Medieval India: Kingdoms, Sultanates and the Mughals: Class 7 Study Guide
Between about 700 and 1700, many kingdoms and empires shaped India's politics, trade, language and architecture.
The medieval period in India saw many powerful kingdoms. In the south the Cholas built a strong navy and temples such as the Brihadisvara temple at Thanjavur. The Delhi Sultanate (1206 to 1526) was ruled in turn by several dynasties. The Vijayanagara Empire (founded in 1336) had its capital at Hampi in Karnataka.
In 1526 Babur defeated the last Delhi Sultan at the Battle of Panipat and founded the Mughal Empire. Akbar (ruled 1556 to 1605) expanded it and created a system of administration based on ranks (mansabdari). Later emperors included Jahangir, Shah Jahan, who built the Taj Mahal, and Aurangzeb.
Timeline at a glance
Dates are approximate and may be given slightly differently in different books. Use a timeline to place events in order.
| Period | Kingdom or empire | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| c. 850 to 1279 | Cholas | temples, sea trade, village councils |
| 1206 to 1526 | Delhi Sultanate | forts, markets, new administration |
| 1336 to c. 1565 | Vijayanagara | Hampi, trade, irrigation works |
| 1526 to 1707 (peak) | Mughal Empire | administration, architecture, miniature painting |
How the land was governed
Rulers collected land revenue from farmers, kept armies and appointed officials. Kingdoms were divided into provinces. Temples, mosques, forts and gardens show the architecture of the time. Coins, inscriptions, travellers' accounts and chronicles are the sources historians use. Each source reflects the view of its author, so historians compare several.
Coins, inscriptions, buildings, accounts.
A ruler, a traveller, a poet.
Do they agree?
Say what is known and what is not.
Trade, language and culture
Towns grew along trade routes, and goods such as cotton cloth, spices and metalwork travelled across the Indian Ocean. Persian became the language of the court in many regions, and Hindi and Urdu developed from the mixing of languages. The Bhakti and Sufi traditions spread messages of devotion and equality through poetry and music. Regional languages such as Tamil, Telugu, Bengali and Marathi produced great literature.
Worked example and common mistakes
Example: The Brihadisvara temple (Cholas) and the Qutub Minar (Delhi Sultanate) are different styles from different periods. Common mistakes: thinking all rulers were alike, mixing up dates and treating a ruler's own chronicle as the whole story. Remember that ordinary farmers, weavers and traders are part of history too.
Check your understanding: model answers
1. 1526. 2. For example, coins, inscriptions or travellers' accounts. 3. Hampi.
✨ Key Takeaways
- Many kingdoms and empires ruled medieval India.
- Babur founded the Mughal Empire in 1526.
- Historians use coins, inscriptions, buildings and accounts.
- Culture and trade connected regions.
💬 Questions for Discussion & Reflection
- In which year did Babur win the Battle of Panipat?
- Name one source historians use.
- Where was the capital of Vijayanagara?
Print a history timeline worksheet →