Table of Contents
Timeline of Medieval Indian History
Here’s a timeline of Medieval Indian History, incorporating events from all of the Indian subcontinent including Kashmir, Bengal, Orissa, South India, Garhwal, Madhya Pradesh, Northeast, Assam, and regions of modern-day Pakistan and Afghanistan. This comprehensive timeline provides a coherent picture of the political and cultural developments across India from the 6th century to the 18th century.
Medieval History Timeline UPSC
| Year / Date | Event Timeline |
|---|---|
| 606 CE | Harsha becomes ruler of Kanauj |
| 712 CE | Muhammad bin Qasim invades Sindh |
| 850 CE | Establishment of the Paramara dynasty in Malwa |
| 885 CE | Krishna II of the Rashtrakuta dynasty defeats the Cheras |
| 985 CE | Rajaraja Chola I begins rule, expanding Chola Empire |
| 1014 CE | Rajendra Chola I extends Chola’s influence to Southeast Asia |
| 1019 CE | Mahmud of Ghazni raids the Chandella capital, Kalinjar |
| 1025 CE | Mahmud of Ghazni raids Somnath Temple |
| 1052 CE | Western Chalukyas defeat Rajadhiraja Chola, cementing Deccan power |
| 1191 CE | First Battle of Tarain: Prithviraj Chauhan defeats Muhammad Ghori |
| 1192 CE | Second Battle of Tarain: Muhammad Ghori defeats Prithviraj Chauhan |
| 1194 CE | Battle of Chandawar: Muhammad Ghori defeats the Gahadavala king, Jayachandra |
| 1206 CE | Qutb al-Din Aibak establishes Delhi Sultanate |
| 1236 CE | Razia Sultan becomes the first female ruler of Delhi |
| 1298 CE | Alauddin Khilji’s raid on Gujarat |
| 1299 CE | Kakatiya ruler Prataparudra II resists Khilji invasion |
| 1308 CE | Alauddin Khilji captures Devagiri (Yadava kingdom) |
| 1320 CE | The Tughlaq dynasty was founded in Delhi |
| 1323 CE | Delhi Sultanate captures Warangal, ending Kakatiya dynasty |
| 1336 CE | The Vijayanagara Empire was established by Harihara and Bukka |
| 1398 CE | Timur invades India, sacks Delhi |
| 1446 CE | Bahmani Sultanate expands in Deccan |
| 1469 CE | Birth of Guru Nanak, founder of Sikhism |
| 1498 CE | Vasco da Gama lands in Calicut |
| 1519 CE | Ahom king Suhungmung expands the Ahom kingdom in Assam |
| 1526 CE | First Battle of Panipat: Babur establishes Mughal rule in India |
| 1530 CE | Humayun succeeds Babur as Mughal emperor |
| 1540 CE | Sher Shah Suri defeated Humayun and established the Suri Empire |
| 1556 CE | Second Battle of Panipat: Akbar reclaims Mughal throne |
| 1565 CE | Battle of Talikota: Deccan Sultanates defeat Vijayanagara |
| 1576 CE | Battle of Haldighati: Rajputs under Maharana Pratap resist Akbar |
| 1600 CE | British East India Company established |
| 1605 CE | Jahangir succeeds Akbar as Mughal emperor |
| 1632 CE | Construction of the Taj Mahal begins under Shah Jahan |
| 1646 CE | Decline of the Vijayanagara Empire |
| 1658 CE | Aurangzeb seizes the Mughal throne |
| 1674 CE | Shivaji establishes the Maratha Empire |
| 1680 CE | Ahom-Mughal conflicts intensify; Ahoms repel Mughals in Assam |
| 1707 CE | Death of Aurangzeb, leading to Mughal decline |
| 1736 CE | Marava Confederacy (Pandya territory) resists British and Nawab forces |
| 1739 CE | Nadir Shah of Persia invades and sacks Delhi |
| 1751 CE | Battle of Arcot: British gain influence in Southern India |
| 1757 CE | Battle of Plassey: British East India Company gains control of Bengal |
| 1761 CE | Third Battle of Panipat: Maratha Empire weakened by Afghan forces |
| 1799 CE | Fourth Anglo-Mysore War: Tipu Sultan is killed, British control Mysore |
| 1803 CE | British captured Delhi during the Second Anglo-Maratha War |
| 1818 CE | The Maratha Empire ends after the Third Anglo-Maratha War |
| 1857 CE | Indian Rebellion (Sepoy Mutiny) against British rule |
Timeline of Medieval Empires
| Empire | Period | Capitals | Key Rulers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karkota Dynasty of Kashmir | 625 – 855 CE | ||
| Rashtrakuta Empire | 753 – 982 CE | Malkhed | Dhruva, Amoghavarsha |
| Pala Empire | 750 – 1161 CE | Vikramshila | Dharmapala, Devapala |
| Hindu Shahis | 843 – 1026 CE | Kabul (843–870) Udabhandapura (870–1001) Lahore (1001–1026) | Jayapala Anandapala Trilocanapala |
| Solankis (Chaulukyas) of Gujarat | 942–1244 CE | Mularaja I Bhima I | |
| Chalukyas of Kalyani | 973–1190 CE | Kalyani | |
| Utpala dynasty of Kashmir | 855 CE–1003 CE | Avantipur | |
| Lohara dynasty of Kashmir | 1003 CE–1320 CE | Srinagar | |
| Ahom Kingdom | 1228–1826 DE | ||
| Sultanate of Kashmir | 1339–1589 CE | Srinagar | |
| Chola Empire | 300 BCE – 1279 CE | Thanjavur | Rajaraja Chola I, Rajendra I |
| Eastern Ganga Dynasty | 1078–1434 CE | ||
| Vijayanagara Empire | 1336 – 1646 CE | Vijayanagara | Krishnadevaraya, Harihara II |
| Bahmani Sultanate | 1347-1527 CE | ||
| Mughal Empire | 1526 – 1857 CE | Agra, Delhi | Babur, Akbar, Shah Jahan |
| Delhi Sultanate | 1206 – 1526 CE Slave Dynasty (1206-1290 CE) Khilji Dynasty (1290-1320 CE) Tughlaq Dynasty (1320-1414 CE) Sayyid Dynasty (1414-1451 CE) Lodi Dynasty (1451-1526 CE) | Delhi | Qutb al-Din Aibak, Iltutmish |
| Rajput Kingdoms | 6th – 18th Century | Prithviraj Chauhan, Rana Sanga | |
| Maratha Empire | 1674 – 1818 CE | Raigad | Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Baji Rao II |
Timeline of Battles of the Medieval Period
| timeline of Battles | Year | Fought Between | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battle of Tarain | 1191 CE | Prithviraj Chauhan vs. Muhammad Ghori | Prithviraj’s victory temporarily halted Ghurid invasions. |
| Second Battle of Tarain | 1192 CE | Prithviraj Chauhan vs. Muhammad Ghori | Ghori’s victory led to the establishment of Muslim rule in northern India. |
| Battle of Panipat | 1526 CE | Babur vs. Ibrahim Lodi | Marked the beginning of the Mughal Empire in India. |
| Battle of Khanwa | 1527 CE | Babur vs. Rajput Confederacy | Consolidated Mughal power in northern India. |
| Battle of Haldighati | 1576 CE | Maharana Pratap vs. Akbar | Symbol of Rajput resistance against Mughal expansion. |
| Battle of Plassey | 1757 CE | British East India Company vs. Siraj ud-Daula | Established British control over Bengal. |
Timeline of Construction of Monuments
| Monument | Year of Construction | Location | Style | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ellora Caves | 600 – 1000 CE | Maharashtra | Rock-cut architecture | UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist influences |
| Meenakshi Temple | 6th century onwards | Madurai, Tamil Nadu | Dravidian architecture | The sacred temple complex dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi; expanded during the Pandyan Dynasty |
| Bhojeshwar Temple | 11th century CE | Bhojpur, Madhya Pradesh | Hindu architecture | Built by Paramara king Bhoja, known for its large Shiva lingam |
| Khajuraho Temples | 970 – 1030 CE | Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh | Nagara (North Indian) style | UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for intricate carvings by Chandella rulers |
| Brihadeeswarar Temple | 1010 CE | Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu | Dravidian architecture | Chola masterpiece, one of the largest temples in India, dedicated to Lord Shiva |
| Hoysaleswara Temple | 12th century CE | Halebidu, Karnataka | Hoysala architecture | Renowned for detailed sculptures and unique architectural style, dedicated to Shiva |
| Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple | Between 1212-1234 CE | Telangana | Kakatiya architecture | Known for intricate carvings and floating bricks; A UNESCO World Heritage site |
| Qutub Minar | 1193 CE | Delhi | Indo-Islamic architecture | Tallest brick minaret in the world; symbolizing the establishment of Muslim rule in India |
| Warangal Fort | 13th century CE | Warangal, Telangana | Kakatiya architecture | Constructed by Kakatiya rulers with stone gateways |
| Hampi Monuments | 1336 – 1565 CE | Hampi, Karnataka | Vijayanagara architecture | UNESCO World Heritage site, significant for the temples and royal complexes of the Vijayanagara Empire |
| Gulbarga Fort | 14th century CE | Gulbarga, Karnataka | Bahmani architecture | Fortified complex built by the Bahmani Sultanate |
| Charminar | 1591 CE | Hyderabad, Telangana | Qutb Shahi architecture | Iconic landmark and mosque, symbol of Hyderabad’s heritage |
| Vittala Temple | 15th century CE; built during the reign of King Devaraya II (1422 – 1446 AD) | Hampi, Karnataka | Vijayanagara architecture | Known for its musical pillars and stone chariot, a highlight of Vijayanagara architecture |
| Red Fort | 1638 – 1648 CE | Delhi | Mughal architecture | UNESCO World Heritage site, symbolizing Mughal power and craftsmanship |
| Taj Mahal | 1632 – 1653 CE | Agra, Uttar Pradesh | Mughal architecture | UNESCO World Heritage site, one of the Seven Wonders of the World |
| Rang Ghar | 1744 CE Swargadeo Pramatta Singha | Sivasagar, Assam | Ahom architecture | It is known as the first amphitheatre or first pavilion in Asia. |
| Hawa Mahal | 1799 CE | Jaipur, Rajasthan | Rajput architecture | Known as the “Palace of Winds,”; designed for royal women to observe street festivals |
| Raigad Fort | 1674 CE | Maharashtra | Maratha architecture | Shivaji Maharaj was crowned as the first Chhatrapati in this fort. |
| Basilica of Bom Jesus | 1594 CE | Old Goa, Goa | Portuguese architecture | UNESCO World Heritage site, housing the relics of St. Francis Xavier |
| French Town Planning | 18th century | Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu | French colonial architecture | Grid-pattern planning, with distinct French architectural styles in residential and administrative buildings |
Inscriptions and Copper Plates
| Inscription / Copper Plate | Year / Date | Issuing Dynasty / Ruler | Location | Language / Script | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aihole Inscription | 634 CE | Chalukya, Pulakeshin II | Aihole, Karnataka | Sanskrit / Kannada | Records the achievements of Pulakeshin II, particularly his victory over Harsha. |
| Udayagiri Cave Inscriptions | 5th century CE | Gupta, Chandragupta II | Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh | Sanskrit / Brahmi | Religious inscriptions at a Hindu rock-cut site, important for Gupta-era iconography |
| Halmidi Inscription | 450 CE | Kadamba | Halmidi, Karnataka | Old Kannada | The earliest known Kannada language inscription, significant for South Indian linguistic history |
| Allahabad Pillar Inscription | 4th century CE | Gupta, Samudragupta | Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh | Sanskrit / Brahmi | Details Samudragupta’s conquests and political ideals; important source for Gupta history |
| Nannuka Copper Plate | 9th century CE | Chandella, Nannuka | Mahoba, Madhya Pradesh | Sanskrit / Nagari | Earliest known record of the Chandella dynasty; provides information on early Chandella rulers |
| Kudlur Plates | 10th century CE | Rashtrakuta, Krishna III | Karnataka | Sanskrit / Kannada | Grants of land to a temple, showing Rashtrakuta’s support for religion and temple culture |
| Tiruvalangadu Copper Plates | 1020 CE | Chola, Rajendra Chola I | Tiruvalangadu, Tamil Nadu | Tamil | Documents Chola conquests in Northern India and Southeast Asia; shows Chola imperial ambition |
| Gadag Inscriptions | 11th century CE | Western Chalukya | Gadag, Karnataka | Kannada | Details on Chalukya administration, land grants, and religious donations |
| Kumaragupta I Inscription | 415 CE | Gupta, Kumaragupta I | Bihar | Sanskrit / Brahmi | Records the construction of a temple; important for understanding Gupta architecture and patronage |
| Bhojpur Inscription | 1022 CE | Paramara, King Bhoja | Bhojpur, Madhya Pradesh | Sanskrit | Mentions the building of the Bhojeshwar Temple by Bhoja; vital for Paramara architectural history |
| Chola Copper Plates | 1000–1100 CE | Chola | Tamil Nadu | Tamil | Extensive records of land grants and temple patronage; highlights Chola administration and landholding |
| Kakatiya Inscriptions | 13th century CE | Kakatiya, Rudrama Devi | Warangal, Telangana | Telugu / Kannada | Provides details on Kakatiya rule, religious patronage, and the status of women rulers |
| Baroda Copper Plates | 812 CE | Gurjara-Pratihara, Mihira Bhoja | Gujarat | Sanskrit / Nagari | Mentions Gurjara-Pratihara conquests and political alliances |
| Delhi Iron Pillar Inscription | 4th century CE | Gupta, Chandragupta II | Delhi | Sanskrit / Brahmi | Details achievements of Chandragupta II; renowned for its rust-resistant properties and Gupta metallurgy |
| Mandsaur Inscription | 532 CE | Aulikara, Yasodharman | Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh | Sanskrit / Brahmi | Celebrates Yasodharman’s victory over Huns; significant for early Indian resistance to foreign invaders |
| Peruvanam Copper Plates | 10th century CE | Chera | Kerala | Tamil / Grantha | Documents Chera land grants and religious donations; important for Chera economic and religious history |
| Nalanda Copper Plates | 860 CE | Pala, Devapala | Bihar | Sanskrit / Proto-Bengali | Grants to Nalanda University, supporting its role as a major Buddhist educational center |
| Mumbai Copper Plates | 1008 CE | Shilahara, Aparajita | Mumbai, Maharashtra | Sanskrit / Devanagari | Evidence of land grants in the Konkan region; important for Shilahara administration |
| Rang Ghar Inscription | 18th century CE | Ahom, Swargadeo Rudra Singha | Sivasagar, Assam | Assamese | Inscriptions at the Rang Ghar, representing Ahom culture and royalty |
| Raigad Inscription | 1674 CE | Maratha, Shivaji | Maharashtra | Marathi | Commemorates Shivaji’s coronation; symbolizes Maratha independence from Mughal dominance |
| Portuguese Inscriptions | 16th century CE | Portuguese | Old Goa, Goa | Latin / Portuguese | Inscriptions in churches reflecting Portuguese colonial and religious influence |
| French Cemetery Inscription | 18th century CE | French | Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu | French / Tamil | Records the burial of French officials; significant for French colonial influence in South India |