Grade VII

1. INDIA IN THE
MEDIEVAL PERIOD
Grade VII CBSE

2. MAP OF INDIA DURING MEDIEVAL PERIOD
 Map of India
 Concept Map of Indian History
 Video

3. INTRODUCTION TO THE MEDIEVAL PERIOD
• Medieval period in Europe extends from 5th to
15th century.
• The Fall of Roman Empire marked the beginning
of Europe’s medieval period.
• This period also witnessed the beginning of
Renaissance from the 14th to 16th centuries.
• Medieval period laid stress on creativity and
imagination, that resulted in artistic, scientific
and cultural achievements.
• Revival of trade led to the growth of cities and
towns.
• Modern education system and universities have
their origins in medieval Europe.

4. Medieval Period in India
• 8th cent to 18th cent.
• The fall of the Gupta Empire marked the
beginning of Medieval period in India.
• This period is considered as an important
milestone in the evolution of the composite
culture of India.
•

5. Major Historical Developments in Medieval India
• Agriculture emerged as a primary occupation.
• Several Rajput kingdoms emerged in northern
and western parts of India.
• Turks arrived in India and established Delhi
Sultanate.
• Establishment of Mughal Dynasty.
• Cultural exchanges between Hindus and
Muslims.
• Reign of Muslim rulers ushered political stability.
• Trade and commerce flourished and led to the
development of towns and cities. Overseas trade
developed die to better relations with foreign
countries.

6. Major Historical Developments in Medieval India
• Islam spread throughout India along with Sufi
and Bhakti Movements.
• Large scale development of art and architecture
in India.
• Hinduism and Islam developed as major
religions.
• European trading companies arrived in India.

7. Emergence of New Social and Political
Groups and Kingdoms
• The term ‘Kshatriya’ was
introduced between 4th and
14th centuries.

8. New Dynasties emerging
within the Indian borders.

9. Kayasthas, in North
India

10. Ahoms
Sutiyas
Varmans in East
India

14. REGION TO EMPIRE

15. Region to Empire
• In 7th century big landlords or warrior chiefs
ruled different regions of these kingdoms.
• These landlords were also known as Samantas
• Samantas provided military support to Kings.
• These landlords, after getting power and wealth
declared themselves as mahasamantas or
mahamandaleshwars (the great lord of a cirlceor
region)

16. Kingdom to Empire
• Many new kings attained titles such as
Maharaja-Adhiraja and tribhuvana-Chakravartin.
• These kings shared their power with the
samantas, associations of peasants, traders and
Brahmins.
• These kings gained importance, power and
wealth.
• Farmers, cattle keepers and artisans contributed
to state revenue.
• They were expected to pay tax.
• Traders were also told to pay a part of their
profit as tax.

17. Kingdom to Empire
• As these kings became stronger regionally, they
declared themselves as independent of any
association with other kingdoms and samantas.
• For example: Dantidurga defeated Chalukyas
and established Rashtrakuta Empire

18. ECONOMIC CHANGES

30. SOURCES OF THE MEDIEVAL PERIOD
SOURCESOFMEDIEVALHISTORY
ARCHAEOLOGICAL
SOURCES
LITERARY SOURCES

32. Abdur Razzaq (Italy) visited
the kingdom of Vijaynagar
and wrote travelogues

33. Marco Polo (Venice) visited India during pre Mughal period

35. Uses of sourced for writing history
• The sources throw ample light on social,
economic and religious conditions of any
particular period.
• They give information on trade, mode of
transport, extent of the empire and scientific
development of that period.
• The policies of the rulers and their achievements
are highlighted through these sources.
• The architectural skills of the workers, materials
used for construction, customs and lifestyle of
the people are revealed through these sources.
• They are the most authentic sources of
information in reconstructing the medieval
history