Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

India History > Medieval History > Flashcards

Medieval History Flashcards

(68 cards)

Start Studying
1
Q

FOUR Highlights of the Gupta Empire (319-550 AD)

A

Golden Age of India
Chandragupta I: Founded empire
Samudragupta: Conquests listed on the Prayag Prashasti pillar inscription aka Allahabad Pillar. Written by Harisena
Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya): Defeated Sakas

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

FOUR Highlights of the Harsha Empire (606-647AD)

A
  • Last major Hindu rulers in North India
  • Harshacharita by Banabhatta
  • Patrons of Nalanda University
  • Defeated by Pulakesin II (Chalukya)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

THREE major achievements of the Pallavas (275-897 AD)

A

Mahendravarman & Narasimhavarman I (Mahabalipuram)
Rock-cut temples (Shore Temple)
Defeated by Cholas

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

TWO main achievements of the Chalukyas of Badami (543-753 AD)

A

Pulakesin II defeated Harsha
Aihole as cultural hub (Durga Temple)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

THREE main points about the Rashtrakutas (753-982 AD)

A

Govinda III & Amoghavarsha I
Kailash Temple, Ellora
Defeated by Cholas

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

THREE Key features of the CHOLA Rulers & Empire (850-1279)

A

Rajaraja I: Brihadeshwara Temple
Rajendra I: Gangaikondacholapuram
Efficient administration (Local self-govt.)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What are the THREE main characteristics of the Pala Empire (750-1174AD)

A

Patronized Nalanda & Vikramashila
Rulers: Gopala (founder), Dharmapala, Devapala
Buddhist influence
Bengal Eastern Bihar

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Most famous ruler of the PRATIHARAS and who did he fight? (8th to 10th Century)

A
  • Mihir Bhoja
  • Fought with Palas & Rashtrakutas
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

THREE main Dynasty’s of the Delhi Sultanate (1206-1526 AD) and notable information about each.

A
  • Slave Dynasty (Qutb al-Din Aibak, Iltutmish)
  • Khalji Dynasty (Alauddin Khalji’s market reforms)
  • Tughlaq Dynasty (Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s failed reforms)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

BATTLE OF TARAIN (1191 & 1192)

A

Prithviraj Chauhan vs. Muhammad Ghori
1191: Prithviraj won
1192: Ghori won, Delhi captured

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

BATTLE OF KHANWA (1527)

A

Babur vs. Rana Sanga
Gunpowder & cavalry tactics

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

TWO main revenue measures of the GUPTAS

A

Decentralized, feudal system
Land grants to Brahmins (Agrahara system)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

TWO main revenue measures of the CHOLAS

A

Local self-governance (Uttaramerur inscription)
Efficient revenue collection

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

THREE main features of ALAUDDIN KHILJI’S revenue reforms

A
  • Price control
  • No private ownership of land
  • Market regulation (Diwan-i-Riyasat)(Dagh system for horses)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Describe the two failed revenue reforms of Mohammed Bin Tughlaq

A

Shifting capital to Daulatabad (failed)
Introduction of Token currency (failed)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

SIX main saints of the Bhakti Movement

A
  • Ramanuja (Vishishtadvaita school of philosophy)
  • Kabir & Nanak (Nirguna Bhakti)
  • Alvars & Nayanars (Saguna Bhakti - South India)
  • Meera Bai - Krishna devotee
  • Surdas - Krishna Devotee
  • Tulsidas - wrote “Ramcharitmanas”
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

TWO key Sufi orders and THREE famous saints?

A
  • Chishti & Suhrawardi orders
  • Nizamuddin Auliya, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti and Amir Khusrau
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Which dynasties supported Jainism in Medieval India?

A

Rashtrakutas & Chalukyas

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Qutub Minar built by Whom? When? What is the style of architecture called?

A

Built by Qutb al-Din Aibak, completed by Iltutmish - Delhi Sultanate, 1199
Indo-Islamic architecture

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Brihadeshwara Temple built by Whom? When? What is the style of architecture called?

A

Rajaraja Chola I - Chola, 1010 AD
Dravidian architecture

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Sun Temple, Konark built by Whom? When? What is the style of architecture called?

A

Narasimhadeva I - Ganga Dynasty, 13th century
Nagara Style architecture

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

KHAJURAHO TEMPLES built by Whom? When? What is the style of architecture called?

A

Chandela Dynasty, 10th–11th century
Nagara style
Hindu & Jain temples

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

ALAI DARWAZA built by Whom? When? What is the style of architecture called?

A

Alauddin Khilji 1311
Part of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque
Indo Islamic Style

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Who was Babur (1526–1530)? What are his THREE most important battles?

A
  • Founder of Mughal Empire
  • Battle of Panipat (1526) – Defeated Ibrahim Lodi
  • Battle of Khanwa (1527) – Defeated Rana Sanga
  • Battle of Chanderi (1528) – Defeated Medini Rai
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
What was HUMAYUN (1530–1540, 1555–1556) known for?
* Defeated by Sher Shah Suri (**Battle of Chausa**, 1539 & **Battle of Kannauj**, 1540) * Regained throne in 1555 with Persian help
26
What are the FOUR main achievements of AKBAR (1556-1605 AD)?
* Defeated Hemu in the **Second Battle of Panipat (1556)** * Expanded empire (Gujarat, Bengal, Deccan) * Religious tolerance (Din-i-Ilahi, Sulh-i-Kul) * Mansabdari system
27
THREE main points about JAHANGIR (1605–1627)
* Nur Jahan’s influence * Allowed British East India Company (1615) * Sikh tensions (Execution of **Guru Arjan**, 1606)
28
What is SHAH JAHAN (1628–1658) known for? (3)
* Golden Age of Mughal Architecture * Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Jama Masjid * War of succession (1658) – Defeated by Aurangzeb
29
FOUR key points about AURANGZEB (1658-1707)
* Expansion to Deccan (Bijapur, Golconda) * Reimposed Jizya tax (1679) * Conflict with Marathas (Shivaji, Sambhaji) * Sikh rebellion (Execution of Guru Tegh Bahadur, 1675)
30
FIRST BATTLE OF PANIPAT (1526)
Babur vs. Ibrahim Lodi Introduced gunpowder, artillery, field strategy
31
Second Battle of Panipat (1556)
Akbar vs. Hemu Consolidation of Mughal rule
32
Battle of Haldighati (1576)
Akbar’s forces (Man Singh) vs. Maharana Pratap Mughal victory but Pratap continued guerrilla resistance
33
What is the ZABT system introduced by Akbar?
Land revenue assessment based on average crop productivity
34
What is the DHASALA SYSTEM introduced by Akbar?
10-year average land productivity for tax calculation
35
What is DIN-I-ILAHI?
* Introduced by Akbar in 1582 * Syncretic religious philosophy, not a new religion * Emphasized Sulh-i-Kul (universal peace)
36
Describe the MUGHAL - MARATHA rivalry between Shivaji and Aurangzeb
* Shivaji led guerrilla warfare against Mughals in Deccan. * Aurangzeb's Siege of Purandar (1665) → Treaty of Purandar (Shivaji ceded 23 forts, became vassal). * Arrested in Agra (1666) but escaped. * Coronation (1674) → Declared "Chhatrapati" of independent Maratha Empire.
37
Describe the rivalry between GURU ARJAN & JAHANGIR
* Guru Arjan supported Khusrau’s rebellion → Jahangir saw him as a political threat. * Led to the militarization of Sikhs under Guru Hargobind.
38
Why was GURU TEJ BAHADUR executed by AURANGZEB (1675)?
Tej Bahadur opposed forced conversions of Hindus in Kashmir. He was beheaded in **Chandni Chowk, Delhi** which ultimately strengthened Sikh militarization.
39
What is a KHALSA? Who created it? What was the purpose?
**Guru Gobind Singh** Created the Khalsa (martial Sikh brotherhood) in 1699. Fought Mughal forces, fortress sieges, and battles (Anandpur Sahib). Death of Aurangzeb (1707) allowed Sikh resurgence under Banda Singh Bahadur
40
What were the THREE main features of the MUGHAL AGRARIAN ECONOMY?
* 80% of population engaged in agriculture. * Wheat & rice (North), cotton & pulses (Deccan). * Controlled by Zamindars (landlords) & Jagirdars (revenue officers).
41
THREE points about Mughal overseas trade
* Exports: Cotton textiles, Indigo, Spices. * Major ports: Surat, Masulipatnam, Bengal. * Declined in 18th century due to European competition.
42
FOUR key points about **Chandragupta I** (319–335 AD)
* Founder of Gupta Empire * Established rule in Magadha. * Married Kumaradevi (Lichchhavi princess), gained strategic control. * Title: Maharajadhiraja (Great King of Kings).
43
FOUR key points about **Samudragupta** (335–375 AD)
* Napolean of India * Expanded empire through North India & Deccan campaigns. * Prayag Prashasti (Allahabad Pillar Inscription) by Harisena mentions his conquests. * Patron of arts, gold coins issued with Veena & battle scenes.
44
FOUR key points about **Chandragupta II (375–415 AD)**
* Golden Age of India * Defeated Shakas, annexed Malwa, Gujarat, Saurashtra. * Capital shift: Pataliputra → Ujjain (prosperous trade center). * Court included Kalidasa (Sanskrit literature), Aryabhata (Astronomy).
45
TWO causes for the decline of the Gupta Empire?
* Huna invasions (White Huns weakened empire). * Rise of regional powers (Vakatakas in Deccan, Pushyabhutis in Haryana).
46
FOUR key points about **HARSHA (606-647 AD)**?
* Last Great Hindu Emperor of North India * Unified North India (except Deccan). * Capital: Kannauj (shifted from Thanesar). * Promoted **Nalanda University** & patronized **Chinese traveler Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang).**
47
BATTLE OF NARMADA (618 AD)
* Harsha vs. Pulakeshin II * Harsha defeated by Pulakeshin II (Chalukyas, Deccan). * Narmada River became the boundary between North & South India.
48
FOUR key points about PULAKESIN II (609-642 AD)
* Greatest Chalukya Ruler * Defeated Harsha at **Battle of Narmada** (618 AD). * Defeated **Pallavas (Mahendravarman I)** at **Battle of Pullalur**. * Patron of **Ajanta Caves** (Paintings of Vajrapani, Padmapani).
49
FOUR key points about NARASIMHAVARMAN I (630-688 AD)
* P**allava Ruler** and Conqueror of Vatapi * Defeated Chalukya's **Pulakeshin II**, captured Badami (Vatapi). * Built the **Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram** (Dravidian architecture). * Patronage to Sanskrit, Tamil literature (Periyapuranam, Nannul)
50
THREE key points about GOVINDA III (793-982 AD) of the Rashtrakutas
* Apex of Rashtrakutas * Defeated Gurjara-Pratiharas & Palas. * Patronized Ellora Kailash Temple (monolithic rock-cut).
51
What were THREE achievements of PRITHVIRAJ CHAUHAN (1178-1192) AD?
* Last Hindu King of Delhi * Defeated Muhammad Ghori (1191, **First Battle of Tarain**). * Lost in 1192 (**Second Battle of Tarain**) → Delhi captured by Ghori.
52
TWO main rulers of the Chola Empire and their achievements
1. **Rajaraja I (985–1014 AD) – Chola Expansionist** * Conquered Sri Lanka, Maldives, Kerala, parts of Deccan. * Built Brihadeshwara Temple, Thanjavur (Dravidian style). 2. **Rajendra Chola I (1014–1044 AD) – Naval Conqueror** * Launched expedition to Srivijaya (Indonesia, Malaysia). * Introduced Water Tax, Revenue Surveys.
53
THREE Achievements of Qutb-Ud-Din-Aibak (1206-1210 AD)
First Sultan of Delhi Founder of Slave Dynasty. Built Qutb Minar.
54
THREE key achievements of HARIHARA AND BUKKA RAYULU (1336-1646 AD)
* Founders of Vijayanagara empire on Tungabhadra River, Karnataka. * Capital: Vijayanagara (Hampi). * Influence of **Guru Vidyaranya** (Sanatana Hindu Revivalist).
55
BATTLE OF RAICHUR (1520 AD)
* Krishnadevaraya (Tuluva Dynasty) vs. Bijapur Sultanate. * Secured Raichur Doab (between Krishna & Tungabhadra Rivers).
56
SIX key points about KRISHNADEVARAYA (1509-1529 AD)
* Golden Age of Vijayanagara * Defeated Bahmani Sultans, Gajapati of Odisha. * Built **Vithala Temple**, **Hazara Rama Temple**. * Wrote **Amuktamalyada** (Telugu literary classic). * **Nayankara System** – Feudal military system like Mansabdari. * Flourishing trade with Portuguese (spices, cotton, diamonds).
57
BATTLE OF TALIKOTA (1565 AD)
* Vijayanagara’s Fall * Defeat by Deccan Sultanates (Bijapur, Golconda, Ahmadnagar, Berar, Bidar). * Hampi destroyed, Vijayanagara never recovered
58
Founder of Bahmani Sultanate in 1347 AD?
Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah Islamic rule in Deccan after revolt against Delhi Sultanate. Capital: Gulbarga → Later shifted to Bidar (1429).
59
FOUR key features about **Mahmud Gawan** (1466–1481 AD) of Bahmani Kingdom?
* Bahmani Reformer * Reorganized military, revenue system (introduced Jagirs). * Established Madrasas, Persian culture in Deccan. * Executed in 1481 → Decline of Bahmani Sultanate.
60
Describe the ADIL SHAHI DYNASTY of Bijapur (1490-1686 AD)
* Post-Bahmani Islamic Kingdom * Ibrahim Adil Shah II (1580–1627 AD) – Tolerant ruler, promoted Dakhani Urdu. * Built Gol Gumbaz (largest dome in India).
61
TWO key points about the **Qutb Shahi Dynasty of Golconda** (1512-1687 AD)
Famous for Golconda diamonds (Koh-i-Noor, Hope Diamond). Built Charminar (1591 AD) in Hyderabad
62
FOUR key points about the BENGAL SULTANATE OF 1352-1576 AD
* Ghiyasuddin Azam Shah (1390–1410 AD) – Bengal’s Peak - Prosperous Islamic Rule * Patronized Persian literature, trade with China (Ming Dynasty). * Promoted Bengali language & culture. * Annexed by Sher Shah Suri in 1538 AD Became part of Suri Empire
63
Who was KAPILENDRA DEVA?
Ruler of GAJAPATI KINGDOM OF ODISHA (1435-1541 AD) Strong resistance against Bengal & Vijayanagara.
64
Who founded the AHOM KINGDOM (1228-1826 AD)?
Sukapha (Assam, 1228 AD)
65
Main achievement of RANA KUMBHA of the Mewar Kingdom
Rana Kumbha (1433–1468 AD) – Built Kumbhalgarh Fort, Victory Tower.
66
Main achievement of RANA SANGA of the Mewar Kingdom
Rana Sanga (1508–1528 AD) – Fought Babur (Battle of Khanwa, 1527 AD
67
The FIVE dynasties of the Delhi Sultanate (1206-1526)?
* Mamluk (Slave) – 1206–1290 * Khalji – 1290–1320 * Tughlaq – 1320–1414 * Sayyid – 1414–1451 * Lodi – 1451–1526
68
THREE important achievements of Iltutmish?
* Introduced **Iqta system** (Land Revenue system - **Iqtas** = pieces of land; **Mukti or Wali** = land administrator) * Completed **Qutb Minar** * Nominated **Razia Sultana** (First female Queen)

India History (6 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions