Medieval Indian History

Notes:
From 1397 to 1422 CE, Taj-ud-din Firoz Shah ruled the Bahmani kingdom, expanding into Berar by defeating Gond Raja Narsing Rai. He was a patron of arts, a polyglot, and established a university in Bidar. Following the defeat, Narsing Rai paid a tribute and married his daughter to Firoz Shah, strengthening alliances.

Notes:
Althanasius Nikitin travelled in the Bahmani kingdom from 1470-74 CE. He writes that during that time the country was populous, the lands well cultivated, the roads safe from robbers, and that the capital of the kingdom was a magnificent city.

Notes:
Malik Ambar was an Ethiopian slave who became the de facto ruler of Ahmednagar in India. He was known for his administrative skills and military strategies, introducing guerrilla warfare against the Mughals. He implemented revenue reforms and promoted agriculture. His capital, Khirki, later became Aurangabad, leaving a significant legacy in the Deccan.

Notes:
After the death of Ibrahim Adil Shah II, Mohammed Adil Shah became the seventh ruler of Bijapur, ascending the throne in 1627. He was the second son of Ibrahim Adil Shah II.

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Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki, a disciple of Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti, was welcomed by Iltutmish in Delhi. He declined the position of Shaikh ul Islam, reflecting his spiritual devotion. Kaki significantly contributed to the Chishti order’s spread in India, and his dargah in Mehrauli remains a pilgrimage site.

Notes:
Ramananda, a 14th-century Vaishnava saint, founded the Ram cult in North India, worshiping Ram and Sita over Vishnu. A disciple of Raghavananda, he broke caste barriers, accepting disciples from all castes, including Kabir. His teachings influenced the Bhakti movement and figures like Tulsidas, author of the Ramcharitmanas.

Notes:
In the 16th century, Abul Fath bin Jamaluddin Makki introduced the Qadiri order in Agra, invited by Sikandar Lodi. Founded by Abdul Qadir Jilani in Baghdad, the order focused on spiritual purification and inclusivity, attracting diverse followers. Makki’s influence spread Sufism in the Indian subcontinent and led to the establishment of khanqahs as centers of learning and guidance.

Notes:
Akbar built Agra Fort in 1573 using red sandstone, blending Islamic and Hindu styles. It includes the Diwan-i-Am and Diwan-i-Khas. He also constructed forts in Lahore and Allahabad. The fort was significant during the Indian Rebellion of 1857.

Notes:
Akbar, the third Mughal emperor (1556-1605 CE), established workshops for arts, blending Persian, Indian, and European styles. He popularized colors like peacock blue and Indian red, introduced lapis lazuli and indigo, and supported miniature paintings and naturalistic documentation in Mughal art.

Notes:
The Kotwals were appointed mainly in towns by the imperial government. They were in charge of law and order. The Amil used to help the Shiqdar in the task of revenue collection.