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Cheatsheet: Reshaping India’s Political Map | Social Science Class 8 - New NCERT PDF Download

Introduction

The medieval period (roughly 11th–17th centuries) witnessed foreign invasions, the rise and fall of dynasties, shifting boundaries, and the evolution of society and economy. 
Examples of change during this period:

  • Delhi Sultanate → Introduced new governance, culture, and religion.
  • Vijayanagara Empire → Strengthened southern India’s culture and power.
  • Mughal Empire → Expanded and influenced art, administration, and society.

Rise and Fall of the Delhi Sultanate

The Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526) was founded after the defeat of Prithviraj Chauhan. It saw five main Turkic-Afghan dynasties: the Mamluks (also known as the Slave Dynasty), the Khiljis, the Tughlaqs, the Sayyids, and the Lodis.

Cheatsheet: Reshaping India’s Political Map | Social Science  Class 8 - New NCERT

Resistance to the Delhi Sultanate

The Delhi Sultanate faced significant resistance from various regional kingdoms, internal rebellions, and external invasions throughout its rule, weakening it over time.Cheatsheet: Reshaping India’s Political Map | Social Science  Class 8 - New NCERT

The Vijayanagara Empire

The Vijayanagara Empire emerged as a powerful Hindu kingdom in South India, established in 1336 by the brothers Harihara and Bukka.

  • Rejected Delhi's authority, united many southern territories.
  • Capital at Hampi (chosen for resilience and symbolism)

Krishnadevaraya

The Vijayanagra Empire was at its peak under Krishnadevaraya (reign: 1509–1529).

Cheatsheet: Reshaping India’s Political Map | Social Science  Class 8 - New NCERT

The Mughals

  • The Mughal Empire was established in 1526 by Babur, who introduced gunpowder weaponry and artillery, defeating Ibrahim Lodi at the First Battle of Panipat.
  • His son Humayun lost and regained the throne amid turmoil before his untimely death.

Cheatsheet: Reshaping India’s Political Map | Social Science  Class 8 - New NCERT

Akbar 

Ruled from 1556–1605. Began at age 13; blended strategy, tolerance, and force.
Akbar’s Major PoliciesCheatsheet: Reshaping India’s Political Map | Social Science  Class 8 - New NCERT

Aurangzeb 

Ruled 1658–1707: Last strong emperor, expanded the empire to the greatest extent.

Aurangzeb’s Major Policies

Cheatsheet: Reshaping India’s Political Map | Social Science  Class 8 - New NCERT

Resistance to the Mughals

Mughal rule faced persistent challenges and local resistance.Cheatsheet: Reshaping India’s Political Map | Social Science  Class 8 - New NCERT

Surge of the Rajputs

  • Mewar/Marwar leaders (Rana Sanga, Maharana Pratap): Consistent resistance; famous for guerrilla warfare after defeat at Haldighati (1576).
  • Durga Das Rathore (Marwar): Rebelled against Aurangzeb, limited Mughal authority in Rajasthan.

Cheatsheet: Reshaping India’s Political Map | Social Science  Class 8 - New NCERT

The Ahoms

Migrated from Myanmar (13th century), formed the Ahom Kingdom in Assam.

Cheatsheet: Reshaping India’s Political Map | Social Science  Class 8 - New NCERT

The Rise of the Sikhs

Cheatsheet: Reshaping India’s Political Map | Social Science  Class 8 - New NCERT

Administering India

Administration under the Delhi Sultanate

The Delhi Sultanate featured centralised authority with the Iqta system for military and revenue management.Cheatsheet: Reshaping India’s Political Map | Social Science  Class 8 - New NCERT

Mughal Administrative Framework

The Mughals under Akbar introduced efficient reforms, including the Mansabdari system and provincial divisions.Cheatsheet: Reshaping India’s Political Map | Social Science  Class 8 - New NCERT

Let's explore how the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire were different:

Cheatsheet: Reshaping India’s Political Map | Social Science  Class 8 - New NCERT

People’s Lives

Economic activity was vibrant despite political instability.

Cheatsheet: Reshaping India’s Political Map | Social Science  Class 8 - New NCERT

Social Hierarchy and CommunitiesCheatsheet: Reshaping India’s Political Map | Social Science  Class 8 - New NCERT

Cultural LifeCheatsheet: Reshaping India’s Political Map | Social Science  Class 8 - New NCERT

Key Figures

Cheatsheet: Reshaping India’s Political Map | Social Science  Class 8 - New NCERT

Important Battles

Cheatsheet: Reshaping India’s Political Map | Social Science  Class 8 - New NCERT


The document Cheatsheet: Reshaping India’s Political Map | Social Science Class 8 - New NCERT is a part of the Class 8 Course Social Science Class 8 - New NCERT.
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FAQs on Cheatsheet: Reshaping India’s Political Map - Social Science Class 8 - New NCERT

1. What were the key factors that led to the rise of the Delhi Sultanate?
Ans. The rise of the Delhi Sultanate was influenced by several key factors, including the weakening of local kingdoms due to internal conflicts and invasions, particularly by the Turks. The military prowess and effective governance of the early Sultans, such as Qutb al-Din Aibak, played a crucial role in establishing control over northern India. Additionally, the use of strategic marriages and alliances helped the Sultans secure their power and expand their territories.
2. How did the Vijayanagara Empire contribute to the cultural landscape of India?
Ans. The Vijayanagara Empire significantly enriched India's cultural landscape through its patronage of art, literature, and architecture. It fostered the development of classical music and dance forms and promoted the use of local languages in literature. The empire's architectural achievements, such as the famous Hampi ruins, showcased intricate designs and advanced urban planning, reflecting a blend of indigenous and Islamic styles.
3. What were the main strategies of resistance against Mughal rule in India?
Ans. Resistance to Mughal rule was marked by various strategies, including guerrilla warfare, forming alliances with other regional powers, and mobilizing local populations. Key figures like Shivaji Maharaj in the Deccan and various Rajput rulers employed tactics such as hit-and-run attacks and fortification of their territories. These resistances highlighted the regional identity and autonomy against the centralized Mughal authority.
4. How did the Mughal Empire impact trade and economy in India?
Ans. The Mughal Empire had a profound impact on trade and the economy of India by promoting a vibrant exchange of goods and ideas. The establishment of a stable governance system and infrastructure, such as roads and ports, facilitated trade both domestically and internationally. The Mughals also encouraged industries like textiles and handicrafts, which thrived under their patronage, making India a significant player in global trade networks.
5. What were the consequences of the decline of the Delhi Sultanate?
Ans. The decline of the Delhi Sultanate led to significant political fragmentation in northern India, with the emergence of regional powers and the eventual rise of the Mughal Empire. This decline resulted in a power vacuum that allowed local rulers and chieftains to assert their authority, leading to increased instability and conflicts. Additionally, the weakening of centralized control affected trade and cultural cohesion, paving the way for new socio-political dynamics in the region.
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