Medieval Chapters

1. Early Medieval Period2. North India (Rajputana Period)3. South India (Cholas and Others)4. Sultanate Period I5. The Delhi Sultanate II6. Vijayanagar and Other Kingdoms7. Religious Movements (Medieval)8. Bhakti Movement9. Sufi Movement10. Mughal Period11. Maratha State and Maratha Confederacy12. The Advent of the Europeans

Early-Medieval Period (c. 750 AD – 1200 AD)

“The Early-Medieval Period in India witnessed significant political fragmentation, rise of regional kingdoms, socio-religious changes, and developments in art and culture.”

Major Dynasties

  • Rashtrakutas (8th–10th century): Dominated Deccan region; famous king Amoghavarsha; patron of art and literature.
  • Palas (8th–12th century): Controlled eastern India; Buddhist patrons; famous king Dharmapala.
  • Pratiharas (8th–11th century): Ruled western India; resisted Arab invasions; known for temple architecture.
  • Cholas (9th–13th century): Powerful Tamil dynasty; Rajaraja I and Rajendra I expanded empire; built Brihadeshwara Temple.
  • Chalukyas & Hoysalas: Dominated Karnataka; contributed to temple architecture.

Political Structure

The period was marked by decentralization and emergence of feudatory chiefs. Regional powers gained importance after the decline of large empires like Harsha’s.

  • Kingdoms had local autonomy.
  • Feudal lords collected taxes and maintained law and order.

Social & Economic Life

  • Rigid caste system prevailed.
  • Brahmins held a dominant social position.
  • Land grants to Brahmins and temples were common.
  • Growth of agrarian economy and decline in long-distance trade.

Religion and Culture

  • Revival of Hinduism – Shaivism and Vaishnavism grew stronger.
  • Buddhism declined in India but thrived in Southeast Asia.
  • Bhakti movement began to emerge.

Art and Architecture

  • Temple building reached its peak – Dravidian and Nagara styles flourished.
  • Examples: Kailasa Temple (Ellora), Brihadeshwara Temple (Thanjavur).
  • Growth of regional languages and literature (Tamil, Kannada, Telugu).

Previous Year Questions

  • SSC CGL 2019: Who was the founder of the Chola Empire?
  • → Vijayalaya Chola
  • RRB NTPC 2020: The Brihadeshwara temple was built by?
  • → Rajaraja Chola I
  • HSSC 2018: Which dynasty ruled parts of Karnataka during the early medieval period?
  • → Chalukyas
  • SSC CHSL 2017: Who was a great patron of Jainism among Rashtrakutas?
  • → Amoghavarsha
  • RRB Group D 2019: Which kingdom resisted Arab invasions in early medieval India?
  • → Gurjara Pratiharas
Did You Know? The Kailasa Temple at Ellora was carved out of a single rock and is considered one of the greatest monolithic structures in the world.

Conclusion

The Early-Medieval Period laid the foundation of regional powers, cultural identity, and religious diversity in India. Despite the political fragmentation, this period was culturally rich and influential.

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