This book has been considered by academicians and scholars of great significance and value to literature. This forms a part of the knowledge base for future generations. So that the book is never forgotten we have represented this book in a print format as the same form as it was originally first published. Hence any marks or annotations seen are left intentionally to preserve its true nature.
The book provides a comprehensive account of the social, religious and economic conditions and policies from the Sultanate to the Mughal period in early medieval India. It details the account of the three centuries known for its Islamic influence and rule and the presence of formidable dynasties. The book provides a sound understanding of the history of the period and also evinces the learnings of mutual quarrels and internecine war.
The volume cover the entire political history of Delhi Sultanate, focusing on Mahmud Ghazni's campaigns, Ziyauddin Barani's descriptions, Sufi saints and their records, as well as peasants, artisans, tailors, weavers and a plethora of people who constituted the landscape of the subcontinent during the eleventh to seventeenth centuries.
Presents a consolidated timeline of medieval India by taking into account the period that marked the end of ancient India, and focusing on the importance of the transitory centuries when Delhi had begun to surface as the new power center, triggering prominent trends in thought and institutions. This book analyzes the nature of social forces, complexity of causation and the interdependence of change and continuity in the light of the crucial transition from ancient to early medieval India, with the emergence of the Delhi Sultanate and the Vijayanagar-Bahmani kingdoms. Proceeding to detail the most effervescent period in Indian history - the era of the great Mughals - the text provides an insight into the ideological-philosophical basis of the times, focusing on the Sufi and Bhakti movements, and culminates with the rise of the Marathas, the advent of European companies, and the eventual establishment of the British in Bengal. keeping in mind that the history of medieval India has not moved in a linear fashion, and that much of the period saw phases of expansion and realignment of political attributes, this book contributes to a deeper understanding of the much misread period of Indian history with a view that takes into account the resultant interface between the political, social, economic, religious and cultural elements and devotes to this crucial period the attention it deserves.
History of Indian Nation India, the cradle for one of the most ancient civilizations in the world, has a long and rich history, spanning thousands of years. In fact, the history of India begins with evidence of human activity millions of years ago. The Indus Valley Civilization was the first major civilization. Vedic Civilization witnessed the rise of major polities. Almost the whole country was controlled by Mauryan Empire and it was again united under Gupta Empire. Muslim rule in the subcontinent began when the Arabs conquered Sindh and Multan. Then, several invasions from Central Asia led to the formation of Muslim empires, such as the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire. Mughals conquered most of northern India and finally controlled the entire sub-continent and Afghanistan. Mughal Empire declined in the 18th century. Then, East India Company gained ascendancy over South Asia. Dissatisfaction with Company rule led to an unsuccessful revolt in 1857, after which India was directly administered by the British Crown. In the 20th century, a nationwide struggle for independence was launched by Indian National Congress. The subcontinent gained independence from Great Britain in 1947, but the country was partitioned into two dominions of India and Pakistan. After Independence, a new era began. This comprehensive book, comprising four volumes covers the entire history of the Indian Nation in a very compact manner. This book is an asset for historians, teachers, students and general readers, at par.
This Book Deals With The Medieval Period Of Indian History. Most Of The Historians Consider This Period As The Dark Period Of Indian History. According To Them, Ancient Period Was The Glorious Period Of Indian History. During This Period Foundation Of Indian Culture And Of Social Structure Was Laid; But During Medieval Period India Did Not Make Much Progress. In Spite Of Historians' Opinion, It Can Be Said That During Medieval Period Also Progress Was Made And Several Buildings Were Constructed During This Period. Great Development Was Made In Art, Painting And Literature. Hindi Literature Made Great Progress During This Period, As Such, Kabir, Tulsi, Surdas, Jayasi, Rahim And Raskhan Are Still Considered Among The Greatest Writers Of Hindi Literature.Urdu, Punjabi And Other Regional Literatures Made Great Progress During This Period. Sikh Religion, Bhakti Cult And Sufism Also Made Great Progress During This Period.This Book Deals With All Aspects Of Medieval Indian History In Detail To Meet The Requirements Of The Students And The Common Readers.The Book Is Divided Into Three Parts. First Part Covers Saltanat Period From 1206 To 1526. Second Part Deals With The Mughal Period From 1526 To 1760 A.D. In Detail. Third Part Covers Period Upto 1857 In Brief. Bhakti Movement, Society And Culture, Art And Architecture, And Economic Aspects Have Been Described In Details In A Very Simple And Lucid Style.
Ancient Indian history has always been mystical; more so a virtual utopia for historians and researchers. This scholarly text narrates the ancient Indian history from the genesis of civilisations to the early middle ages. It examines the sources, chronology of civilisations and authoritatively details the facts, feats, triumphs and religious crusades of the period. It unveils the rich cultural, religious and social diversity that is uniquely and peculiarly Indian. The book is of immense use to students and scholars of history and for candidates preparing for civil services examinations.
Book Summary Table of Contents Volume 1st Foreword v Preface ix The Sadarat : Origin and Development 1 Foundation of Sadarat in India 33 I. The Ilbari Turks 76 II. The Khaljis 137 III. The Qaraunah Turks 183 IV. The Sayyids 273 V. The Lodhis 285 VI. The Surs 308 Abbreviations and Bibliography 324 Index 336 Foreword The administrative machinery of the Delhi Sultanate was run mainly by three ministries—the Diwan-i-Wizarat, the Diwan-i-’Arz and the Diwan-i-Risalat. While some work has been done on the first two, an in-depth study of the Diwan-i-Risalat–which dealt with religious matters, stipends and pious foundations—has largely remained a desideratum. Mr. A. D. Khan’s work goes a long way in filling this gap in our historical literature. With his extensive knowledge of the contemporary and modern literature, he has tried to put the institution of sadarat in its proper historical perspective. His contribution deserves approbation by all those interested in medieval Indian history and culture. Discussing the origin of the office of sadr, Khwandmir observes in his Nama-i-Nami that Malik Shah Seljuqi had established this office as he was desirous of having a learned man at the court to represent the cases of Syeds and ‘ulama' and to manage pensions, stipends and endowments. In course of time the office of sadr became the chief authority dealing with all religious matters and provided institutional liaison between State and Religion. Mr. Khan has very ably traced the evolution of sadarat in medieval India and has shown how the scope and conspectus of its work differed from period to period. The Diwan-i-Riyasat was headed by two important officers, the Qazi-ul-Quzat and the Sadr-us-Sudur. During the Sultanate period these two offices were entrusted to the same person who thus came to exercise great authority in judicial matters while his patronage to scholars, religious men and the indigent people enhanced his prestige. The muhtasib (Censor of public morals), who functioned under the aegis of this department, enjoyed some economic powers also pertaining to the market. Thus the institution of sadarat became a very influential wing of the administrative machinery and both the pulpit and the chair came to be controlled by the sadr. Notwithstanding all this authority, it would be wrong to think that the sadarat or the ‘ulama' bound to the state chariot regulated or influenced the policies of the State. Beyond creating a lashkar-i-du’a and providing state help to khanqahs and madrasahs, the sadarat had no say in administrative matters as such. It enjoyed religious prestige but wielded no political power. The Sultans were guided by exigencies of the political situation and formulated zawabit (state laws which had nothing to do with shari’at laws) to administer the country. The advice of Syed Nuruddin Mubarak Ghaznavi, Qazi Mughis and others was never heeded by the Sultans. Barani’s political realism made him appreciate that in matters of government the Sultans looked to the precepts of the legendary heroes of Iran rather than the religious precepts and principles of the jurists. The Delhi Sultanate maintained the Diwan-i-Sadarat with all enthusiasm and extended all patronage to its functionaries but the strings of administration were entirely in the hands of secular authorities. The function of the institution of ihtasab was to check immoral behaviour at public places. Under rulers who were themselves sunk in debauchery—like Kaiqubad, Mubarak Khalji and others—the muhtasib had to watch helplessly rapid deterioration in public morality. Under ‘Alauddin Khalji the institution of ihtasab gained unprecedented prestige. The Sultan’s strong measures against drinking, prostitution etc. strengthened the functioning of the Department. Maulana Ziauddin Sunnami’s Nisab al-Ihtasab gives a very good idea of the matters dealt with by the Department during this time. His book became popular in Muslim lands also. Mr. Khan’s work will be read with interest as it does not merely deal with the theoretical aspect of the institution of sadarat but gives a very lively account of the actual role of individuals involved in its functioning at different levels. He attempts an analysis of the different approaches of the ‘ulama and sufis of the period and traces its interaction in the broader framework of medieval history. It is hoped that Mr. Khan’s work will be read with keen interest by all students and scholars of the history of medieval India. K. A. Nizami (Nizami Villa, Aligarh)
