Before the Mughals, India was ruled by several kingdoms led by both Hindu and Muslim kings. In the year 1526, Babur, an Afghan ruler from Kabul, annexed the Delhi Sultanate ruled by the Lodi dynasty and established the Mughal Empire, which gradually spread its wings all across the country.
Historical Background – Pre-Mughal Era
India’s history is a rich tapestry woven from the diverse influences of its various eras, cultures, and people. The period preceding and succeeding the Mughal Empire marks a significant transformation in the political, social, and cultural landscape of the Indian subcontinent.
Pre-Mughal Era: A Mosaic of Cultures and Dynasties
Before the ascendancy of the Mughals in the early 16th century, India was characterised by a plethora of regional kingdoms and dynasties, each contributing to the subcontinent’s rich heritage. From the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation to the Mauryan and Gupta Empires, the foundation of Indian culture was laid through remarkable achievements in the fields of philosophy, science, mathematics, and the arts.
The Early Medieval period saw the rise of many regional kingdoms such as the Cholas, the Cheras, and the Pandyas in the south, known for their temple architecture. In the north, dynasties like the Rajputs, with their chivalric codes and valour, dominated the political landscape. The mixing of cultures brought about an intricate socio-political order characterised by feudalism and local governance structures.
In addition to these native powers, the Indian subcontinent witnessed the arrival of many foreign powers, notably the Islamic invasions led by Mahmud of Ghazni and Muhammad Ghori, which culminated in significant political shifts. The establishment of the Delhi Sultanate in the 13th century marked a pivotal turning point towards a greater Islamic influence in the northern plains, setting the stage for the emergence of the Mughal Empire.
Key Dynasties in Power Before the Mughals
The Sangam Era
The Sangam Era refers to the period in ancient South India marked by flourishing Tamil literature, culture, and political institutions, spanning roughly from the 3rd century BCE to the 3rd century CE. The literary works written during this period were the earliest specimens of Dravidian literature. The Sangam works contain a wealth of information. Tolkappiyam, a treatise on Tamil grammar, is the oldest extant literary work in Tamil. The five great epics written during this period include Jeevaka Chintamani, Silapathikaram, Manimekalai, Valayapathi, and Kundalakesi.
The Mauryan Empire
The Mauryan Empire was the first Pan-Indian empire that covered most of the Indian subcontinent and parts of Iran. Literary sources such as Arthashastra by Kautilya, Indica by Megasthenes, and the Edicts of Ashoka provide a clear insight into the history of the period. The empire is significant for its extensive territorial expansion, sophisticated administration, and the promotion of Buddhism under Ashoka the Great.
The Gupta Age
The Gupta Age, from the 4th century to the 6th century CE, marked a classical age in North India, renowned for its extensive territory and cultural zenith. It is called the Golden Era, during which the norms of Indian literature, art, architecture, and philosophy were established, along with contributions to the sciences of astronomy, mathematics, and metallurgy.
The Delhi Sultanate
From 1206 to 1526, the Delhi Sultanate was an Islamic empire that ruled over South Asia, primarily the Indian Peninsula. It comprised five major dynasties, each leaving a distinctive impact on Indian history by shaping its culture, politics, and society.
- The Slave Dynasty (1206 – 1290 CE)
- The Khilji Dynasty (1290 – 1320 CE)
- The Tughlaq Dynasty (1322 – 1412 CE)
- The Sayyid Dynasty (1414 – 1451 CE)
- The Lodi Dynasty (1451 – 1526 CE)
Founded by Qutbuddin Aibak, a Turkish slave, this dynasty established Muslim rule in Delhi. Aibak’s successor, Iltutmish, expanded the territories and introduced administrative reforms, including a standardised currency and provincial governance.
Jalaluddin Khilji, a former general, seized power from the Slave Dynasty. He was succeeded by his nephew, Alauddin Khilji, a formidable military commander. He implemented innovative administrative measures, including market regulations and an espionage system.
Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq established this dynasty, known for its religious tolerance and patronage of the arts. However, policies such as the failed capital relocation to Daulatabad and the token currency system led to economic turmoil.
Founded by Khizr Khan, this dynasty focused on stability and cultural patronage. Notable ruler Mohammed Shah’s reign was characterised by piety, religious tolerance, and support for artistic endeavours.
Bahlul Khan Lodi, a governor of Lahore, overthrew the Sayyids and established the last dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate. Sikandar Lodi’s reign saw administrative reforms and cultural patronage, yet he faced challenges from regional kingdoms and the impending Mughal invasion.
Architecture During the Delhi Sultanate Era
The Delhi Sultanate era, spanning from 1206 to 1526, marked a period of remarkable architectural innovation in India. A unique style emerged, blending elements of both Indian and Islamic traditions. This period witnessed the construction of notable monuments, mosques, tombs, palaces, and forts. These buildings showcased intricate carvings and patterns on their facades, crafted from locally abundant red sandstone and white marble.
One iconic example of Delhi Sultanate architecture is the Qutub Minar, a towering minaret in Delhi standing at 73 meters tall. It features exquisite carvings of Islamic calligraphy alongside Hindu motifs like lotus flowers and elephants, symbolising the blending of cultures. Another masterpiece is the Jama Masjid, a grand mosque in Old Delhi commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.
Conclusion
India’s history from the Pre-Mughal Era through the Mughal Empire represents a complex interplay of local and foreign influences, cultural exchanges, and socio-political dynamics.
The Mughal Empire, established by Babur in 1526, was influential in synthesising the various strands of Indian culture. It was an era characterised by a unique amalgamation of Persian culture with indigenous traditions, resulting in rich artistic and architectural accomplishments. The reigns of Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan were particularly notable for their patronage of art, religious tolerance, and administrative reforms.
The period saw the flourishing of literature, art, and architecture, exemplified by the ornate constructions of Fatehpur Sikri and the Taj Mahal.
As we consider India’s past, it becomes evident that each period was built upon the foundations of the previous ones, resulting in a multifaceted society that embraces diverse languages, religions, and traditions. Understanding this intricate historical context is crucial for grasping the complexities of Indian society today, as India continues to navigate its path in a rapidly changing world while remaining deeply rooted in its rich and diverse heritage.
