Ancient and Medieval History

India through the eyes of Travellers Megasthenes (302- 298 BCE) Ancient Greek historian, diplomat and explorer in the Hellenistic period. Visited during the reign of Chandra Gupta Maurya. Observed that the caste system existed in India. But  there was no … Continue reading →

Maratha Kingdom The Marathas, spearheaded by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, emerged as a prominent force in India during the late 17th century. Origins of the Marathas The Marathas originated in the Deccan Plateau, primarily in present-day Maharashtra. Their early history was … Continue reading →

Jahangir: 1605 – 1627 CE Reign: Jahangir’s reign was marked by political stability, a strong economy, and cultural achievements. He ruled over a religiously diverse population with tolerance and acceptance.  Jahangir’s favorite wife Mehr-un-Nisa, also known as Nur Jahan had … Continue reading →

Akbar (1556-1605) Akbar was only thirteen years old when Humayun died. When Akbar’s father died, he was at Kalanaur, Punjab, therefore his coronation took place there in 1556. Bairam Khan, his instructor, and Humayun’s favorite and confidant acted as the … Continue reading →

Mughal Empire: 1526 – 1857 CE Babur founded the Mughal empire in 1526, after defeating Ibrahim Lodi in the first battle of Panipat. The “Great Mughals” dynasty, consisting of Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb, made significant contributions … Continue reading →

Bahmani Empire: (1347-1527 CE) The Bahmani Kingdom was founded by Hasan Gangu Bahmani.  He established an independent Muslim state of Deccan in India’s southern provinces.  The Bahmani Kingdom began to expand following the triumph of the insurrection against Muhammad-Bin-Tughlaq in … Continue reading →

Vijayanagara Empire: (1336-1646) CE The kingdom of Vijayanagara was established by Harihara and Bukka. After functioning as feudatories under the Warangal Kakatiyas, they were appointed ministers in the Kampili Kingdom (present-day Karnataka). Following the fall of Kampili, the two brothers … Continue reading →

Yadava Dynasty The Yadavas, also known as the Seuna dynasty, ruled a kingdom that stretched from the Tungabhadra to the Narmada rivers, covering present-day Maharashtra, north Karnataka, and portions of Madhya Pradesh, from their capital at Devagiri (modern-day Daulatabad).  They … Continue reading →

Lodhi Empire (1451 – 1526 CE) The Ghizali tribe of Afghanistan founded the Lodi Empire. Important Rulers: Bahlol Lodhi  (1451-1489 CE) Founder of the Lodi Dynasty. Malik Sultan Shah Lodi, the governor of Sirhind, Punjab, India, was his uncle and … Continue reading →

Sayyid Dynasty (1414-51 CE) The Sayyid dynasty emerged as the fourth dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate, succeeding the Tughlaq dynasty.  Khizir Khan, the Multan ruler, and Timur’s Indian subordinate, established the dynasty.  The Sayyid Dynasty was founded by a dynasty … Continue reading →