The Medieval Period of Indian History comprises a long period, spanning from 6th century i.e. after the fall of the Gupta Empire to the 18th century, i.e the beginning of colonial domination. The nature of state in the early medieval period is marked by the presence of a large number of regional and local powers, in the absence of a paramount power in the country. The “Middle” period lasted for about 1500 years and ended in the 13th century, with the rise of the Delhi Sultanate, founded in 1206, and the end of the Later Cholas.

Body:

The Kingdoms that ruled in medieval India:

• Chola dynasty: It was one of the longest ruling powers in south India. Initially they rose in power of the state of Tamil at the 2nd century BC in time of Indian ancient history and they were able to maintain their control until the 13th century.
• The Chalukya Dynasty: The Chalukya Dynasties were in power of Indian medieval history from the reign of 600 to 1200 AD in the state of Deccan. They ruled the kingdom from a number of capital city. Western Chalukyas ruled from Badami.
• Pallava Dynasty: Pallavas were a powerful Dynasties of Andhra Pradesh in Indian medieval history in the end of 500 AD. They ruled from its capital placed at Pallavapuri, for disturbance of natural power they moved it to Kanchipuram and established a more strong empire by the founder of pallavas Dynasty Simha Vishnu
• Pala Dynasty: After death of the great king Shashanka, north India became a land of end. In the meantime at 750 AD king Gopala established the Pala Dynasty and rescued the state of north India, Bihar and West Bengal.
• The Rajputs: The Rajput period was an era of chivalry and feudalism. The Rajputs weakened each other by constant fighting. This allowed the foreigners (Turks) to embark on victorious campaigns using duplicity and deceit wherever military strength failed against Rajputs.
• Vijaynagar Empire: Vijaynagar city have a great historical value in India. Vijaynagar Empire was established by two brothers Harihara and Bukka in the middle of 13th century.
• Delhi Sultanate: A number of Delhi Sultanates were in power from 1210 AD to 1526 AD.It was founded after Muhammad Ghori established the Delhi Sultanate by defeating Prithviraj (Rajput king) in the battle of 2nd Tarain in 1192 AD.
• The Mughals: Babur (reign – 1526 to1530 AD), the founder of the Mughal Empire in India, was the descendant of as Changez Khan. Ousted by his cousins, he came to India and defeated Ibrahim, the last Lodi Sultan in 1526 at the First Battle of Panipat
• The Marathas Maratha Empire: The Marathas rose in power by demise of Muslim power in India. They were initially in the service of Bijapur sultans in the western Deccan which was under siege by the Mughals Empire.

The Social, Economic and Culture Life of Medieval India:

Social Development:

• With the coming of Muslims, the people of different places and different faiths were mixed with the Indian people.
• The Society was divided into higher, middle and lower classes.
• The Bhakti and Sufi movements influenced the social-religious life of the people.
• The Worship of one God, Bhajans and Prayers became popular.

Economic Development in Medieval India:

• Agriculture was well developed.
• The Major share of agriculture yield was enjoyed by kings and landlords.
• Jagir system was prevalent.
• The Middlemen controlled the sale of products.

Culture Development in Medieval India:

• The Sanskrit Language was perfected
• Shad Darshanas were compiled.
• The Sanskrit Books like Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Panchatantra were translated into many languages during Akbar’s reign.
• Quran was translated into Persian Language.
• Kings Encouraged Music and So Instrumental Music was also developed.
• Amir Khusrau, Baz Bahadur, and his wife Rupamathi were famous Musicians.
• A new art Known as Indo-Islamic art was born.

Conclusion:

The nature of state in the early medieval period is marked by the presence of a large number of regional and local powers, in the absence of a paramount power in the country. However, this period witnessed the presence of formidable political entities, often characterized by certain historians as ‘regional imperial kingdoms’.