Foundation

Foundation, Expansion and Decline of Delhi Sultan Hey Mumbai University IDOL students! Today, we’re diving into Medieval India from 1000 to 1526 CE, focusing on-“Foundation, Expansion and Decline of Delhi Sultan”. Imagine stepping into the past, exploring how life was just before Turkish invaders shook things up. We’ll unravel village life and meet key people, like the founder of the Chalukya kingdom and the brains behind the Delhi Sultanate. From Qutbuddin Aibak to Iltutmish, we’ll untangle the web of rulers, their achievements, and how they shaped Northern India. Now, picture Raziya, the first female Indian emperor, breaking norms. We’ll follow Balban’s rise, his power moves, and contributions to the Sultanate. Alauddin Khilji’s ascent brings military drama, the Padmini episode, and imperial expansion. We’ll peek into his strategies in the Deccan and South India. Finally, the Sayyids’ rule, the last Sultan, and the Lodis taking charge will wrap up our journey. Muhammad Bin Tughlaq’s admin policies, currency changes, and military adventures add the finishing touches.  So, Mumbai University TYBA IDOL students, get ready to learn about –”Foundation, Expansion and Decline of Delhi Sultan” with customized idol notes just for you. Let’s jump into this exploration together. QUESTION 1:- What was the Social Conditions of India on the eve of the Turkish Invasion?  Introduction:       Embarking upon the threshold of the Turkish invasion in India unravels a tale steeped in the complexities of societal dynamics. This era was marked by a structured caste system, fostering inequalities, an insular worldview, and a declining moral compass. These conditions set the stage for significant shifts, culminating in the transformative Turkish invasion. Let’s delve into the nuanced social conditions prevailing on the eve of this pivotal historical moment. Caste Hierarchy: Social Ladder: Visualize a vast hierarchy where Brahmins and Kshatriyas held the apex, enjoying privileges, while others faced struggles at the lower rungs. Unequal Treatment: This hierarchy perpetuated uneven treatment, resulting in disparate levels of respect for different social groups. Insularity and False Pride: Introverted India: Picture India as somewhat introverted, not actively engaging with the external world, leading to a false sense of superiority. Missed Perspectives: The insular mindset made the populace oblivious to global developments, hindering a broader understanding of the world beyond their borders. Religious and Moral Deterioration: Temple Decay: Envision a time when sacred spaces like temples lost their sanctity, reflecting a broader decline in religious and moral standards. Emerging Religious Groups: The rise of new religious groups and a skewed moral compass impacted the spiritual and ethical fabric of society. Devadasi System: Distorted Practice: The system meant for dedicating unmarried girls to deity service took a distressing turn, becoming a tool for the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. Reflection of Vulnerability: The misuse of the devadasi system highlighted societal vulnerabilities and distorted religious practices. Vamamarga Dharma and Erotic Cult: Cultural Shifts: Consider a departure from traditional norms, where certain groups engaged in unconventional practices like indulging in wine, flesh, and fish. Challenge to Norms: These cultural shifts influenced literature and rituals, challenging established societal values and norms.  Conclusion:       As we reflect on the social conditions preceding the Turkish invasion, a tapestry of complexities emerges. The caste hierarchy, insularity, moral decay, devadasi system, and cultural shifts collectively laid the groundwork for transformative changes. The Turkish invasion, and the subsequent establishment of the Delhi Sultanate, became a turning point, reshaping India’s social and cultural narrative. It ushered in an era where external influences intersected with internal recalibrations, marking a significant chapter in India’s historical evolution. QUESTION 2 :- Explain the Village economy under the feudal Structure  Introduction:      As we approach the Turkish invasion, let’s explore how the villages in India were like cozy, self-sufficient communities. Back then, the main goal of local production – which included farming and crafting – was to meet the needs of the people right there, without much thought about selling things or exchanging goods with others. This kind of way of life was pretty standard in villages.  Village Economy Under Feudal Structure: Feudal Emergence: What Happened: Suddenly, a feudal system showed up, where villages were handed over to feudal chiefs instead of paying them in cash. Impact: These chiefs started doing government-like jobs, like keeping the peace, collecting taxes, and making sure justice was served. Discouragement of Trade and Commerce: What Happened: The feudal system didn’t like the idea of people from different places trading or doing business with each other. They preferred each village or region to take care of itself. Impact: This slowed down progress because the chiefs didn’t use extra money for useful things like farming or trading – instead, they spent it on fancy palaces and temples. Conspicuous Consumption: What Happened: Feudal lords showed off their wealth by building grand palaces and temples, making them really stand out. Impact: Unfortunately, during the Turkish invasion, these flashy displays of wealth became tempting targets for the invaders. Tax Burden on Peasants: What Happened: Regular folks, the peasants, had a tough time with taxes. They had to pay not just basic land taxes but also extra ones for things like public projects. Impact: More people collecting taxes meant the villagers had to pay a lot, making life hard for the ordinary folks. High Land Tax and Payments to Landowners: What Happened: Peasants had to give away a big chunk – sometimes up to a third – of what they produced to the landowners. Impact: This unequal sharing of wealth made life harder for the villagers, with most of the burden falling on the shoulders of the hardworking peasants.  Conclusion:          In a nutshell, before the Turkish invasion, village life in India was pretty much like everyone pitching in to meet their own needs. However, the introduction of the feudal system changed things. It discouraged helpful things like trade and investment, focusing more on fancy buildings. The heavy tax burden on regular people made life difficult. These economic conditions played a big role in shaping what the Turkish invaders found when they came into