CHAPTER 16MEDIEVAL INDIA

INDIAPolitically disunitedCaste systemHindu faith

Small statesNorth and South India

N. INDIAHarsha (Pre-Islam)

◦Buddhist◦Hospitals, roads

ISLAMThree areas

◦Military Mid 7th century

◦Merchants Significance

◦Turkish-speaking, Central Asia

DELHI SULTANATEMuslim conquestDelhi1206-1526300K soldiersPowerful Islamic state Islam and HinduismReligious toleration

S. INDIATwo kingdoms

◦Chola◦Vijayanager

TEMPLE BUILDERSKingdom of Chola

SOCIETYLocal rule

◦Politics, social

Hindu temple◦Social and economic center

AGRICULTUREIrrigationDams, reservoirs, etc.Increased production

INDIAUrbanization: several cities, 100K

peoplePopulation ++:

600: 50 million 1500: 100 million

MEDIEVAL INDIATradeCross-roads of postclassical

periodCosmopolitanGlobal trade

◦Arabs, Chinese

MEDIEVAL INDIASpecialization

◦Cotton textiles◦Sugar refining, carpet weaving

HINDUISMVishnu: preserver Shiva: god of fertility and

destructive deity

ISLAMLittle initial interestGradually increased

◦Buddhists, untouchables

1500: 25% of populationSufis

◦Mystics◦Personal, emotional approach◦Meaning to life