Social Science · Class 7
History: Medieval India
Learn History: Medieval India with notes, examples, and practice questions.
4 sections15–25 min read6 MCQs · 2 examples
Chapter Overview
Medieval India (c. 8th–18th century) saw regional kingdoms, Delhi Sultanate, Bhakti-Sufi movements, and Vijayanagara-Bahmani rivalry — shaping society, economy, and culture.
Regional Kingdoms
- Rashtrakutas, Cholas, Pallavas in south
- Rajputs in north-west; Pratiharas
- Tripartite struggle for Kannauj
Delhi Sultanate
- 1206–1526; Slave, Khilji, Tughlaq, Lodhi dynasties
- Qutub Minar, Alai Darwaza architecture
- Ibn Battuta's account of Tughlaq era
Bhakti and Sufi
- Kabir, Nanak, Mirabai, Basavanna — devotion beyond ritual
- Sufi khanqahs — Nizamuddin Auliya
- Challenged caste and formalism; used local languages
Solved Examples
Step-by-step solutions — read each step before checking the final answer.
Bhakti
How did Bhakti saints differ from temple ritualism?
- 1Personal devotion to one God
- 2Wrote in vernacular; opposed caste discrimination
Answer
Emphasised love and equality over elaborate rituals
Delhi Sultanate
Who built Qutub Minar?
- 1Started by Qutb-ud-din Aibak
- 2Completed by Iltutmish
Answer
Qutb-ud-din Aibak (and later rulers)
Key Points to Remember
- ✓ Medieval period rich in regional cultures
- ✓ Persian and Arabic influenced administration
- ✓ Bhakti-Sufi traditions promoted social reform
- ✓ Architecture blended Indian and Islamic styles
Exam Tips
- • Name two Bhakti saints
- • Dynasties of Delhi Sultanate
- • Feature of Vijayanagara architecture
Practice MCQs — History: Medieval India
Test your understanding with topic-wise multiple choice questions. Explanations appear after each answer.
Question 1 of 6Score: 0/0
Delhi Sultanate began in: