INDIAN HISTORY AT A GLANCE

INDUS VALLEY CIVILIZATION (BC 3000 – BC 1500)

Also known as Bronze Age Civilization extended from Northeast Afghanistan to Pakistan to India. It flourished from the river Indus and is one of the ancient civilizations of the world. It is also known in the name of Harappan Culture. It is believed that most of the cities of Indus Valley Civilization were abandoned and collapsed due to the invasion of Aryans from Indo-European tribe or other natural Disasters. Making Bricks is the main occupation of the people during that period. Pashupati (Shiva) and goddess are the chief devotional gods of the people. Sumerian People call them Meluhha. Wheat and Barley are the chief food materials. Lothal is the main occupational centre of Harappan people. They are unaware of both Iron and Horse. Ropar in Punjab is the first discovered Harappan city after Indian Independence.

Harappa: Harappa is the first found place that related to Indus Valley Civilization. It was founded by Daya Ram Sahni in 1921. It is now situated in the northeast Pakistan, about 24 kilometer west of Sahiwal in Punjab on the banks of river Ravi. Harappa is mentioned in Rig Veda in the name of Hariyupiya. It is the only place that we got the evidence of burial of dead body in Cemetery H Culture.

Mohenjo-Daro: Mohenjo-Daro is an archeological site known as the hill of dead people. It was founded by RD Banerji in 1922. It is now situated at the province of Sindh, Pakistan in Larkana District. Some of the objects found in excavations include assembly halls, a bronze statue dubbed the "Dancing Girl”, a seated stone sculpture "The Priest-King", the Shiva Pashupati seal and others.

Lothal: Lothal was founded by RS Rao in 1955. It is situated near Gulf of Khambhat in Gujarat. Some of the evidences found in Lothal include sheltered harbor, discovery of copper objects, beads and other semi-precious stones.

Kalibangan: Kalibangan stand for black bangles. A.Ghosh founded the Kalibangan in 1953. He found that all houses in Kalibangan had their own well in that period. Also found evidences of furrowed land, camel bones and wooden furrow. It is located on the southern banks of the Ghaggar.

Dholavira: Dholavira was founded by RS Deekshith during the period of 1985-1990 and was the last city to get the evidences of Indus Valley Civilization. It is located near Rann of Kutch in Gujarat. Dholavira is flanked by two storm water channels.

VEDIC PERIOD (BC 1500 – AD 600)

The period of Aryans is known as Vedic Period. It is divided into two as Early Vedic period (BC 1500 to BC 1000) and the Later Vedic period (BC 1000 to AD 600). The meaning of word Aryan is warrior, knowledgeable and honorable. According to Aryans, Family is the smallest unit. Father got the first place in family. Only One Wife for Man and Women Dowry exists at that time. Child Marriage not allowed. Their main cultivations are Wheat and Barley.

Rig Veda: It is believed that Rig Veda was written in Early Vedic period. Aryans worshipped Water, Wind, Rain, Fire and Thunder- Lightning. They worshipped Indran as the chief lord who was considered as the protector of people. The main deities based on Rig Veda were Indra, Agni, Soma, Mitra–Varuna, Aryaman, Bhaga and Amsa as Surya, Vayu, Prithivi.

Yajur Veda: It is believed that Yajur Veda was written between BC 1400 – BC 1000. Yajur Veda is divided into two as Krishna Yajur Veda (Black) and Shukla Yajur Veda (White).

Sama Veda: Sama Veda mainly given importance to Music. The texts taken from Rig Veda had given music.

Atharva Veda: Atharva Veda, a collection of spells and prayers, apostrophic charms and tentative hymns. In Veda Period, Agni is respected and the position of it is placed between the Human and God. Saraswati River that mentioned in Atharva Veda is now disappeared from Earth whereas Sindhu is the mostly mentioned river. Aryans first settled in Punjab in India. The famous quote of Dayananda Saraswati is “Return Back to Vedas”.

BUDDHISM

Hinayana and Mahayana are the major sections of Buddhism. Pagoda is the temple of Buddha Religion. The Eightfold Path, Ashtanga Marga is the base of Buddhism. Jataka Tales are the story about earlier lives of Buddha in both human and animal forms.

Gautama Buddha established the Buddhism. He is also known in the name of Siddhartha Gautama. He was born in the Lumbini forest (Kapilavastu) of Nepal in BC 563. He belongs to the Shakya clan, so he got the name of Shakyamuni. The first speech of Buddha was held at Deer Park in Sarnath (UP). Edwin Arnold, an English poet mentioned Buddha as Light of Asia. Magadhi Prakrit, is supposed to be the language spoken by the Buddha. The father of Buddha is Suddhodana and his mother is Maha Maya. He married in the age of 16 and his wife name is Yasodhara. The name of his son is Rahula and the name of his horse is Kanthaka. It is during the Fourth Buddhist Council, Buddhism is divided into two as Hinayana and Mahayana. The Triple Gem of Buddhism is Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. The houses of Buddhist monks are known in the name of viharas and their temples are called as Pagodas. Tripitaka is known as the holy book of Buddhism followers. Buddha died in Kushinagar (Uttar Pradesh) in BC 483. The death of Buddha is known in the name of Parinirvana. The incident that Buddha left his house and palace and had taken the sannyasa life is known as Mahaparithyaga. Gautama Buddha attained unsurpassed, supreme Enlightenment under Banyan tree in Bodh Gaya (Bihar).

Buddhist Councils (No:, Year, Ruler, Location, Presided by)

• First – BC 483 – Ajathashatru - Raja Graham – Mahakasyapa
• Second - BC 383 – Kalashoka – Vaishali – Sabakami
• Third - BC 250 – Asoka – Pataliputram - Mogaliputta Tissa
• Fourth - AD 1st Century – Kanishka – Kashmir - Vasumitra

Buddha Principles (Noble Truths)

The four noble truths are:

• Suffering (Dukkha)
• Origin of suffering (Samudaya)
• Cessation of suffering (Nirodha)
• Path to the cessation of suffering (Magga).

A set of principles called the Eightfold Path.

Eightfold Path: Right Understanding, Intention, Speech, Action, Livelihood, Effort, Mindfulness & Concentration.

JAINISM

Jainism also known as Jaina dharma spreads the message of non-violence towards all living beings. Vardhamana Mahavira is the founder of Jainism. Mahavira is born in Vaishali (Bihar) in BC 540. Rishabha is the first tirthankara of Jainism whereas Parshwanath is the twenty third tirthankara and the Vardhamana Mahavira is 24th tirthankara of Jainism. The meaning of tirthankara is a human being who aided in attaining freedom and clarification as an "Arihant" by demolishing their soul-constraining karmas and turn into a role-model and chief for those looking for holy guidance. The word Jina is derived from Sanskrit verb Jin (conquer) and its meaning is “those who wins his senses”. Mahavira attained intense meditation and Kevala Jnana (enlightenment) at the age of 42. Jamali is one among the chief followers of Mahavira. It was during the first Jain Council, Jainism is split into two as Svetambara and Digambara. Mahavira achieved nirvana after his death at the age of 72. The five self control principles of Jainism include Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya and Aparigraha. The Triple Gems of Jainism is the right vision, knowledge and conduct. In Sanskrit it is Samyak Darshana, Gyana and Charitra.

Jain Councils

• The First Council was conducted in BC 310 at Pataliputram.
• The Second Council was conducted in AD 453 at Vallabhi.

MAURYAN EMPIRE (BC 321 – BC 185)

Chandragupta Maurya established the Maurya Empire in Iron Age. He ruled from BC 321 to BC 320. Pataliputra is the capital of Maurya Empire. Chandragupta Maurya Era is mentioned in the famous work of Megasthenes, “Indica”. Megasthenes is a greek ambassador in Maurya’s court. Kautilya is the prime minister of Chandragupta Maurya. The administration of Maurya was based on Arthashastra. Arthashastra written by Kautilya is translated into English by Syama Sastri. Chandragupta Maurya spent his last days in Shravana Belgola in Karnataka. The popular King of Maurya Empire, Ashoka (BC 304– BC 232) was the son of Bindusara. Devanampriya and Priyadasi Raja were the titles of Asoka. The meaning of Ashoka is “Man with not Shoka”. Ashoka’s war against Kalinga (modern Orissa) is happened in BC 261. Upon advice from a Buddhist monk Upagupta, Asoka followed Buddhism. Kalinga is now situated in Orissa. The third Buddhist Council is happened during the rule of Asoka. Asoka died in BC 232. Sanchi Stupa built by King Ashoka is shown in figure.

SUNGA EMPIRE (BC 187- BC 75)

The Sunga Empire was established in BC 185, when the emperor Brihadratha who was the last ruler of Mauryan Empire killed by the then commander-in-chief of the Mauryan Empire, Pushyamitra Sunga. Devabhuti was the last Sunga emperor.

KANVA KINGDOM (BC 75 - BC 30)

Vasudeva Kanva founded the Kanva Kingdom. The last ruler of the Sunga dynasty, Devabhuti, was overthrown by Vasudeva Kanva of the Kanva dynasty in BC 75.

SATAVAHANA DYNASTY (BC 230 - BC 220)

Simuka was the founder of Satavahana Dynasty. Satavahana people are also called as Andhra people. Gautamiputra Satakarni, Gautamiputra Yajnashree and Pulavami were the Satavahana kings. Satavahanas contributed considerably to architecture. The Chaitya Prayer Hall with Buddha built by Satavahana kings is shown in figure.

KANISHKA

Kanishka was an emperor of the Kushan Dynasty. Kushan Empire was founded by Kadphises – I. Peshawar (Purushpura) was the capital of Kushan Dynasty. Kanishka started the Shaka Varsha System in AD 78. Chaitram was the first month, whereas Phalguna was the last month. For the first time in India, Kushans brought the Gold coins to India. The fourth Buddhist Council was also said to be happened in Kanishka Period. Kanishka was the first ruler who circulated the Buddhist Coins. Nagarjuna, Ashwaghosh, Vasumitra, Charaka and Sushruta were the buddhist patriarchs in Kanishka Empire.

SANGAM PERIOD (BC 300 – AD 300)

Tamil is the language used for writing Sangam literature. Murukan is the main deity worshipped during that period. Tholkappiam is the grammar book of Tamil language. Chera, Chola and Pandiya Kings ruled in Sangam Period. It is believed that Chola Culture is the oldest culture of South India. Uraiyur is the First capital of Cholas. It becomes so popular in Paruthi Occupation. Fish is the flag of Pandyas. The main harbor of Cholas is Kaveripoompattinam. Kaarai is the biggest tax collected in Sangam Period. The emblem of Chola is Tiger. Rajendra Chola is also known in the name of Gangaikonda Chola. Brihadeeswarar temple in Thanjavur was built by Raja Raja Chola I. Cheran Chenguttuvan was the most popular King of Chera Dynasty. Nedum Chezhian was the famous Pandya Ruler. Avvaiyar is the most popular poet in Sangam Period. Silver punchmarked Half Karshapana coins in circulation during Sangam Age are shown in image.

Sangam Tamil Novels

• Silappathikaram by Ilango Adigal
• Thirukural by Thiruvalluvar
• Manimekalai by Satanar

Kingdoms – Capitals

• Pandyan - Mathura
• Chalukyas – Vatapi
• Pallava – Kanchi
• Chola – Thanjavur
• Chandela – Khajuraho
• Chera - Vanchi Muthur

GUPTA EMPIRE (AD 320 – AD 550)

Sri Gupta (240 –280) established Gupta Empire. Ghatotkacha (280–319) ruled after Sri Gupta. Both of them had taken the degree of Maharaja. Fa-Hien called Gupta Empire as “the Soil of Brahmanas”. It is during the period of Kumara Gupta I, Nalanda University formed. Bhitargaon, one of the most complete surviving Gupta temples is shown above.

Chandragupta – 1: Chandragupta – 1 took the degree of Maharajadhiraj (King of Kings). Chandragupta – 1 started the Gupta year in AD 320. Mehrauli Pillar erected by Chandragupta II Vikramaditya.

Samudragupta: Allahabad Stone Pillar Inscription mentioned about Samudragupta. The famous poet in his Court, Harisena wrote the inscriptions in Stone Pillar. He is also known in the name of Samudragupta. The coin that was in distribution during the Samudragupta period contains the picture of him in the form of playing Veena.

Chandragupta - 2: Chandragupta - 2 is also known in the name of Vikramadithyan. The coin that was in distribution during his period contains the picture of a lion fighting against him. He is also known in the name of Devarajan. Gupta Period is considered as the Golden Age of India. Nine gems (Navaratnas) presence with a circle of poets in Vikramaditya’s Court. It was during the period of Chandragupta – 2, popular Chinese traveler Fa Hien visited India.

Nine Gems ( Navaratnas )

• Kalidasa - a Sanskrit poet and dramatist
• Varahamihira - Scientist and Astrologer
• Vetala Bhatta - Hindu philosopher
• Amarasimha - Sanskrit Grammarian and Poet
• Vararuchi - Sanskrit Grammarian and Poet
• Kshapanaka – Astrologer
• Dhanvantari – Physician
• Vaitalika – Magician
• Shanku - Architect

Notable works related to Gupta Dynasty

• Kalidasa - Shakuntalam, Malavikagnimitram, Vikramorvasiyam, Kumarasambhavam, Raghuvamsam, Meghaduta, Ritusamhara
• Vishakhadatta - Mudrarakshasa, Devichandraguptam
• Sudraka – Mrichakatika
• Bharavi – Kiratarjuniya
• Dandin - Kavyadarsha, Dasakumaracarita
• Bhasan – Charudatta
• Subandhu – Vasavadatta
• Vishnu Sharma – Panchatantra
• Amara Sinha - Amarakosha

HARSHAVARDHANA EMPIRE (AD 606 - AD 647)

Harsha was the main king of Pushyabhuti Kingdom. Thanesar in Haryana was the first capital of Kingdom. Later its capital is shifted to Kannauj. Harsha Vardhana is believed to be the last Hindu emperor of North India. Hiuen Tsang visited India during his period. Mahendravarman 1 in Central India and Pulakesi 2 in South India were the major other rulers during his period. Harsha had written several dramas. Some of them include Ratnavali, Priyadarshika and Nagananda. Banabhatta is the popular poet in his court. Harshacharita and Kadambari were the popular novels written by Banabhatta. Chalukya King, Pulakesi 2 defeated Harsha Vardhana. The brick temple of Lakshmana at Sirpur built during the period of Harsha is shown in figure.

CHALUKYA DYNASTY (AD 543 - AD 753)

The earliest dynasty that extended from major part of South India to Middle India is Chalukya Dynasty. They are also known in the name of "Badami Chalukyas" whose capital is Vatapi. Pulikeshi II was the major king of this kingdom. Ravikirti is the famous court poet of Chalukya King, Pulakeshi. Dharmapala king of Pala Dynasty built the Vikramshila University. The Sangameshwara temple built by Vijayaditya Satyashraya of Chalukya dynasty is at Pattadakal.

RASHTRAKUTA DYNASTY (AD 753 – AD 982)

Dantidurga founded the Rashtrakuta Empire. Manyakheta in Gulbarga district of Karnataka is the capital of Rashtrakuta. Amoghavarsha I was the most popular ruler of this empire. His notable work, Kavirajamarga is a milestone book in Kannada literature. He is also known as the Asoka of South India. Rashtrakuta king, Krishna I built the famous Kailashnath Temple in Ellora Caves (shown in figure).

ARAB ATTACK ON INDIA

The first attack of Arabs on Sind is happened in AD 712. They reached Mekran, and then to the east of Sindh kingdom ruled by Dahir (AD 661– AD 712). The Arab army led by Muhammad bin Qasim (AD 695– AD 715) defeated Dahir and it was his first war.

Mahmud of Ghazni: Mahmud of Ghazni invaded India for 17 times between the periods of AD 1001 and AD 1027. Mahmud of Ghazni attacked Somnath Temple in Gujarat in AD 1025. The author of ‘Shahnameh’ is Ferdowsi, who was the poet of Ghazni’s Kingdom.

Muhammad Ghori: The basement of Muslim empire in India was made by Muhammad Ghori. Muhammad Ghori attacked India for first time in AD 1175. Multan is the place that he first invaded. In the first Tarain war, he was defeated by Rajput king, Prithviraj Chauhan in AD 1191. In the second Tarain war in 1192, Muhammad Ghori defeated Prithviraj Chauhan. The poet in the court of king Prithviraj III Chauhan is Chand Bardai. Chand Bardai wrote Prithviraj Raso.

SLAVE DYNASTY (AD 1206 – AD 1290)

It is also known in the name of Mamluk Sultanate (Delhi) or Ghulam Dynasty. The rulers of this dynasty are as follows.

01. Qutb-ud-din Aybak (1206–1210): The slave of Muhammad of Ghor, Qutb-ud-din Aybak is the first to establish a Muslim kingdom in India. Qutb-ud-din Aybak is also the first Muslim emperor of Slave Dynasty. The construction of Qutub Minar was also started by this king. He died accidentally on horseback by falling from the horse in the year 1210, while playing Polo in Lahore.

02. Aram Shah (1210–1211)

03. Iltutmish (1211–1236): His original Name is Shams-ud-din Iltutmish. He almost completed the construction of Qutub Minar. The Mongols leader, Genghis Khan invaded India during the period of Iltutmish.

04. Rukn-ud-din Feroz (April 1236 – November 1236)

05. Razia al-Din (1236–1240): Known in the name of Razia Sultana. She is the first and only Muslim women to rule Delhi. Persian is the official language used by the Delhi Sulthans.

06. Muiz-ud-din Bahram (1240 – May 15, 1242)

07. Ala-ud-din Masud (1242–1246)

08. Nasir-ud-din Mahmud (1246–1266)

09. Ghiyath-ud-din Balban (1266–1287): Commonly called as Balban. He broke up the 'Chahalgani' which is called as a group of forty nobles in court. He is the last strongest ruler of Slave Dynasty.

10. Muiz-ud-din Muhammad Qaiqabad. (1287–1290)

KHILJI DYNASTY (AD 1290 – AD 1320)

It was in the year AD 1290, Khilji dynasty started. Alauddin Khilji was the major ruler of Khilji Dynasty. He is the first ruler, who started market reforms and price control in India. Amír Khusru was the major poet in the court of Alauddin Khilji. For the first time, a marriage between Muslim prince and Hindu princess takes place between Alauddin Khilji and the widow of Gujarat king, Kamala Devi. Malik Kafur, a slave bought for 1000 Dinars became the general in Khilji army. Khilji attacked south india with the help of Malik Kafur. The Alai Darwaza, known as the fort of Khilji was built by Khilji. Control over nobility, Agrarian reforms is some of his contributions. Mubarak Shah was the last king and Delhi is the capital of Khilji Dynasty.

TUGHLAQ DYNASTY (AD 1320 –AD 1414)

Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq built the Tughlaq Dynasty. Ghazi Malik was the original name of Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq. Muhammad bin Tughluq is the major king of Tughlaq Dynasty. His original name is Juna Khan. Muhammad bin Tughluq shifted the capital from Delhi to Devagiri and renamed it as Daulatabad (Maharashtra). Again he shifted the capital from Daulatabad to Devagiri. He is popularly called as the Wisest Fool Man. Firuz Shah Tughlaq was the first ruler who levied the religion tax “Jizya” on Hindus. He provided much contribution to Infrastructure and Establishment of Islamic Law. He also established many water irrigation projects for the development of Agriculture. Mausoleum of Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq is shown in figure.

SAYYID DYNASTY (AD 1414 - AD 1451)

The Sayyid was the fourth dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate who ruled from AD 1414 to AD 1451. They succeeded the Tughlaq Dynasty. The rulers are Khizr Khan (1414–1421) and Alam Shah (1445–1451).

LODHI DYNASTY (AD 1451 - 1526)

Bahlul Khan Lodi (1451–1489) established the Lodhi Dynasty. Sikandar Lodhi (1489–1517) is the son of Bahlul Khan Lodhi (1489–1526) and father to Ibrahim Lodi (Youngest Son of Bahlul). Ibrahim Lodi is the last ruler of Lodhi Dynasty.

Sultan Dynasty of Delhi

• Slave Dynasty (1206 to 1290)
• Khilji Dynasty (1290 to 1320)
• Tughlaq Dynasty (1320 to 1414)
• Sayyid Dynasty (1414 to 1451)
• Lodhi Dynasty (1451 to 1526)

SIKHISM (1499 – 1708)

Guru Nanak is the founder of Sikh Religion (Sikhism) and he is also the Sikh Guru. He was born in 1469 in Talvandi (Pakistan). He died in 1539. Guru Angad is the successor of Guru Nanak. And it is continued up to ten successive Sikh gurus. Guru Gobind Singh is the tenth Sikh Guru. Guru Angad introduced the Punjabi script, Gurmukhi. Guru Ram Das is responsible for the establishment of Amritsar city. Guru Arjan Dev built the Golden Temple. He is also known in the name of Harmandir Sahib. Guru Gobind Singh built the Khalsa in 1699. Adi Granth which refers to the version of the scripture was created by Guru Arjan Dev in 1604. It is also known in the name of Guru Granth Sahib. The fifth Sikh Guru, Arjan Dev was hanged to death by Mughal ruler, Jahangir and the ninth sikh guru, Tegh Bahadur was killed by Mughal ruler, Aurangzeb. Guru Granth Sahib is the holy book and Gurdwara is the holy place of Sikhs. The Golden Temple (shown above) built in Amritsar is a preeminent spiritual site of Sikhism.

MUGHAL EMPIRE (AD 1526 – AD 1857)

BABUR (1526 AD –1530 AD)

Babur established the Mughal Empire in 1526. His full name is Zahir-ud-din Muhammad Babur. The panipat war is between Babur and Ibrahim Lodi. The Babur wrote his memories in Turkic language in Baburnama. Tomb site of Babur is located in Kabul. Babur died in 1531. The basement of Mughal Empire in India was laid in Panipat War – 1 by defeating Ibrahim Lodi.

HUMAYUN (1508 AD –1556 AD)

Original name is Nasir ud-din Muhammad Humayun. He is the elder son of Babur. Chausa War in 1539 is between Humayun and Sher Shah. Humayun died accidently, When he bow his knee in holy reverence, Kneeling, he caught his foot in his robe and falls over steps and hit on a rocky stone edge. He died three days after the fall. Humayun's Tomb is located in Delhi (shown in figure). Mir Sayyid Ali and Samad are the world famous painters lived in the era of Humayun.

AKBAR (1542 AD –1605 AD)

Akbar is the son of Humayun. His Original name is Jalaluddin Muhammad Akbar. He born at the Rajput Fortress of Umerkot in Sindh (Pakistan) on 1542 and became the ruler in the age of 14. Bairam Khan helped him to become a young emperor. Akbar defeated Hemu in the second Panipat war in 1556. He also defeated Maharana Pratap of Mewar in the Battle of Haldighati in 1576. Akbar built the city, Fatehpur Sikri (City Of Victory), shown in figure. He also built the Buland Darwaza and Ibadat Khana (House of Worship) in Fatehpur Sikri. He also found a new religion called, Din-e-Illahi in 1581.The revenue minister of Akbar, Raja Todar Mal initiated the Land Tax System. Akbar’s royal court also has Nine Jewels ( Navaratnas ). Abul Fazl who is one of the jewels of Akbar is written the book, Book of Akbar (Biography of Akbar). He removed the Jazia Tax fixed on Hindus. The Mansabdari System was introduced by Akbar. His Tombstone is located at Sikandra, Agra. Birbal, a renowned minister in Akbar's court is one among the Nine Jewels. Akbar was the ruler of India, when East India Company started.

JAHANGIR (1569 AD - 1627 AD):

Jahangir is the son of Akbar. Nooruddin Muhammad Jahangir is his original name. He is also known in the name of Salim. He starts his reign with a grand display of "Justice" for the purpose of smoothening the administration. Mehr-Un-Nisa is the wife of Jahangir. She is later known in the name of Nur Jahan. The meaning of Nur Jahan is “The Light of the World”. Jahangir is also a Painter. Sir Thomas Roe and William Hawkins are the major English Ambassadors of Jahangir’s Court. The Sikh Leader Guru Arjan Dev was assassinated by Jahangir. The memory inscriptions of Jahangir include Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri (Autobiography of Jahangir). The Shalimar Garden of Srinagar was built by Jahangir (shown in figure).

SHAH JAHAN (1592 AD –1666 AD):

Shahab ud-Din Mohammad Shah Jahan is the full name. He is also known in the name of Khurram. His reign has been called as the Golden Age of Mughals. The Moti Masjid, Red Fort and Jama Masjid were built by Shah Jahan. Shah Jahan is also known as the “Prince of Constructions”. The city “Shahjahanabad” was built by Shah Jahan. Alamgir is another name of him. The Shalimar garden of Lahore is built by Shah Jahan. Shalimar Bagh of Delhi is also built by him. He built one of the seven wonders of world, Taj Mahal in memory of his wife, Mumtaz.

AURANGZEB (1618 AD - 1707 AD)

Aurangzeb is the last emperor of Mughal Empire. The Sikh Guru, Tegh Bahadur was assassinated by Aurangzeb due to objection of forced conversion of religion. Aurangzeb also became the Viceroy of the Deccan in 1636. Badshahi Mosque is built by Aurangzeb. He died in Daulatabad in 1707.

Successors of Mughal Empire

• Bahadur Shah i (1643 AD – 1712 AD)
• Jahandar Shah (1661 AD – 1713 AD)
• Furrukhsiyar (1685 AD – 1719 AD)
• Rafi Ul-Darjat (1699 AD – 1719 AD)
• Rafi Ud-Daulat (1696 AD – 1719 AD)
• Muhammad Shah (1748 AD –1702 AD)
• Ahmad Shah Bahadur (1725 AD –1775 AD)
• Alamgir ii (1759 AD –1699 AD)
• Shah Jahan iii (1754 AD – 1759 AD)
• Shah Alam ii (1728 AD –1806 AD)
• Akbar Shah ii (1760 AD –1837 AD)

BAHADUR SHAH ZAFAR (1775 AD –1862 AD): Bahadur Shah Zafar is the last Mughal Ruler and he is also known in the name of Bahadur Shah II. British deported him to Rangoon (Burma) following his involvement in the Indian Rebellion of 1857.

Final Resting Place

• Babur – Kabul
• Humayun – Delhi
• Akbar – Sikandra
• Jahangir – Lahore
• Shah Jahan – Agra
• Aurangzeb – Daulatabad

VIJAYA NAGARA EMPIRE (AD 1336 – AD 1646)

Harihara I and his brother Bukka Raya I established the Vijaya Nagara Empire in 1336. Vidyaranya was their Guru. Krishna Deva Raya ruled the empire from 1509 AD to 1530 AD. Ashtadiggajas of Krishnadevara's court are famous eight scholar legends. Thenali Raman is one of them. The Portuguese traveler who visited Vijayanagara in Krishnadevaraya period is Domingo Paes. Vijayanagara is located on the banks of river, Tungabhadra. The remnants of Vijayanagara are still located in Hampi of Karnataka. Krishnadevaraya has also a title, “Abhinava Bhoja”. Amuktamalyada is his notable work. Varaha is the gold coin in distribution during his period. In the Battle of Talikota between Vijayanagara and deccan sultanates, Vijayanagara defeated and it resulted in end of kingdom. Achyutaraya Temple built and sanctified in AD 1534 is a classic example of the Vijayanagar style of architecture.

QUTB SHAHI DYNASTY (AD 1518– AD 1687)

Earlier, the name of Hyderabad city is Bhagyanagaram. Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah from Qutb Shahi dynasty founded the city Hyderabad and he also built Charminar in 1591 AD. They were Shia Muslims.

MARATHA EMPIRE (AD 1674 –AD 1818)

Shivaji established the Maratha Empire. Dadoji Kondadev tutored and mentored the Shivaji in younger days. He was born in Shivneri near Junnar City (Pune). Shahaji Bhosale was his father and Jijabai was his mother. Raigad was the capital of Maratha Empire. He got the title “Chatrapati” in 1674. Shivaji’s government included modern concepts called Ashtapradhan (cabinet of eight ministers). Sivaji died in 1680. Chauth and Sardeshmukhi are the taxes fixed by Maratha Empire. It was with the third Panipat war in 1764 January 14, the Maratha Empire lost their power. In this war, Ahmad Shah Abdali defeated Maratha rulers. Their rule came to end with their defeat in the Second and Third Anglo-Maratha wars that extended from 1805 to 1818. There onwards the British East India Company took the control. Raigad Fort built by Shivaji is shown.

EUROPEANS IN INDIA (AD 1757 - AD 1947)

• Portuguese is the first European force to come India and also was the last European force to withdraw from India. The European who entered India includes Portuguese, Dutch, British and the French.
• St. George Fort was built by Britain in Chennai. It is the first English fort in India. Fort William in Kolkata was built in 1696 by the British East India Company.
• The Nader Shah who known in the name of Persian Napoleon invaded Delhi in 1739 and he gained Koh-i-Noor diamonds and Peacock Throne from them.
• The British strengthen their base in India with the Battle of Plassey in 1759.
• Under the leadership of British Officer Robert Clive, British force defeated the Bengali Nawab, Siraj ud-Daulah.
• British built their first factory in India in Surat of Gujarat.
• In the Buxar Battle of 1764 between British and Combined Muslim forces fought at Buxar, British got crucial victory.
• Under the Regulating Act of 1773 passed by British Parliament, East India Company’s rule came under British Parliament.
• The Battle of Wandiwash in India (Vandavasi in Tamil Nadu) between English and French Army occurred in 1760.
• Pitt's India Act passed in 1784. Satara (Maharashtra) is the first local kingdom in India took by British under Adoption Prohibition Law.
• Tipu Sultan is known in the name of ‘Tiger of Mysore’. Tippu was defeated by British.
• British Parliament appointed Queen Victoria as the Empress of India in 1877 and it was declared by Benjamin Disraeli who is the then prime minster of Great Britain.