Major Dynasties of Medieval India

Ghazni Dynasty (962-1116 A.D.)

Mahmud Ghazni (997-1030) : He was a great conqueror. He invaded India 17 times. His invasions weakened the Indian rulers and paved the way for Muslim rule in India. The fmnous Persian poet Firdausi, the writer of 'Shahnama' lived in his court.

Ghori (1186-1206 A.D.)

Mohammed Ghori (1186-1206) was defeated by Prithviraj, the ruler of Ajmer and Delhi at the first Battle of Tarain. He however, defeated Prithviraj at the Second Battle of Tarain in 1192. This marked the beginning of permanent Muslim rule in India.

Slave Dynasty (1206-1290 A.D.)

Qutubuddin Aibak (1206-1210 A.D.) was the founder of the Slave Dynasty. He mmenced the building of the Qutub Minar which was later completed by AItamash (1211-1236) who was succeeded by Razia Begum (1236-1239 A.D.) his daughter.

Khilji Dynasty (1290-1320 A.D.)

Ala-ud-din Khilji (1296-1316 A.D.) was the most distinguished ruler of this dynasty. He was a great conqueror and his empire extended to the far south. He was famous for control of markets.

Tughlaq Dynasty (1320-1414 A.D.)

Mohammed Tughlaq (1325-1351 A.D.) was the most distinguished ruler of this dynasty. He was known for his learning and also for mixture of sagacity and madness. His transfer of capital from Delhi to Daulatabad has been described by historians as an act of madness.

Lodhi Dynasty (1451-1526 A.D.)

lbrahim Lodhi (1517-1526 A.D.) made some mark in extending his dominions. He was a cruel ruler. He was defeated by Babar in 1526 at the First Battle of Panipat, and the foundations of Mughal rule in India were laid.

Mughal Dynasty(1526-1857)

Babar (1526-1530 A.D.) founded the Mughal rule in India in 1526 by defeating Ibrahirn Lodhi. He however, did not live long and succeeded by hissori Hurnayun (1530-1540) and (1555-1556 A.D.) in 1530. Akbar (1556-1605 A.D.) was the most
capable and distinguished ruler of the Mughal dynasty. His Son Jahangir (1605-1627A.D.) followed in his footsteps to some extent. Jahangir was succeeded by Shahjahan (1627-1659 A.D.) whose reign is described as the golden period in Mughal history. His son Aurangzeb (1659-1707A..D.) was the last great Mughal
emperor. But with him began the downfall of Mughal empire on account of his policy of intolerance which alienated the Hindus especially the Rajputs.

Suri Dynasty (1540-1555 A.D.)

Sher Shah Suri (1540-1545 A.D.) : His rule provides an interragnum between two phases of Mughal
rule in India. Sher Shah defeated Humayun and forced him into exile. He carried out notable reforms in
administration.

The Marathas (1649-1748 A.D.)

The Maratha power rose in the latter half of the 17th century. The Marathas organised their power under the leadership of Shivaji (1627-80). He was an able ruler and commander. During the Peshwa period, the Maratha power spread through the major part of India. But at a time when the Maratha power was at its zenith and promised to establish its sway over the whole of India, the forces of Ahmad Shah Abdali badly defeated the Peshwa forces in 176.1 at the Bat tie of Panipat. Though the Marathas were defeated at the hands of Ahmad Shah Abdali, neither of the two parties could maintain its sovereignty over India. On the contrary this battle made the field clear for the establishment of British East India Company's rule in India.

The Peshwas (1708-1818)

After the death of Shivaji, Peshwas continued their struggle. They did succeed to a great extent in their struggle. A major portion of Indian peninsula came under their control at the outset of British hold. But due to internal conflict and subsequent
weakening of power they succumbed to British power which had been gaining momentum.

Important Dynasties in the South

Cholas : Parantaka I was the founder of this dynasty in 907. Chola rule reached its high water mark of glory under Raja Rajadeva, the Great and his son Rajendra Choladeva I. The Cholas established their supremacy even outside India.

Bahmani Muslim Kingdom (1346-1526 A.D.) : The Muslim Kingdom was  established in the Deccan during the reign of Mohammed Tughlaq and founded in 1347 by a brave soldier, named Zafar Khan. The most illustrious person of this kingdom was Mahmud Gawan, a Persian who was a minister for a long time. He was killed and after that the kingdom was split into five independent states. (1) Bedar, (2) Berar, (3) Ahmednagar, (4) Bijapur, (5) Golkunda.

Vijayanagar Empire (1336-1565 A.D.) : Harihar and Bukka were the founders of this dynasty in 1336. The
greatest rulers of this dynasty were Deva Raya II and Krishna Deva Raya. The glory of Vijayanagar empire was smashed at the Battle of Talikota in 1565 when the Deccan SuItantes fought and defeated Ramraja and killed him.