Medieval India “Sultanates of Delhi” Medieval India “Sultanates of Delhi”

Map of the Known World (Around 900 AD)

Around 900 AD (View of the World) America-s (North and South) were not known Australia was yet to be discovered Most of Africa was not known Rest of the World was well populated and divided into small and big empires, kingdoms, principalities and duchies, sultanates etc. And they were all fighting with each other This lasted for almost 500 years.

Map of the Known World (Around 900 AD)

Why People Fight The same reason people migrateThe same reason people migrate Basic Needs for SurvivalBasic Needs for Survival –Food and Water –Climate and Weather –Population pressure and Competition –Freedom Pursuit of Happiness – Fight over an IdeaPursuit of Happiness – Fight over an Idea –We can be happier in the future When there were no more places left to migrate, they would fightWhen there were no more places left to migrate, they would fight –And that would happen for almost 500 years

Fight for Ideological Reasons Fight over an IdeaFight over an Idea –Religion – Our religion is better than yours –Race – Our race is superior to yours –Social Norms or Structure – Our form of government is better than yours Why people fight over an ideaWhy people fight over an idea –Because ideas define how the future is going to be –If the present is not good enough you can at least hope that future will be good –Ideas can move larger groups of people than the basic needs alone. Medieval Time is the first time when many wars started over Ideas only – without the basic need for foods etc.Medieval Time is the first time when many wars started over Ideas only – without the basic need for foods etc. In modern times – most wars are essentially fought over ideasIn modern times – most wars are essentially fought over ideas Even in a democracy elections are fought over ideasEven in a democracy elections are fought over ideas

The Instruments of Wars Horses(Cavalry) – Used for Offensive or Attack purposesHorses(Cavalry) – Used for Offensive or Attack purposes –Increasingly they decided the results of war because of their speed, strength, size and intelligence –They were used in every wars since 900 through 1900 in every continent including Americas Forts and Castles – Used for Defensive or Protection PurposesForts and Castles – Used for Defensive or Protection Purposes In many city states castles/forts were built to protect the peasants and farmers and all the people around it.In many city states castles/forts were built to protect the peasants and farmers and all the people around it. They were the primary instruments of defense in a war in Medieval AgesThey were the primary instruments of defense in a war in Medieval Ages

Medieval Forts and Castles Agra Fort Jodhpur Fort in Jodhpur, Rajasthan Muslim Cavalry Mongol Cavalry

Kumbhalgarh fort : Perimeter wall is 20 miles long. Six horses could ride abreast on the fort ramparts. Kumbhalgarh fort built by Maharana Kumbha. Vijay Sthamb (Victory Tower) built by Maharana Kumbha

Rise of Islam Most of the Rulers of India during the Medieval times were followers of Islam Islam is the newest major World Religion It is one of the three major religions coming from the Middle East –Christianity –Islam –Judaism All three religions are based on teachings of prophets –Similar to Avatars in Hinduism –Tirthankaras in Jainism

Influence of Islam in Medieval Time Islam rejects human, plant or animal forms of symbolisms –Gave rise to Geometry and Algebra –Islamic arts are the first form of abstract arts based on purely geometric design The most beautiful palaces were built during the Islamic periods Taj Mahal, Agra, India Alhambra Palace, Spain Typical Islamic Art

Islamic Empires in India Nanda Maurya SaatVahana Kushana Gupta Harsha Pala Rashtrakuta Chola Sultaan Mughal British

Sultanate of Delhi Most of the Islamic Rulers came either from Afghanistan or IranMost of the Islamic Rulers came either from Afghanistan or Iran Some of them have originally come from TurkeySome of them have originally come from Turkey There had been several wars between 900 – 1100 AD between Afgan/Iran Sultans and Hindu Indian kingdomsThere had been several wars between 900 – 1100 AD between Afgan/Iran Sultans and Hindu Indian kingdoms Mohammed Ghori of Afghanistan established the Sultanate of Delhi in 1191Mohammed Ghori of Afghanistan established the Sultanate of Delhi in 1191

Different Dynasties of Delhi Sultanate Qutbuddin Aibak: 1206 – 1210 Iltutmish: 1211 – 1236 Balban: Alauddin Khilji: 1294 – 1316 Muhammud Bin Tughlak 1325 – 1351 Tughlaq and Sayyid Dynasty Lodhi Dynasty