Where, When and How Class 7 Notes Science

Periodization in History

• History is the study of past events.
• It's divided into three main periods: ancient, medieval, and modern.
• This division is based on changes in society, politics, economy, and ideas.
• Medieval period in India: around 700-1750 CE.
• It's further divided into early medieval (c. 700-1200 CE) and late medieval (c. 1200-1750 CE).

Various Terms for the Indian Subcontinent

• India had different names in different times.
• In ancient times: Bharatavarsha, Jambudvipa, Aryavarta, Sapta Sindhu, and Indoi.
• Medieval period names: Hindustan and Hind.
• Hindustan meant the region between the Indus and Brahmaputra rivers, the Himalayas, and Vindhyas.
• India's current name also comes from the river Indus.
• The meaning of Hindustan changed over time, covering more parts of modern India.

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Sources for Studying Medieval Indian History

• Historians use sources like detectives.
• Two types of sources: archaeological and literary.
• Archaeological sources include monuments, inscriptions, coins, and sculptures.
• Literary sources include court chronicles, biographies, autobiographies, and foreign travelers' accounts.

Broad Historical Trends in the Medieval Period

• The medieval period saw the rise of regional kingdoms.
• Rajputs were important; they claimed Kshatriya status.
• Four Rajput clans: Pratiharas, Chauhans (Chahamanas), Solankis, and Pawars.
• Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire were significant political events.
• Rulers granted land to nobles in exchange for tributes and military help.
• New castes emerged, tribal groups developed, and urban-rural distinctions became sharp.
• Trade and commerce flourished, and land revenue assessment became more systematic.
• A revival of Hinduism and the emergence of religious reforms like Bhakti and Sufi movements.
• Unique architectural styles and technologies developed.

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Be a Historian - Excerpt from Sidi Ali Reis's 'My Experiences in Hindustan'

• Describes a royal reception in India, where the author met Emperor Humayun.
• Gifts and poems were presented, making the Padishah (emperor) happy.

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Summary

In this chapter, we learned about medieval Indian history and how history is divided into different periods based on changes in society, politics, economy, and ideas. The medieval period in India spanned from about 700 to 1750 CE and was divided into early and late medieval periods. We explored the various names used for the Indian subcontinent throughout history, such as Bharatavarsha and Hindustan. Historians use different sources to study the past, like archaeology and literature. The medieval period witnessed the rise of regional kingdoms, the prominence of Rajputs, and important political events like the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire. Social, economic, and cultural changes, along with religious reforms, shaped this period. An excerpt from Sidi Ali Reis's work provided a glimpse of royal receptions in India.