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1. Early Medieval India (700 – 1200 CE)
North India
Harsha (606 – 647 CE): After the fall of the Gupta Empire, Harsha ruled much of North India. His reign was marked by religious tolerance and promotion of art and literature.
Rajput Dynasties: Rajputs rose to prominence after Harsha's death. Major Rajput clans included the Pratiharas, Chauhans, Parmars, and Chandelas. They fought against each other and Muslim invaders.
First Muslim Invasions: The early invasions by Mahmud of Ghazni (997–1030 CE) and Muhammad of Ghor (1175–1206 CE) led to the weakening of Rajput power and the establishment of Muslim rule in India.

Chalukyas: The Chalukyas of Badami (543–753 CE) and Kalyani (973–1189 CE) ruled large parts of South and Central India, known for art and temple architecture.
Rashtrakutas (753–982 CE): This dynasty overthrew the Chalukyas and established a powerful empire, with Ellora caves as a cultural achievement.
Pallavas (275–897 CE): Famous for Mahabalipuram architecture and for being rivals of the Chalukyas and Pandyas.
Cholas (850–1279 CE): One of the greatest South Indian dynasties, known for naval power and temple architecture (e.g., Brihadeshwara Temple). Under Rajaraja Chola I and Rajendra Chola I, they expanded into Southeast Asia.
2. Delhi Sultanate (1206 – 1526 CE)
Mamluk (Slave) Dynasty (1206–1290 CE): Founded by Qutb alDin Aibak, followed by Iltutmish (who consolidated the empire) and Razia Sultan (first and only female ruler of Delhi).
Khilji Dynasty (1290–1320 CE): Alauddin Khilji expanded the Sultanate into South India, defeated the Mongols, and introduced market reforms.
Tughlaq Dynasty (1320–1414 CE): Known for rulers like Muhammad bin Tughlaq, whose ambitious but failed policies (moving capital to Daulatabad, token currency) weakened the empire.
Sayyid Dynasty (1414–1451 CE): A weaker dynasty that struggled with regional revolts.
Lodi Dynasty (1451–1526 CE): Ibrahim Lodi was defeated by Babur in the First Battle of Panipat (1526), marking the end of the Delhi Sultanate and the beginning of the Mughal Empire.
3. Vijayanagara Empire (1336–1646 CE)
Established by Harihara I and Bukka Raya to counter Muslim influence in South India. Under Krishnadevaraya (1509–1529 CE), it reached its zenith, famous for its administration, economy, and the grandeur of Hampi. The empire declined after the Battle of Talikota (1565).
4. Bahmani Sultanate (1347–1527 CE)
Founded by Alauddin Bahman Shah, it controlled the Deccan region. After its decline, it splintered into five Deccan Sultanates (Bijapur, Golkonda, Ahmednagar, Berar, and Bidar).
5. Mughal Empire (1526 – 1707 CE)
Babur (1526–1530 CE): Founder of the Mughal Empire after defeating Ibrahim Lodi at Panipat.
Humayun (1530–1556 CE): Faced setbacks, lost the empire to Sher Shah Suri but later reclaimed it with Persian help.
Akbar (1556–1605 CE): Expanded the empire, introduced a centralized administrative system, and practiced religious tolerance through his policy of Sulhikul (universal peace). He abolished the jizya tax and promoted the DiniIlahi religion.
Jahangir (1605–1627 CE): Known for his love of art, nature, and architecture, but faced rebellions.
Shah Jahan (1628–1658 CE): His reign is marked by architectural achievements, including the construction of the Taj Mahal, but financial strain due to excessive spending.
Aurangzeb (1658–1707 CE): Expanded the empire to its largest extent but reimposed the jizya tax and pursued a strict interpretation of Islam, leading to internal revolts and the eventual weakening of the Mughal Empire.
6. Decline of the Mughal Empire (1707 onwards)
After Aurangzeb's death, the Mughal Empire began to decline due to internal rebellions by the Marathas, Rajputs, Sikhs, and invasions by Nadir Shah and Ahmad Shah Abdali.
7. Important Regional Powers PostMughal Era
Maratha Empire (1674–1818)
Founded by Shivaji (1630–1680 CE), the Marathas emerged as the most powerful force in India after the Mughals. They fought against Aurangzeb and expanded under the Peshwas, but were weakened after their defeat by Ahmad Shah Abdali in the Third Battle of Panipat (1761).
Sikh Empire (1799–1849)
Under Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Sikhs established a powerful kingdom in the Punjab region, successfully resisting invasions from the west and maintaining a strong military force until it was annexed by the British in 1849.
Mysore Kingdom
Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan were prominent rulers who resisted British advances in southern India during the late 18th century. Tipu Sultan was known as the "Tiger of Mysore" for his fierce opposition to British forces during the AngloMysore Wars, until his death in 1799.