PPT: Early Medieval India and the World | History for UPSC CSE PDF Download

 Page 1


Early Medieval India and 
the World
Page 2


Early Medieval India and 
the World
Introduction to Early Medieval India
A transitional phase between ancient and medieval periods marked by significant shifts:
Decline of 
centralized empires
Major empires 
fragmented as regional 
kingdoms rose to 
prominence
Social 
transformation
Characterized by 
feudalism, ruralization, 
and increased caste 
rigidity
Religious innovation
The Bhakti movement 
emerged, challenging 
orthodox practices
Critical for understanding India's socio-political continuity and change
Page 3


Early Medieval India and 
the World
Introduction to Early Medieval India
A transitional phase between ancient and medieval periods marked by significant shifts:
Decline of 
centralized empires
Major empires 
fragmented as regional 
kingdoms rose to 
prominence
Social 
transformation
Characterized by 
feudalism, ruralization, 
and increased caste 
rigidity
Religious innovation
The Bhakti movement 
emerged, challenging 
orthodox practices
Critical for understanding India's socio-political continuity and change
Political Landscape: End of Ancient Empires
Fall of Centralized Power
Harshavardhana's empire collapsed, and 
Pataliputra's prominence declined
New Power Centers
Kannauj emerged as the coveted political 
center of North India
Rise of Warrior Clans
Rajputs established themselves as 
dominant military aristocracy
Political Fragmentation
Decentralization peaked with numerous 
competing regional powers
Page 4


Early Medieval India and 
the World
Introduction to Early Medieval India
A transitional phase between ancient and medieval periods marked by significant shifts:
Decline of 
centralized empires
Major empires 
fragmented as regional 
kingdoms rose to 
prominence
Social 
transformation
Characterized by 
feudalism, ruralization, 
and increased caste 
rigidity
Religious innovation
The Bhakti movement 
emerged, challenging 
orthodox practices
Critical for understanding India's socio-political continuity and change
Political Landscape: End of Ancient Empires
Fall of Centralized Power
Harshavardhana's empire collapsed, and 
Pataliputra's prominence declined
New Power Centers
Kannauj emerged as the coveted political 
center of North India
Rise of Warrior Clans
Rajputs established themselves as 
dominant military aristocracy
Political Fragmentation
Decentralization peaked with numerous 
competing regional powers
The Tripartite Struggle for 
Kannauj (75031000 CE)
1
G u r j a r a - P r a ti h a r a s
Western India
2
P a l a s
Bengal & Bihar
3
R a s h tr a k u t a s
Deccan
Kannauj's strategic importance: major trade hub on Ganga 
route & vital Silk Road link
This prolonged warfare shaped North Indian politics for 
centuries
Page 5


Early Medieval India and 
the World
Introduction to Early Medieval India
A transitional phase between ancient and medieval periods marked by significant shifts:
Decline of 
centralized empires
Major empires 
fragmented as regional 
kingdoms rose to 
prominence
Social 
transformation
Characterized by 
feudalism, ruralization, 
and increased caste 
rigidity
Religious innovation
The Bhakti movement 
emerged, challenging 
orthodox practices
Critical for understanding India's socio-political continuity and change
Political Landscape: End of Ancient Empires
Fall of Centralized Power
Harshavardhana's empire collapsed, and 
Pataliputra's prominence declined
New Power Centers
Kannauj emerged as the coveted political 
center of North India
Rise of Warrior Clans
Rajputs established themselves as 
dominant military aristocracy
Political Fragmentation
Decentralization peaked with numerous 
competing regional powers
The Tripartite Struggle for 
Kannauj (75031000 CE)
1
G u r j a r a - P r a ti h a r a s
Western India
2
P a l a s
Bengal & Bihar
3
R a s h tr a k u t a s
Deccan
Kannauj's strategic importance: major trade hub on Ganga 
route & vital Silk Road link
This prolonged warfare shaped North Indian politics for 
centuries
Gurjara-Pratihara Dynasty
Origins & Leaders
Founded by Harichandra 
near Jodhpur
Famous kings:
Nagabhata I 
(defended against 
Arab invasions)
Vatsaraja
Mihir Bhoja
Cultural & Military 
Impact
Capital at Kannauj 
(Mahodaya)
Patrons of Vishnu and 
temple builders
Critical role: Contained 
Arab expansion east of 
Indus