PPT: Medieval History- 1 | Crash Course for UPSC Aspirants PDF Download

 Page 1


On 
Indian History,
Art and Culture
CRASH COURSE
Page 2


On 
Indian History,
Art and Culture
CRASH COURSE
IN LAST CLASS
?Cave Architecture
?Temple Architecture
Page 3


On 
Indian History,
Art and Culture
CRASH COURSE
IN LAST CLASS
?Cave Architecture
?Temple Architecture
? After the death of Harsha, there was no political unity in north India for about
five centuries.
? The country was split up into a number of states which were constantly fighting
and changing their frontiers.
? The important kingdoms in north India were Kashmir, Gandhara, Sind, Gujarat,
Kanauj, Ajmir, Malwa, Bengal and Assam.
? In the early eighth century Kashmir was dominant.
? Then, the Palas of Bengal reigned supreme till the Pratiharas became the most
powerful rulers of north India.
? But in the tenth century, the Rashtrakutas of Deccan tried to extend their power
in north India but ultimately failed in their attempt.
? The dominance of Rajputs began from the seventh and eighth centuries and
lasted till the Muslim conquest in the twelfth century.
? Even after that, many Rajput states continued to survive for a long time.
? In the period of Muslim aggression, the Rajputs were the main defenders of the
Hindu religion and culture.
Page 4


On 
Indian History,
Art and Culture
CRASH COURSE
IN LAST CLASS
?Cave Architecture
?Temple Architecture
? After the death of Harsha, there was no political unity in north India for about
five centuries.
? The country was split up into a number of states which were constantly fighting
and changing their frontiers.
? The important kingdoms in north India were Kashmir, Gandhara, Sind, Gujarat,
Kanauj, Ajmir, Malwa, Bengal and Assam.
? In the early eighth century Kashmir was dominant.
? Then, the Palas of Bengal reigned supreme till the Pratiharas became the most
powerful rulers of north India.
? But in the tenth century, the Rashtrakutas of Deccan tried to extend their power
in north India but ultimately failed in their attempt.
? The dominance of Rajputs began from the seventh and eighth centuries and
lasted till the Muslim conquest in the twelfth century.
? Even after that, many Rajput states continued to survive for a long time.
? In the period of Muslim aggression, the Rajputs were the main defenders of the
Hindu religion and culture.
RAJPUT KINGDOMS 
? Rajputs were considered as the descendents of the foreign invaders and the Indian
Kshatriyas; who were Indianized and absorbed into Indian society. They became
homogenous by constant intermarriage and by adopting common customs.
? They made war as their chief occupation. However, trade and agriculture also prospered.
? The Arab travellers refer to the prosperity of the land and the great trade of the cities. They
built strong forts.
? The Gurjara-Pratiharas were the earliest of the Rajput rulers.
? The Gurjaras were in different branches. One branch ruled Gujarat and another at Avanthi.
? The Pratiharas involved themselves in a three cornered contest with the Palas of Bengal and
the Rashtrakutas of Deccan. Later the Pratiharas became weak.
? The Chauhans, the most valiant of the Rajput races, ruled Ajmer. Vigraharaj was their most
important king, who occupied Delhi.
? The Paramaras ruled by Bhoja. His military conquests as well as cultural contributions
remain notable in the history of Rajputs.
? Constant fighting weakened the Rajputs. Also, they never united against a common enemy.
Their lack of political foresight and constant rivalries prevented any combined opposition to
the Muslim invaders.
Page 5


On 
Indian History,
Art and Culture
CRASH COURSE
IN LAST CLASS
?Cave Architecture
?Temple Architecture
? After the death of Harsha, there was no political unity in north India for about
five centuries.
? The country was split up into a number of states which were constantly fighting
and changing their frontiers.
? The important kingdoms in north India were Kashmir, Gandhara, Sind, Gujarat,
Kanauj, Ajmir, Malwa, Bengal and Assam.
? In the early eighth century Kashmir was dominant.
? Then, the Palas of Bengal reigned supreme till the Pratiharas became the most
powerful rulers of north India.
? But in the tenth century, the Rashtrakutas of Deccan tried to extend their power
in north India but ultimately failed in their attempt.
? The dominance of Rajputs began from the seventh and eighth centuries and
lasted till the Muslim conquest in the twelfth century.
? Even after that, many Rajput states continued to survive for a long time.
? In the period of Muslim aggression, the Rajputs were the main defenders of the
Hindu religion and culture.
RAJPUT KINGDOMS 
? Rajputs were considered as the descendents of the foreign invaders and the Indian
Kshatriyas; who were Indianized and absorbed into Indian society. They became
homogenous by constant intermarriage and by adopting common customs.
? They made war as their chief occupation. However, trade and agriculture also prospered.
? The Arab travellers refer to the prosperity of the land and the great trade of the cities. They
built strong forts.
? The Gurjara-Pratiharas were the earliest of the Rajput rulers.
? The Gurjaras were in different branches. One branch ruled Gujarat and another at Avanthi.
? The Pratiharas involved themselves in a three cornered contest with the Palas of Bengal and
the Rashtrakutas of Deccan. Later the Pratiharas became weak.
? The Chauhans, the most valiant of the Rajput races, ruled Ajmer. Vigraharaj was their most
important king, who occupied Delhi.
? The Paramaras ruled by Bhoja. His military conquests as well as cultural contributions
remain notable in the history of Rajputs.
? Constant fighting weakened the Rajputs. Also, they never united against a common enemy.
Their lack of political foresight and constant rivalries prevented any combined opposition to
the Muslim invaders.
Forts and Palaces built by the Rajputs
? The Rajputs had built magnific fortresses at Chittorgarh, Amber (Jaipur), Jaisalmer,
Jodhpur, Ranthambhor, Gwalior, and many other places.
? It is noted that these forts are usually made on small hills and some barriers were also
made to prevent the entry of any unwanted person. All the forts had magnificent walls and
various towers.
? The Chittorgarh fort is the largest fort in India, which was made in the 7th century AD
by the Mauryans.
? This fort has seven gates, and also consists of many historical monuments such as the Vijay
Stambh, Kirti Stambh, Fatah Prakash palace, etc.
? The most admirable one is the Jaya Sthamba or Tower of Victory built in Chittor. It is
approximately 37 metres of height with nine storeys.
? Jaisalmer fort was constructed by the Bhati Rajput king Rao Jaisal in 1156 AD, which
gave the name Jaisalmer.
? The Udaipur Palace located on lake Pichola was built by Maharana Udai Singh.
? The Hawa Mahal in Jaipur was built by Raja Jai Singh.
? Their architecture consists of decorative marble work, with mirrors and small paintings.