. Aurangazeb executed Guru Tej Behadur in In : Jat rebellion under the leadership of Gokla. In 1672: Satnami revolt in Punjab. In 1679, Jizyah was imposed on Hindus. Aurangazeb executed Sambhaji in 1689 and Sambhaji s son Sahu was captured. Aurangazeb died on February 20, On Aurangazeb s initiative and patronage the greatest digest of Muslim law was compiled - Fatawi-i-Alamgiri Aurangazeb was at the height of his political and military power in 1689, when he had annexed Bijapur (1686), Golconda (1687) and executed Sambhaji (1689). Raja Jai Singh, the Mughal Viceroy in the Deccan, defeated Shivaji and made him enter into a treaty of peace - the treaty of Purandar (1665). IBADAT KHANA Akbar built Ibadat Khana or the Hall of prayer in Initially it was open to Sunnis only but in 1578 it was opened to all religions. The discussions in the Ibadat Khana led to the declaration of the Mohzar Nama in Through it Akbar asserted that if there were conflicting views among the Ulemas, he was entitled to choose any of the interpretations which would be in the intrest of good order. In 1582, Akbar discontinued the debates in the Ibadat Khana. Page 17

18 Aurangazeb s daughter Zibunnissa wrote a collection of poems under the pen name of - Makhi Aurangazeb was an accomplished Veena player Moti Masjid in Delhi was the only monument constructed during Aurangazeb s reign. Aurangazeb destroyed the Somnath Temple and Kesavanath temple at Madura. His body was buried at Khuldabad near Aurangabad in Maharashtra. ADMINISTRATION MEASURES POLITICAL IDEALS Heory of Kingship Abul Fazl introduced a new dimension to the Mughal theory of kingship. To him, the institution of kingship, rather than the individual who held the office, was endowed with farr-i-izadi (divine effulgence). His padshah or Shahanshah (king of kings) was a unique personality and was the viceregent of God on earth. Complete Sovereignty Complete independence of the sovereign or the king, both internally and externally. Internally, every institution and person was subordinate to the king. Externally, the Mughal sovereign did not recognize any superior authority like the caliph, which was done by the Delhi Sultans. CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION Emperor The form of Mughal government was despotic monarchy. The king was the head of the executive, legislature, judiciary and the army. His main duty was benevolence towards the subjects. VAKIL Representative of the king and hence exercised all powers on behalf and in the name of the king; decline of the powers of this office after Bairam Khan, and continuation of this post mainly as a decorative one. WAZIR OR DIWAN In his capacity as diwan-i-kull (principal diwan), he was the head of the revenue department. When there was no vakil, he acted as the P.M. as well and hence called the wazir. P a g e 18

19 TAUHID-I-ILAHI (DIN-I-ILAHI) Tauhid-i-Ilahi (Din-I-Ilahi) was not a religion in the accepted sense of the word. It did not posses a scripture; it had no priests or prescribed from of worship. Its regulations were intended to raise the ethical standard of the people and its articles inculcated the universalism of God and man. Din-Ilahi started in Birbal was the only Hindu who embraced Din-Ilahi. MIR BAKSHI Head of the ministry department, and also became the paymaster general after the introduction of the mansab system. With the growth of the mansab system and the expansion of the empire, he became as powerful, if not more than, as the wazir, thus acting as a check on the latter. KHAN-I-SAMAN Head of the royal household and the royal karkhanas or buyutats (work shops). Some elite or crack troops, called ahadis, were maintained directly by the emperors without placing them under the manasabdars. Their equipment was of high standard and each had to muster five horses. They were placed under a separate diwan and bakshi. KAFI KHAN 17 th Century historian during the reign of Aurangzeb; originally known as Muhammad Hashim, he wrote the famous work Muntakhaib-ul-lubab under the pen name, Kafi Khan in total secrecy against the emperors opposition; was highly impartial enough to record the victories of Shivaji and to appreciete his merits. PROVINCIAL ADMINISTRATION Division and systematic organization of the empire into different province or subas by Akbar. Their number was 15 at the time of the death of Akbar, rose to 19 under Shah Jahan, and 21 under Aurangazeb. Akbar established a uniform pattern of administration in all the provinces. There was a division of a province into sarkars. The sarkar was further divided into paraganas, which consisted of a group of villages. The administration of the sarkars and paraganas was more or less on the lines laid down by Sher Shah. Only a few changes were made by the Mughals in this respect. Page 19

20 DAHSALA It is the land revenue system introduced by Akbar in 1580 under this system, the average produce of different crops and their average prices prevailing over the last 10 years were calculated and 1/3 rd of the average produce fixed in rupees per bigha was demanded as the state s share. TANSEN Mian Tansen (Ramtanu Pandey) was a prominent Hindustani classical music composer, musician and vocalist, known for a large number of composi tions, and also an instrumen talist who popularized and improved the plucked rabab (of Central Asian origin). He was among the Navaratnas at the court of the Mughal Emperor Jalal ud-din Akbar. Akbar gave him the title Mian, an honorific, meaning learned man. REVENUE ADMINISTRATION Up to Akbar s 8 th regnal year, Sher Shah s system continued to be the basis with some modifications to meet the growing need for granting jagirs. A series of experiments were made till Akbar s 24 th regnal year, after which the land revenue administration was stabilized. It can be examined under several heads. JIZYA The tax upon the non-muslims levied in India (and in other Muslim countries) during the Muslim period; levied for the first time in India is Sind by Muhammad Bin Qasim (A.D ); Initially it was collected as a part of land tax khalaj. But during the period of Firoze-sha-Tughlaq it became a seperate tax. Akbar the Mughal Emperor, abolished it in 1564; Aurangzeb reimposed it in 1679 which led to much discontent,corruption and disorder; finally abolished by the Muhammad Shah in Land Ownership Proprietorship (i.e. hereditary rights only) of peasants on soil was recognized. Abul Fazl, for instance says: Field belongs to him who clears away timber. King, zamindars and jagirdars had only the superior rights over revenue. Methods of Calculation Central government usually fixed rates annually according to yield which fluctuated. Page 20

21 Akbar, however, wanted a uniform system of assessment through which he could make an accurate estimate of crops, so that there would be minimum chances of oppression by officers and less fraud by the cultivators. MUGHAL ARMY ORGANISATION The emperor was the supreme commander of all forces. The soldiers of the Mughal Army were not recruited by the emperor himself but rather by chiefs and other leaders, who were known as Mansabdars. Mughal army consisted of cavalry, infantry and Artillery. They also maintained naval force. Ahadi soldiers and Dakhili Soldiers are two subdivisions in mughal army. Ahadis were loyal to emperor while Dakhilis under the charge of mansabdars. MUGHAL ARCHITECTURE BABUR Babur built two mosques one at Kabulibagh in Panipat and the orther at Sambhal in Rohikhand. HUMAYUN Humayun laid the foundation of the city Din Panah at Delhi. Humayun s tomb is called the proto type of Taj Mahal. It has a double dome of marble, while the central dome is octagonal. It was built by his widow Haji Begum. The garden and the gateway are to be found in all Mughal-style tombs. DARA SHIKOH Dara Shikoh got translated Atharva Veda into Persian. He also got translated Upanishads, Gita, Yoga Vasishta into Persian. The Dara Shikoh album is a collection of paintings and calligraphy assembled from the 1630s until his death. It was presented to his wife Nadira Banu in AKBAR Buildings built by Akbar are Agra Fort, Lahore Palace, Fatehpur Sikri. Darwaza and Allahabad Fort (1583). It is also known as Epic poem in red sandstone. Two unusual buildings at Fatehpur Sikri are Panch Mahal & Diwan-i-Khas. The Panch Mahal has the plan of Buddhist Vihara. The Jodhabai s Palace, Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas are Indian in their plan. Buland Page 21

22 Buland Darwaza, Gate of Magnificence (built after Gujarat victory), formed the main entrance to Fathpur sikri. He also began to build his own tomb at Sikandara which, was later completed by Jahangir. AURANGAZEB & RAJPUT Aurangazeb s annexation of Marwar in 1679 led to serious rift in Mughal-Rajput alliance. Aurangazeb wanted to annexe Marwar after the death of Raja Jaswanth Singh by rejecting the claim of his posthumous son Ajith Singh. The war against Marwar continued with fluctuations for nearly 30 years. The Marwar campaign was led by Durgadas. Aurangazeb s Marwar venture proved to be the height of political unwisdom and affected the whole body politic of the Mughal Empire. In 1681, Aurangazeb s son Akbar rebelled and crowned himself as the emperor. JAHANGIR The style of architecture used by both Jahangir and Shahjahan is Indo Persian. Important features of this style are Curved lines, Bulbous dome, Foliated arches, vigorous use of marble instead of red sand stone and use of Pietre dura for decorative pruposes. Nurjahan built Itimad-ud-Daula s marble tomb at Agra, which is noticeable for the first use of pietra dura (floral designs made up of semiprecious stones) technique. He built Moti Masjid in Lahore and his own mausoleum at Shahdara (Lahore) He also changed the plan of Akbar s tomb at Sikandara. It is an unusual tomb as it is not surmounted by a dome and built on the model of a Buddhist Pagoda. SHAJAHAN Mosque building activity reached its climax in Taj Mahal. He also built the Jama Masjid. Some of the important building built by Shajahan at Agra are Moti Masjid Khaas Mahal, Musamman Burz (where he spent his last years in captivity) and Sheesh Mahal with mosaic glasses on walls and ceilings. He laid the foundations of Shahja- hanabad in 1637 where he built the Red Fort and Taqt-i-taus (Peacock throne). Most richly ornamented building in Red Fort was the Diwan-i-Khas or Rang Mahal. He laid the Shalimar Gardens in Lahore. Page 22

23 MANSABDARI SYSTEM Mansabdari system which was introduced in , was a combined status, showing a noble s civil and military capacity. Twin ranks-zat and Sawar, were allotted. The former indicated a noble s personal status, while the latter, the number of troops he had to maintain. Mansabdari had three scale gradation, viz Mansabdar (500 zat and below). Amir (between zat) Amir-i-Umda (2500 zat and above) The salary of the Mansabdar was fixed on a month scale system. During Jahangir s reign, a Du aspa Siha aspa system was introduced through which, a nobles sawar rank could be increased without affecting his zat. Mansab was not an hereditary system. Mansabdars were paid through revenue assignments (jagirs). ZEB-UN-NISA Zeb-un-Nisa was an Imperial Princess of the Mughal Empire as the eldest child of Emperor Aurangzeb and his Empress consort Dilras Banu Begum. She was also a poet, who wrote under the pen name Makhfi ( Hidden One ). Imprisoned by her father in the last 20 years of her life at Salimgarh Fort, Delhi, Princess Zeb-un-Nissa is remembered as a poet, and her writings were collected posthumously as Diwan-i-Makhfi. AURANGAZEB Only monument associated with Augrangzeb is Bibi ka Makbara which is the tomb of his wife Rabbia-ud-daurani in Aurangabad. He also built the Badshahi mosque in Lahore. MUGHAL PAINTING The Mughals introduced new themes depicting the court, battle scenes and the chase and added new colours (Peacock blue and Indian red). Humayun had taken into his service two master painters Mir Syed Ali and Abdus Samad. Jaswant and Dasawan were two famous painters of Akbar s court. Apart from illustrating Persian books of fables (Hamzanama), the painters illustrated Razamnama (Mahabharata) and Akbarnama. Jahangir claims that he could distinguish the work of each artist in a picture. Page 23

24 Under Akbar, European painting was introduced at the court by the Portuguese priests. Aurangazeb turned his back to paintings. He erased the paintings at Bijapur that violated Koranic law. REASONS FOR DOWNFALL OF MUGHAL EMPIRE Deccan policy of Aurangazeb Religious Policy of Aurangzeb Weak Successors of Aurangzeb Provinced declared independence Mughal Empire faced Financial Bankruptcy. Invasions of Nadir Shah and Ahmad Shah Abdali Rise of the Marathas and other regional powers Advent of Europeans P a g e 24

25 LATER MUGHALS The Mughal kings ruled India after the death of Aurangazeb (1707) generally known as Later Mughals. Aurangazeb died in March 1707, which lead to a civil war among his three sons Muazzam, Mohammed Azam and Mohammad Kambaksh. The eldest brother Muazzam defeated Muhammad Azam in the battle at Jajau (1707) and Kambaksh in a battle near at Hyderabad. Muazzam emerged victorious and crowned as the king with the title of Bahadurshah. BAHADURSHAH I ( ) After ascended the throne, Muazzam adopted the title Bahadurshah I. He was also known as Shah Alam I and Shah i bekhaber. He adopted a more tolerant attitude towards Hindu chiefs and Rajas. He tried to Pacify the neighbouring state such as Marathas and Sikhs. JAHANDAR SHAH ( ) After the death of Bahadur Shah I his four sons fought for supremacy. With the help of a powerful noble Zulfiqar Khan, Jahandar Shah emerged victorious. He appointed Zulfiqar Khan as his Wazir. Actual power vested in the hands of Zulfiqar Khan. He abolished Jaziya, to pacify the Hindu chiefs and Rajas. During the time of Jahandar Shah, IJARAH or revenue farming become universal. Lal Kanwar a dancing girl was the Queen of Jahandar Shah. The breach between old nobility and Jahandar Shah resulted in his defeat. FARUKHSIYAR ( ) He was the 2nd son of Azim Us Sha, the son of BahadurshahI. Farukhsiyar came to the throne with the help of Sayyid brothers. (Sayyid Abdullah khan & Sayyid Hussain Ali Khan). In token gratitude Farukhsiyar appointed Abdullah Khan as his Wazir and Husain Ali Khan as Mir Bakshi. They were known as the king makers of India. They abolished Jaziya and Pilgrim tax. Bandha Bahadur, Sikh leader was killed in In 1717, Farukhsiyar heedlessly granted a farman to the English East India Company. This farman is considered as the Magna Carta of EEIC. Page 25

26 RAFI UD DARAJAT He succeeded Furrukhsiyar on 28th Februry 1719, being proclaimed Badshah by the Sayid Brothers. After a reign of 3 months and six days, he was dethroned. Rafi Ul-Darjat died of lung cancer or was murdered at Agra, on 13th June His remains were buried near the shrine of Sufi saint, Khawaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki, at Mehrauli in Delhi. RAFI UD DAULA Rafi - ud - Daulah also known as Shah Jahan II, was the Mughal emperor for a brief period in He succeeded his short-lived brother Rafi Ul-Darjat. But he was never allowed to venture out of the Red Fort. The Sayyid Brothers looted Agra and seized a large amount of wealth which was the personal possessions of Mumtaz Mahal. MUHAMMAD SHAH ( ) Roshan Akhtar, ascended the throne and adopted the title of Muhammad Shah. He was raised to the throne by Sayid brothers. He was pleasure loving and luxurious and nick named as Rangeela. In 1720, Sayyid brothers were treacher ously assassinated. During his reign Nizam ul Mulk set up an autonomous state in Deccan (Hydrabad). Saadat Khan carved out a state for himself in Oudh. Murshed Quli Khan became indepen- dent ruler in Bengal, Bihar and Orissa. Attack of Nadir Shah from Persia and Battle of Karnal (1739 February 24) held during his time. In this battle Nadirshah defeated Muhammad Shah and carried away Kohinoor diamond and jewel studded peacock throne of Shahjahan. AHMAD SHAH ( ) During his reign the actual control of government was in the hands of Queen Mother Udham Bai and Javid Khan. He was pleasure loving and spend a week or some times in a month with the company of the women. He appointed 2½ year old his son as governor of Punjab and one year old boy as a deputy under him. During his time Ahmad Shah Abdali started his first invation(1748). His Wazir Imad ul Mulk blinded him and placed Alamgir II on the throne. P a g e 26

27 LAL KANWAR The famous courtesan, who influenced the court of Jahandarsha. He made all the important appointments on the recommondation of Lal Kanwar. So Kafi Khan says, The owl dwelt in the Eagle s nest, the crow took the place of Nightingale. ALAMGIR II ( ) He had no experience of administration and warfare as he had spent most of his life in jail. He was a weak ruler, with all powers vested in the hand of his Wazir, Imadul-Mulk. He was killed in 1759 by his Wazir Imad-ul-Mulk. Battle of Plassey (1757) was held during his time. FARMAN OF 1717 Farrukh Siyar s Farman (1717) was a grant giving concessions to the English East India Company and allowing them tax-free monopoly trade specially in the Mughal subah of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa. SHAH ALAM II ( ) Ali Gauhar after ascending the throne adopted the title Shah Alam II. He did not live in his capital in the initial years due to the fear of his Wazir Imad-ul- Mulk. He was defeated in the Battle of Buxar in He was signed the treaty of Allahabad in By this treaty he was agreed to live at Allahabad Fort. From Allahabad he was restored to Delhi in 1772, with the help of Maratha army lead by Mahadji Scindia. In 1788, Rohillas lead by Ghulam Quadir deposed him and blinded him. Once again Mahadji Scindhia, a Maratha leader recovered Delhi for the emperor. In 1803 the English captured the Delhi and Shah Alam II became a pensioner of EEIC. JAZIA The word jazia is explained as meaning the tax that is taken from the free non- Muslim subjects of a Muslim government. The word is derived from jaza, which means he gave satisfaction or he compensated him for a certain thing, or for what he had done. Page 27

28 AKBAR II ( ) He conferred the title of Raja on Ram Mohun Roy and requested the latter to go to England to plead for a hike in the emperor s pension. During his regime, in 1835, the East India Company discontinued calling itself the lieutenant of the Mughal Emperor and issuing coins in his name. The Persian lines in the Company s coins to this effect were deleted. BAHADURSHAH II ( ) He was the Shahanshah-i -Hindustan during the time of first war of independence His pen name was Zafar. He was deported to Rangoon in 1858 and died there in P a g e 28

29 SUR EMPIRE SUR DYNASTY Sher Shah Suri founded the Sur empire Sur empire lasted for 15 years ( ). Real name of Sher Shah Suri is Farid. His father was a small jagirdar at Jaunpur (Hassan) in Bihar. The title Sher Khan was given to him by his patron Bahar Khan Lohani, Governor of Bihar for killing a tiger. He defeated Humayun two consecutive in 1537 battle of Chausa and the battle of Kannauj in He then proclaimed himself as emporer of Northern India. Shershah Suri ascended the throne at the age of 67 (1540 A.D). Sher Shah ruled only 5 years. He died in 1545 during a siege against Kalanjar Fort by a gun burst. After his death, his son Islam Shah became his successor. Adil Shah Suri was the last ruler in this dynasty. Humayun restored the Mughal Empire by ending the Sur Empire in ADMINISTRATION Sur empire was divided into provinces. He held civil and military command in his hands. Minsiteres had only advisory roles. the real power vested in Sher Shah. Like the Sultanate period, Sher Shah had four important adminsitrative departments. Diwan-i-Wazarat: department for financial matters Diwan-i-Ariz: military department Diwan-i-Risalat: department for religious matters, foreign affairs and judiciary SUR DYNASTY RULERS Sher Shah Suri Islam Shah Suri Firuz Shah Suri Muhammad Adi Shah Ibrahim Shah Suri 1555 Sikandar Shah Suri 1555 Adi Shah Suri Diwan-i-Insha: department for royal orders Other two departments are: Diwan-i-Qaza : under the supervision of Chief Qasi who supervise department of justice Diwan-i-Barid: Intelligence department Page 29

30 Sher Shah s adminsitrative reforms are detailed in the book Tarikh-i-Sher Shahi written by Abbas Khan Sarwai. PROVINVIAL ADMINISTRATION Provinces of the empire was subdivided into Sarkars. Each sarkar had two higher level officers: Shiqdar-i-Shiqdaran and Munsif-i- Munsifan. Shiqdar-i-Shiqdaran : handles law and order, military affairs Munsif-i-Munsifan : handles revenue administration. Sarkars are divided into Parganas. Officers of Parganas are: Shiqdar (handle law and order), Munsif (handle criminal cases), Fotedar (financial affairs) and Karkuns(clerks) Parganas are again divided into illages. Villages are the smallest unit iof the empire. CONTRIBUTIONS OF SHER SHAH Re-establishment of law and order across the length and breadth of the country. Sher Shah fostered trade and commerce and improved communications system Built the Grand Trunk Road from Sonargoan in Bengal to Peshwar in Pakistan. He also built roads from Agra to Jodhpur & Chittor and Lahore to Multan He constructed sarais at the distance of every two kos (8 km) on these roads (A Sarai was a fortified lodging an inn where travelers could pass the night and also keep their goods in safe custody. Separate lodging for Hindus and Muslims were provided. Brahmins were appointed for providing bed and food to Hindu travelers and grain for the their horses. Sher Sha built a new city on the banks of the river Yamuna. It is now called Purana Qila in which Shersha built Purana Qila mosque in Malik Mohammed Jaisai, author of Patmavat, lived during the reign of Sher Sha. The empire was divided into: Sarkars, Parganas and Villages. Silver coin rupiya was introduced by Sher Sha for the first time in India. He also introduced systematic revenue system and hence ASkbar adopted it. Raja Todar Mal was his Financial Minister. Later he joined the service of Akbar. He revived the Pataliputra and renamed it has Patna. He introduced regular postal service. Sher Shah s chief architect Aliwal Khan built a tomb for Hasan Khan, the father of Sher Shah. Shersha built a Mausoleum for himself at Sasaram. P a g e 30

31 VIJAYANAGAR EMPIRE VIJAYANAGAR (C ) Vijayanagar Kingdom and the city was founded by Harihara-I and the Bukka-I who were feudatories of Kakatiyas and later became ministers in the court of Kampili. Harihara and Bukka were brought to Delhi by Mohammed bin Tughlaq, converted to Islam and were sent to south to control the rebellion. But on the instance of Vidyaranya, they established Vijayanagar Kingdom in 1336 AD. The capital of vijayanagar empire was Hampi. Vijayanagar s arch rival were Bahmani Sultans with whom they fought over Raichur doab and Marathwada. HARIHARA I ( ) He was the founder of the Vijayanagara empire. BUKKA I ( ) He was an emperor of the Vijayanagara Empire from the Sangama Dynasty. Bukka Raya conquered most of the kingdoms of southern India, continually expanding the territory of the empire. His son, Kumara Kamapna campaigned with him and their efforts were recorded in the Sanskrit work Madhuravijayam written by his wife Gangambika. Bukka died in about 1380 and was succeeded by Harihara II. It is also notable that under Bukka Raya's reign the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire established itself at Vijayanagara. DEVA RAYA ( ) He was a king of the Vijayanagara Empire (of the Sangama Dynasty). After Harihara II died there was a dispute between his sons over the throne in which Deva Raya I eventually emerged victor. He was a very capable ruler noted for his military exploits and his support to irrigation works in his kingdom. He modernized the Vijayanagara army by improving the cavalry, employing Turkic archers, procuring horses from Arabia and Persia. The noted Hazare Rama temple, an excellent example of Deccan architecture was constructed during his rule. DEVA RAYA II ( ) He was the greatest of the Sangama dynasty rulers, he was an able administrator, an ambitious warrior and a man of letters. Page 31

32 DYNASTIES IN VIJAYANAGAR Dynasty Period Important Kings Sangama Dynasty AD Harihara Raya I / Hakka, Bukka Raya I Saluva Dynasty AD Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya Tuluva Dynasty AD Viranarasimha Raya Krishna Deva Raya Achyuta Deva Raya Aravidu Dynasty AD Tirumala Deva Raya Deva Raya II had the title Gaja betegara, which literally means Hunter of elephants, an honorific that explained his addiction to hunting elephants or a metaphor referring to his victories against enemies who were as strong as elephants. According to an account of visiting Persian chronicler Abdur Razzak, Deva Raya II's empire extended from Ceylon togulbarga, and Orissa to the Malabar. KRISHNADEVARAYA ( ) He was the most famous emperor of the Vijayanagara Empire who reigned from He is the third ruler of the Tuluva Dynasty. Krishna Deva Raya earned the title Andhra Bhoja. He became the dominant ruler of the peninsula of India by defeating the Sultans of Bijapur, Golconda, and the Raja of Odisha. Ashtadiggajas were flourished in the court of Krishnadevaraya. Portuguese travellers Domingo Paes and Fernao Nuniz a visited the Vijayanagara Empire during his reign. Varahas or Pagodas were the gold coins issued by Vijayanagara rulers. The Revenue department was known as Ashtavana. SADASIVA RAYA ( ) He was the last power full a ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire. When the Vijayanagara ruler Achyuta Raya,the younger brother of Krishnadevaraya, died in AD 1542, his son,venkata I succeeded him. Sadasiva Raya, who was the nephew of Achyuta Raya became king according to the laws of Aliya Santana which was prevalent among the Bunts caste to which the Tuluva dynasty belonged. Page 32

33 Sadasiva Raya was controlled by his minister Rama Raya, the de facto king, who restored the Vijayanagara empire's power which had diminished after the rule of Krishna Deva Raya. Rama Raya's strategy was to play the Deccan Sultanates against each other by first allying with one and then another. In the battle of Tali Kotta he was defeated by the Bhamini Sultan and this sounded death knell of the vijaya Nagara Empire. ASHTADIGGAJAS Ashtadiggajas is the collective title given to the eight Telugu poets in the court of Sri Krishna Deva Raya the Vijayanagara Empire. Allasani Peddana, was consider as the head of this group and was called Andhra Kavitha Pithamaha. His famous Book was Manucharitam. ARCHITECTURE Vijayanagara rulers produced a new style of architecture called as Provida style. The large number and prominence of pillars and piers are some of the distinct features. Horse was the most common animal on the pillars. Another important feature was the Mandapa or open pavilion with a raised platform, meant for seating deities. Important temples were Vithalaswami and Hazara temples at Hampi, Tadipatri and Parvati temples at Chidambaram and Varadraja temple at Kanchipuram. The Vijayanagar rulers started the practice of inscribing the stories of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata on the walls of the various temples. Hazara and Vithalaswami temples are examples of this type of wall inscription. SOCIETY Only empire in Medieval India which employed women in the state services. Women even went to battles. Only state that promoted widow remarriage. Status of women improved during this time. TRADE Accounts of foreigners like Nuniz & Paes indicate a dependence on foreign trade for maintenance of the two most important bases contributing to the might of military strength of the Vijayanagara empire; its cavalry and its fire arms. Page 33

34 Thus the success of the Vijayanagara state depended directly upon its contacts with Muslim & Portuguese traders. The trade in warhorses remained securely in the hands of foreigners. The Vijayanagara emperors mono- polized the trade so that they could assign the best cavalry to warriors. Artillery and musket became important parts of Vijayanagara war machine. THE BATTLE OF TALIKOTA The Battle of Talikota (26 January 1565), was fought between the Vijayanagara Empire and the Bahmani Sultanates. Rama Raya, the minster of Sadasiva Raya fought against joint forces of Brahmani kindoms. The war resulted in a rout of Vijayanagara, and ended the last great Hindu kingdom in South India. Page 34

35 BAHMANI KINGDOM The Bahmani Kingdom was a Muslim state of the Deccan in South India and one of the great medieval Indian kingdoms. Bahmani Sultanate was the first independent Islamic Kingdom in South India. The empire was founded by Ala-ud-Din Hassan Bahman Shah who had revolted against the Delhi Sultanate. Gulbarga was its capital. There were a total of eighteen Bahmani Sultans. ALAUDDIN HASAN BAHMAN SHAH ( ) He was also known as Hasan Gangu, founded the Bahmani kingdom. He divided his empire into 4 Tarafs or provinces: Gulbarga, Daulatabad, Berar and Bidar. Each province is governed by a Governor on behalf of sultan. MUHAMMAD SHAH I ( ) He succeeded Bahman Shah. He fought against Warangal and Vijayanagar. TAJ-UD-DIN FIROZ SHAH ( ) He was the Greatest among them all. He was determined to make deccan the cultural centre of India. Inducted large number of Hindus in the administration on large scale. MAHMUD GAWAN He was the Prime Minister or Peshwa of Muhammad Shah III between The Bahmani kingdom saw a resurgence under his guidance. His military conquests included Konkan, Goa and the Krishna Godavari delta. He divided the kingdom into eight tarafs, each governed by a tarafdar. In every province, Khalisa (tract of land) was set apart for the expenses of the Sultan. The discontented nobles, particularly the Deccan (Habshis) nobles who resented the rise of Afaqis (gharibs) or new arrivals from West Asia organized a conspiracy against Gawan (an Afaqi) and had him executed in After Gawan s execution, the Bahmani kingdom began to decline and disintegrate. Paid much attention to the ports of his Kingdom. Chaul & Dabhol which attracted trade ships from Persian Gulf & Red Sea. He built an Observatory at Daulatabad. Page 35

36 He founded the City Firozabad. He defeated Devaraya I of Vijayanagara Empire. AHMAD SHAH I ( ) Transferred the capital from Gulbarga to Bidar. BREAK UP OF THE BAHMANI KINGDOM Brahmani kingdom was disintegrated to form 5 kingoms namely, Berar, Bijapur, Ahmadnagar, Golkonda and Bidar. Nizam Shahis of Ahmadnagar Founder of city of Ahmednagar and the Kingdom was Ahmad Nizam Shah. Later conquered and annexed by Shah Jahan (1633). Adil Shahis of Bijapur ( ): Founded by Yusuf Adil Shah. Greatest ruler was Ibrahim Adil Shah. Introduced Dakhini in place of Person as court language. Gol Gumbaz, was built by Muhammad Adil Shah. It is also famous for the so-called Wispering Gallery. Bijapur was later conquered and annexed by Aurangazeb (1687). Qutub Shahis of Golconda ( ): Founded by Quli Qutub Shah who built the famous Golconda fort and made it his capital. Another Qutub Shahi ruler, Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah, was the greatest of all, and it was he who founded the city of Hyderabad (originally known as Bhagyanagar after the name of the Sultan s favourite, Bhagyamati) and he also built the famous Charminar. Barid Shahis of Bidar ( ): Founded by Ali Barid. It was later annexed by the Adil Shahis of Bijapur. BAHMANI DYNASTY Ala-ud-din Hasan Bahman Shah Muhammad I Ala-ud-din Mujahid Shah Daud Shah I Muhammad II Ghiyas-ud-din Tahmatan Shah Shams-ud-din Daud Shah II Taj-ud-din Firoz Shah Shihab-ud-din Ahamad Shah I Ala-ud-din Ahamd Shah II Ala-ud-in Humayun Shah Nizam-ud-din Ahmad Shah III Shams-ud-din Muhammad Shah III Shihab-ud-din Mahmud Ahmad Shah IV Page 36

37 MARATHA AGE SHIVAJI ( ) Born at Shivner to Shahji Bhonsle and Jija Bai, he inherited the Jagir of Poona from his father in After the death of his guardian, Dadaji Kondadev, in 1647, he assumed full charge of his jagir. Before that, at the age of 18, he conquered Torna, built forts at Raigarh & Pratapgarh. He came to conflict with Mughal empire during the period of Shahjahan. Afzal Khan was deputed by Bijapur Sultan Adil Shahto punish Shivaji, but Sivaji murdered Afzal in Later Shaista Khan, governor of Deccan, was deputed by Aurangazeb to put down the rising power of Shivaji in Shivaji lost Poona and suffered several defeats till he made a bold attack on Shaista s military camp and plundered Surat and later Ahmadnagar. Raja Jai Singh of Amber was then appointed by Aurangazeb to put down Shivaji (1665) and Jai Singh succeeded in besieging Shivaji in the fort of Purandhar. Consequently the treaty of Purandhar (1665) was signed according to which Shivaji ceded some forts to the Mughals and pay a visit to the Mughal court at Agra. Sivaji and his son Sambhaji were imprisoned by Aurangazed while visiting Mughal court. But they later escaped in In 1674 he was coronated at Raigarh and declared himself Chatrapathi. He assumed the title of Haindava Dharmodharak (Protector of Hinduism). Shivaji died in 1680 at the age of 53. SIVAJI Birth... Shivner Death... Raigad Fort Father... Shaji Bhonsle Mother... Jija Bhai Mentor... Dadaji Kondadev Sword... Panchakalyani Page 37

38 SHIVAJI S ADMINISTRATION Shivaji divided his empire into two parts: Swarajya (own country) and Mulk-i-Qadim (old territory). Marathi replaced Urudu and persian as official language Shivaji was helped by ashtapradhan (eight ministers) which was unlike a council of ministers, for there was no collective responsibility; each minister was directly responsible to Shivaji. There were 8 departments under the charge of ministers. Each minsiter was assisted by eight officers: Diwan, Mujumdar, Fadnis, Chitnis, Jamdar and Potnis. LOCAL ADMINSITRATION Shivaji divided his territory under his rule into three provinces, each under a viceroy. Provinces were divided into Prants which were sub-divided into Parganas or Tarafs. The lowest unit was village headed by Headman or Patel. Sivaji abolished the practise of granting jagirs and started paying the officers in cash. REVENUE ADMINIST RATION Assessment of land revenue was based on measurement. Share of the state was fixed at two-fifths of the gross produce. Chauth and Sardeshmukhi were the important taxes. Subahdars or Karkuns were appointed in Prants for effective tax collection. ASHTAPRADAN Peshwa... Prime minister, General administration. Senapati... Commander in Chief Summaat... Foreign Minister Nyayadhish... Chief Justice Pandit Rao... Managing religious affairs Sachiv... looked after correspondence Waqeenavis... Intelligence and posts Amatya... Finance Minister Page 38

39 SUCCESSORS OF SHIVAJI Sambhaji ( ) Sambhaji, the elder son of Shivaji, defeated Rajaram the younger son of Shivaji, in the war of succession. He provided protection and support to Muhammad Akbar, the rebellious son of Aurangzeb. He was defeated by Aurangazeb s General, Muqarrab Khanin the battle of Sangameswar in He was then executed by Mughals. Rajaram ( ) He was the step brother of Sambhaji. He succeeded the throne with the help of the ministers at Raigarh. He fled from Raigarh to Jinji in 1689 due to a Mughal invasion. Jini became the political capital of Marathas for a long time. But Jinji was captured by Mughals in 1689 along with Sambhaji s wife and son Shahu. Shahu remained in Aurangazeb s prison till his death. After the fall of Jinji, the Maratha capital was shifted to Satara where Rajaram organised Maratha army and generals and attacked Mughals. Mughals captured Satara after the death of Rajaram. Rajaram s created the new post of pratinidhi, thus taking the total number of ministers to nine. ASHTAPRADAN Peshwa... Prime minister, General administration. Senapati... Commander in Chief Summaat... Foreign Minister Nyayadhish... Chief Justice Pandit Rao... Managing religious affairs Sachiv... looked after correspondence Waqeenavis... Intelligence and posts Amatya... Finance Minister Sivaji II and Tarabai ( ) Rajaram was succeeded by his minor son Sivaji II under the guardianship of his mother Tarabai. Page 39

40 Shahu ( ) Shahu was released by the Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah I in After his release he claimed the right to throne and a civil war broke out between Tarabai and Shahu. Tarabai s army was defeated by Shahu at the battle of Khed (1700) and Shahu occupied Northern part with captal at Satara. But the southern part of the Maratha kingdom with its capital at Kolhapur continued to be under the control of the descendants of Rajaram. Shahu s reign saw the rise of Peshwas and transformation of the Maratha kingdom into an empire based on the principle of confederacy. Shahu was assisted by a loyal and capable officer Balaji Viswanath. Shahu made him Peshwa of Maratha empire. MARATHA TAXES Chauth: Chauth is the tax levied on other states to avoid the Marathas to enter into their land. It was 25% of total revenue or produce from that area. Sardeshmukhi: It was another kind of tax levied by Marathas. Shivaji claimed to be the hereditary Sardeshmukh (chief headman) of entire Maratha empire and subsequenly levied additional 1/10 th of the total revenue as sardeshmukhi. THE PESHWAS Balaji Viswanath ( ) He began his career as a small revenue official and was given the title of Sena Karte by Shahu in He became Peshwa in 1713 and made the post very powerful as well as hereditary. He concluded an agreement with the Sayyid brothers (1719) by which the Mughal emperor Farrukhsiyar recognized Shahu as the king of the swarajya. Mughal emperor also allowed him to collect tax from the six Mughal provinces. This agreement is known as the treaty of Delhi. Baji Rao I ( ) Baji Rao, the eldest son of Balaji Viswanath, succeeded him as Peshwa at the young age of 20. He was considered the greatest exponent of gurreilla tactics after Shivaji and Maratha power reached its zenith under him. Page 40

41 MARATHA CONFEDERACY Under him several Maratha families became prominent and got themselves entered in different parts of India. This is known as the Maratha Confederacy. It was headed by Peshwa. the Gaekwads at Baroda the Bhonsles at Nagpur the Holkars at Indore the Scindias at Gwalior and the Peshwas at Poona. After defeating and expelling the Siddhis of Janjira from the mainland, he conquered Bassein and Salsette from the Portuguese in He led innumerable successful expeditions into north India to weaken the Mughal empire and to make the Marathas the supreme power in India. Balaji Baji Rao ( ) Popularly known as Nana Saheb, he succeeded his father at the age of 20. After the death of Shahu, the management of all state affairs was left in his hands. In an agreement with the Mughal emperor, the Peshwa was to protect the Mughal Empire from internal and external enemies in return for the chauth. It was during his time the third battle of Panipat (January 14, 1761) fought between Marathas and Ahmad Shah Abdali. Battle resulted in the defeat of the Marathas. Balaji Baji Rao died of shock after the defeat at Panipat. PESHWAS Balaji Vishwanath Baji Rao I Balaji Baji Rao Madhav Rao Narian Rao Sawai Madhav Rao Baji Rao II Page 41

42 LATER PESHWAS After the death of Balaji Baji Rao Pewshas lost their prominence. Madhav Rao ( ), Narayana Rao ( ), Sawai Madhav Rao ( ), Baji Rao II( ) were the last peshwas. First Anglo-Maratha war ( ) was during the time of Narain Rao which concluded with the treaty of Salbai. Second ( ) and Third Anglo-Maratha war ( ) fought during the reign of Baji Rao II. CAUSES OF DECLINE OF MARATHA CONFEDERACY Maratha administration was thoroughly autocratic. Marathas lost their unity due to internal jealousies and selfish treachery. The Marathas could not produce leaders like Shivaji, MadhavaRao, Mahadji Scindia, NanaFadnavis when they had to face a determined enemy like the British. Inferior Military System of the Marathas. In the Third Anglo-Maratha war, the Peshwa was captured and placed on a small estate at Bithur, near Kanpur. Peshwaship was abolished and most of his territory was annexed to British empire. P a g e 42

43 SOCIO - RELIGIOUS MOVEMENTS BHAKTHI MOVEMENT Bhakti is devotional worship of a supreme God with an ultimate aim of attaining salvation. The Bhakti movement originated in South India during the seventh-century AD and gained wide accpetence across northern India. Shankaracharya, a great thinker and a distinguished philosopher is considered as the leader of this movement. Bhakti emphasised on purity of mind and heart. There were two sects of school of thoughts in Bhakti movement:saguna and Nirguna. Saguna sect believed in personification of God while Nirguna sect worshipped a formless god. MONOTHEISTIC MOVEMENTS Ramananda ( ) Born at prayag, he was originally a follower of Ramanuja. Later he founded his own sect and taught in Hindi at Banaras and Agra. A worshipper of Rama, he taught against caste and admitted disciples from all castes. His disciples included the following, showing his disregard for caste rules: Kabir, a Muslim weaver Raidasa, a cobbler Sena, a barber Sadhana, a butcher Dhanna, a Jat peasant Narahari, a goldsmith and Pipa, a Rajput prince. After Ramananda the bhakti movement in north India was propagated by two schools of thought, namely the Saguna school and the Nirguna school. The Saguna school believed that god had many forms and attributes akin to the human one. The Nirguna school on the other hand believed in a god without any form or attributes. The origin of nirguna bhakti is generally traced to Ramananda s teaching. Page 43

44 ADI SANKARACHARAYA The period after Guptas is marked by revival and expansion of Hinduism and continued to see the decline of Jainism and Buddhism. At the intellectual level, the most serious challenge to Buddhism and Jainism was posed by Sankara who revived Hinduism. Sankaracharya was born in Kalady, Kerala in 788 A.D. He is called Aquinas of Hinduism. He preached advaita philosophy. According to this philosophy, there are various levels of truth. On a lower level, the world is a creation of Brahma. But, on the highest level, the whole universe is Maya (illusion). The only ultimate reality was Brahma, the impersonal world soul. Creation is his lila (eternal play). He is imminent and omniscient. According to Sankara, God and the created world were one. The differences were apparent but not real and arose due to ignorance. He wrote excellent commentaries on Bhagwdgita and Upanishads. He set up four mathas at the four corner of India. North - Badrinath (Uttarkhand) South - Sringeri (Karnataka) West - Dwaraka (Gujarat) East - Puri (Orissa) He was died in 820 AD at Kedarnath. Kabir ( ) Born near Banaras supposedly to a Brahmin widow, he was brought up by a childless Muslim weaver, Niru. Married to Loi, he had two children and led the normal life of a house holder. Supposedly persecuted by Sikandar Lodhi. He died at Maghar in UP. His dohas and sakhi (poems), whose collection is found in the Bijak, were very popular among the common people and throw light on his teachings. He believed in pantheism, i.e. God is everywhere. He pleaded for Hindu-Muslim unity, and emphasised the unity and formlessness of god. Kabir denounced formal religious practices in both Hindusim and Islam. He did not suggest the abandonment of the life by a normal house holder for the sake of a saintly life. Page 44

45 He believed that ascerticism and book knowledge were not necessary for true knowledge and salvation. He sharply condemned caste and religious distinctions and preached brotherhood of man through his dohas (poems). Dadu Dayal( ) Born in Ahmedabad to Muslim parents, he was brought up by Lodhi, a Hindu cottoncarder. He preached in Rajasthan, first at Sambhar and later at Naraini(near Jaipur) where he died. Though illiterate, his verses were collected by his disciples in a book, the Bani, in Hindi. His followers, Dadupanthis, expose their dead like the Parsis. He practised the teachings of Kabir and denounced caste distinctions. HINDU RELIGIOUS IDEAS Vishishtadvaita... Ramanujachaya Sivadvaita... Srikanthacharya Dvaita... Madhavacharya Davaitadvaita... Nimbarka Suddhadvaita (Pushtimarg)... Vallabhacharya Achintyabhedavada... Chaitanya SAGUNA SCHOOL Chaitanya ( ) Responsible for the popularity of Vaishnavism in Bengal through his kirtans, he spread the message that ragamarga or the path of spontaneous love was best for salvation. He believed in the bhedabheda, i.e. dualistic non-dualism. Surdas ( ) Disciple of Vallabhacharya of south India, he popularised the Krishna cult in UP by singing songs glorifying Krishna s childhood. He was the author of Sur Sagara, Sur Sarawali, etc. Mirabai ( ) Hailing from the Sisodia dynasty of Chittor, she was a great devotee of Krishna and popularised his cult in Rajasthan through her songs. Page 45

46 Sankaradeva( ) A contemporary of Chaitanya, he spread Vaishnava bhakti in Assam. Tulsidas( ) He was a worshipper of Rama and composed the famous Ramcharit Manas in Hindi, expounding the various aspects of Hindu dharma. SAIVA SAINTS Krishnanda, Brahmanandagiri, Purnanda and Kavirajnana of Bengal were some prominent Saiva saints. Ramanuja ( ) In 11 th century Ramanuja tried to assimilate Bhakti to the tradition of Veda. He argued that grace of God was more important than knowledge about him in order t attain salvation. The tradition established by Ramanuja was followed by number of thinkers such as Madhavacharya, Ramananda, Vallabhacharya and others. Jnandeva ( ) He was progenitor of Bhakti movement in Maharashtra. Madhavacharya(13 th century) He was the founder of the Dvaita (Dualism) school of philosophy. According to it, the world is not a illusion but a reality, full of real distinctions. God, soul and matter are all unique in nature, and hence they are irreducible to each other. He divided material universe into Swatantra and Aswatantra PANDHARPUR Pandharpur is one of the most prominent pilgrimage places in Maharashtra. Pandharpur hosts the renowned Vitthal temple on the banks of Bhima. Vitthal, who is regarded in Hinduism as a form of Lord Krishna. Nimbarka (13 th Century) He advocated another school of philosophy, called Dvaitadvaita (Dualistic Monism). According to it, the Brahman or the Supreme Being transforms himself into the souls and the world, which are therefore real, distinct and different from the Brahman. Page 46

47 Though they (soul and world) are real and different from the Brahman, they cannot, however, exist independently without his support. Vallabhacharya ( ) He was the founder of yet another school of philosophy, called the Suddhadvaita (Pure Non-Dualism). According to it, god is one, omnipotent and omniscient and the cause of all that there is in the universe. He manifests himself in the form of individual souls and matter (world). Thus, the three (god, soul and world) are identical in essence though different in manifestation. Vallabha s teachings are also known as pustimarga or the path grace. Namdeva ( ) He was a Nirguna Upasaka. Some of his abhangas are included in Guru Granth Sahib. Ekanath ( ) He was opposed to caste distinction and evinced greatest sympathy for men of low caste. Tukaram( ) He was a farmer s son and a great devotee of Vitthal. Ramadasa ( ) He established ashramas all over India. It was from him that Shivaji received the inspiration to overthrow Muslim authority and found the kingdom. LINGAYATS Another popular movement, which arose around the 12 th century, was Lingayat or Vir Shaiva movement. Its founder was Basava and his nephew Channabasava, who lived at the courts of Kalchuri kings of Karnataka. In south, the Bhakti movement was led by a series of popular saints called Nayanars and Alvars. The chief objects of their worship were Shiva and Vishnu respectively. They spoke and wrote in Tamil and Telugu. Page 47

48 Surdasa ( ) He belongs to Saguna School of Hindu Mystics. He was a blind poet. He composed the famous Sur Sagara. SAIVISM The roots of Saivism go back to Harappen culture. The figure of a god sitting in yoga posture, surrounded by animals and having Trimukha is considered to be proto-type of Siva. While the worship of Phallus reminds one of worship of Sivalinga even in modern times. Complete development of Saivism is found in Ramayan and Mahabharat. Ultimately it is the Puranas which amalgamated non vedic tribal Siva with Vedic Rudra and gave Saivism a finished form. The major Schools of Saivism are: (i) Pasupat Sect- Pasupat is the earliest Saiva sect. Its founder was Nakulin who was also known as Lakulin. It is claimed that he was an incarnation of Lord Siva. Lakulin had four pupils : Kusika, Gargyua, Mitrak and Rusta. The Pasupat believed that a soul is released from its bonds by the five categories of Karya, Karan, Yoga, Vidhi and Duhkhant. The Pasupat covered their body with ashes and made a sound like that of on ox. They practiced things which were condemned by all. They revolted against the rigidity of caste system also. (ii) The Saiva Sect The Saiva sect was a moderate and rational sect. The followers of this sect believed in Pati, Pasu and Pash. Pati stands for Lord Siva. Pasu meant Jeevatma which is tied by Pash which is bondage. The four bondage i.e, Pash are Vidya, Kriya, Yoga and Charya. The Saivite led stress upon Japan throwing obligation into fire, mediation, Samadhi, penances, etc. VAISNAVISM/BHAGVATISM The origin of Bhagvatism can be traced to the worship of Narayan as supreme being in later Brahmatic period. Vaisnavism believes in Vishnu as the supreme deity. In Bhagvad Gita and Mahabharat he is identified with Vasudev Krishna. Thus cult of Vasudev became a popular form of Vaisnavism. Bhagvatism can be described as the outcome of three religious streams which intermingled. These streams are one from Vedic God Vishnu, the second from carmic and philosophic God Narayan and the third from Vasudev. Page 48

49 SUFISM Those saints among the Muslims who advocated a life of purity and renunciation were called Sufis. The word Sufi is derived from the Greek word sofia, meaning wisdom. Sufism sprang from the doctrine of Wahadat-ul-wajud or unity of being. Sufism is very much influenced by Hindu philosophy and Buddhism. The Sufis were organized in 12 order or Silsilas. The Silsilas were generally led by a prominent mystic who lived in a Khanquah along with his disciples. The link between the teacher or Pir and his disciple or Murid was a vital part of Sufi system. Every Pir nominated a successor or Wali to carry out work. The Sufi orders are widely divided into two: Ba-sahara that is those who followed the Islamic law and Be-sahara who were not bound by it. Chisti Silsila The Chisti order was founded by Khwaja Abdal Chisti in Herat, it was brought to India by Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti. He arrived at Lahore in 1161 AD and settled at Ajmer about 1206 AD. The other famous Chisti saints were Nizamuddin Auliya and Nasiruddin Chirag-i- Delhi. They made themselves popular by adopting musical recitation called Sama to create mood of nearness to god. GURU NANAK Birth... Talwandi Death... Kartarpur Father... Kaluji Mother... Tripta Wife... Sulakshn Suhrawardi Silsila It was founded by Shaikh Shihabuddin Suhrawardi. Its main centre was Multan. Saints of this order had big Jagirs and had close contact with state. Page 49

50 Firdausi Silsila Shaik Badruddin of Samarkhand is the founder of this order. It was first established in Delhi, but, later it moved to Bihar and became the most influential mystic order. Shattari Silsila It was founded in India by Shah Abdullah Shattari. It gained popularity under Shaik Muhammad Ghaus of Gwalior. Saints of this order worked towards Hindu-Muslim unity. Fonded by Sheikh Abdul Dadir Jilani. Qadiri Silsila Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Shah Jahan was follower of this order. The followers of this order were opposed to music and singing. Naqshbandi Silsila This Silsila was introduced in India by Khwaja Baqi Billah during the later years of Akbar s reign. Nobles like Mirza Aziz Koka, Qilich Khan, Sheikh Farid are followers of this order. It gained popularity under Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi. Aurangazeb belonged to this group. SIKH GURUS Guru Nanak Guru Angad Guru Amardas Guru Ramadas Guru Arjundev Guru Hargovind Guru Har Rai Guru Har Krishnan Guru Tej Bahadur Guru Govind Singh Page 50

51 PANCHTAKHTS The Sikhs recognize five holy places as Takhts. They are: Akal Takht Sahib Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib Takht Sri Hazur Sahib Takht Sri Patna Sahib All five Takhts are equally venerated, but the Akal Takht at Amritsar enjoys a special status. It is the oldest of the Five Takhts. Akal Takht is located in the Harmandir Sahib complex in Amritsar, SIKHISM Sikhism is a monotheistic religion that originated during the 15th century. Guru Nanak is the founder of this religion. Sikhism was influenced by the Bhakti movement in medieval India. Sikhs bilieve in One God, Ten Gurus, from Guru Nanak to Guru Gobind Singh and the holy scripture The Guru Granth Sahib. GOLDEN TEMPLE The Harmandir Sahib, also Darbar Sahib and informally referred to as the Golden Temple, is a prominent Sikh Gurdwara located in the city of Amritsar, Punjab. It was built by the fourth Sikh guru, Guru Ramdas in the 16th Century. In 1604, Guru Arjun Dev completed the Adi Granth, the holy scripture of Sikhism, and installed it in the Gurudwara. The Harimandir Sahib is considered holy by Sikhs. The holiest text of Sikhism, the Guru Granth Sahib, is always present inside the Gurdwara. Its construction was mainly intended to build a place of worship for men and women from all walks of life and all religions to come and worship God equally. GURU NANAK ( ) Born at Talwandi he travelled very widely in West Asia and Russia. He preached a casteless, universal, ethical, anti-ritualistic, monothestic and highly spritual religion. Nanak preached only in Punjabi. Nanak laid greater stress on the pruity of character and conduct as the first condition in approaching god, and also the need of a guru for guidance. He patronised both Hindus and Muslims. Page 51

52 He rejected idol worship. He asserted on the supremacy of the God. According to him, God was Nirguna an omnipotent but formless one. He believed in Karma, but not reincarnation of God After his death, his followers called themselves Sikhs and a new religious sect, Sikhism, was founded. Nanak was followed by nine Sikh gurus. GURU ANGAD He was the successor of Guru Nanak. He discovered the Gurumukhi script. PANCH KAKAS Guru Gobind Singh made the Sikhs to wear five emblems (Panch Kakas) or Five K s. Kacha... Short underwear Kara... Iron bangle Kanha... Comb Kripan... Sword He also compiled Guru Nanak s biography Janam Sakis. GURU AMARDAS He began the institution of langar (common kitchen) to abolish the caste system. Guru Amardas divided Sikh empire into 22 parts called Manjis and each manji was put unded the charge of a Sikh. GURU RAMDAS The fourth guru, was given the site of Har-mandir at Amritsar by Akbar. He made the post of Guru hereditary. GURU ARJUN DEV Guru Arjun completed the construction of Amritsar He founded cities like Tarantaran, Govindpur and Kartarpur. Guru Arjun Dev built the Harmandir in the midst of the tank in 1604 AD. The compilation of the Guru Granth Sahib was completed in 1604 and placed it in the Harmandir. Jahangir executed Guru Arjun Dev in 1606 AD. This was the turning point in the history of Sikhism. The Sikhs took to arms in self defence. Guru Arjun Dev was succeeded by his son Har Govind. Page 52

53 GURU HAR GOVIND ( ) Guru Har Govind created Sikh army. He was taken to Delhi and imprisoned in the fort of Gwalior till He built the Akal Takt (the throne of Almighty) at a place opposite to Harmandir. Guru Har Govind adopted the title Sacha Padusha, means true ruler. After a period of peace, there came a period of hostilities and the transformation of Sikhism began. Har Govind fortified the Amritsar. He founded the city Kiratput in Kashmir GURU GRANTH SAHIB Primary religious scripture of Sikhs is Guru Granth Sahib. It is written in the Gurmukhi script. Adi Granth was first compiled by Bhai Gurdas under the supervision of Guru Arjun Dev between the years 1603 and It contains hymns of the first five Sikh gurus and 15 other great saints, or bhagats, including thirteen Hindu and two Muslim saints. The Guru Granth Sahib is the final expanded version of Adi Granth. Guru Granth Sahib was compiled by Guru Gobind Singh in It consists of the original Adi Granth with the addition of Guru Tej Bahadur's hymns. GURU HAR RAI Guru Har Rai was the grandson of Guru Har Govind. Guru Har Rai sent his elder son Rama Rai to Aurangazeb s court. KHALSA Khalsa which means pure is the name given by Guru Gobind Singh to all Sikhs who have been baptised or initiated by taking Amrit in a ceremony called Amrit Sanchar. The Khalsa order was initially created on Baisakhi Day 30 th March 1699, with Guru Gobind Singh baptizing 5 Sikhs and then in turn asking the five Khalsa s to baptize him. Following this the Guru personally baptized thousands of men and women into the Khalsa order. The Khalsa baptism ceremony is undertaken as part of ones own personal spiritual evolution when the initiate is ready to fully live up to the high expectations of Guru Gobind Singh. All Sikhs are expected to be Khalsa or be working towards that objective.the Sikhs celebrated the 300 th anniversary of the day in 1999 with thousands of religious gatherings all over the world. Page 53