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Medieval India (SSC, Railway, Police & All State exam)Chapter Unit

Important Terminology in Medieval Indian History

The medieval period in Indian history (8th–18th century CE) witnessed the development of several socio-political, economic, and cultural terms. Understanding these terms is crucial to grasp the dynamics of administration, society, and religion during this era.

1. Administrative Terminology

Terms from the Delhi Sultanate Period

  1. Iqta:

    • A system of land revenue and administrative assignment under the Delhi Sultanate.
    • Iqtadars or Muqtis were granted Iqtas to collect revenue and maintain troops for the Sultan.

  2. Amir:

    • A high-ranking noble or officer in the Sultanate.
    • Amir-i-Hajib: An officer managing the royal court and ceremonies.

  3. Diwan-i-Arz:

    • The department of military affairs, headed by the Ariz-i-Mumalik.
    • Responsible for army recruitment, training, and salary disbursement.

  4. Diwan-i-Wazir:

    • The finance department, supervised by the Wazir, who managed state revenue and expenditure.

  5. Barid-i-Mumalik:

    • The head of the intelligence department (Diwan-i-Barid), responsible for gathering information on the provinces and reporting to the Sultan.

Terms from the Mughal Period

  1. Mansab:

    • A rank assigned to nobles and officers under the Mansabdari system.
    • Determined the number of soldiers and horses a Mansabdar had to maintain.

  2. Suba:

    • A province under the Mughal Empire, governed by a Subedar.

  3. Jagir:

    • A land grant given to Mansabdars in lieu of salary.
    • Jagirdars collected revenue from their assigned lands.

  4. Zabt:

    • A revenue system introduced by Raja Todar Mal under Akbar, based on measuring land and fixing revenue rates.

  5. Sawar:

    • A cavalry rank denoting the number of horsemen a Mansabdar had to maintain.

2. Socio-Religious Terminology

  1. Sharia:

    • Islamic law derived from the Quran and Hadith, governing personal, social, and legal matters.
    • Implemented by Qazis in the courts during the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal periods.

  2. Sufism:

    • A mystical branch of Islam focused on love, devotion, and a personal connection with God.
    • Prominent Sufi orders: Chishti, Suhrawardi, and Qadiri.

  3. Bhakti:

    • A devotional movement within Hinduism emphasizing love and devotion to God.
    • Prominent Bhakti saints: Kabir, Mirabai, Tulsidas.

  4. Jaziya:

    • A tax levied on non-Muslims during the Sultanate and Mughal periods.
    • Abolished by Akbar and reintroduced by Aurangzeb.

  5. Sulh-i-Kul:

    • A policy of universal tolerance introduced by Akbar.
    • Promoted harmony among different religious communities.

3. Economic Terminology

  1. Kharaj:

    • Land revenue imposed on agricultural produce, often amounting to one-third to one-half of the produce.
    • Collected in both cash and kind.

  2. Zakat:

    • A religious tax levied on Muslims, typically 2.5% of their wealth, for charitable purposes.

  3. Hundi:

    • A financial instrument used as a bill of exchange, facilitating trade across regions.

  4. Karwan:

    • A group of merchants traveling together for safety, especially along trade routes.

  5. Charai:

    • A tax imposed on cattle, commonly used to fund the maintenance of royal armies.

Table: Key Terminology

CategoryTermDescription
AdministrationIqtaLand assignment for revenue and troop maintenance
ReligionShariaIslamic law governing legal and social matters
RevenueZabtLand revenue system under Akbar
EconomyHundiBill of exchange facilitating trade

4. Military Terminology

  1. Sultan:

    • The ruler or king in Islamic governance, wielding supreme authority.
    • Example: Sultan Iltutmish was the first to formally assume the title of Sultan of Delhi.

  2. Ghazis:

    • Islamic warriors who fought in the name of religion, often participating in raids and conquests.
    • Prominent during the early Delhi Sultanate and under rulers like Mahmud of Ghazni.

  3. Faujdar:

    • A military officer responsible for maintaining law and order in a district or region.
    • Reported directly to the provincial Subedar.

  4. Zamin:

    • A military guarantee or security provided by nobles for the loyalty of soldiers under their command.

  5. Chauth:

    • A tax imposed by the Marathas on neighboring states in return for military protection.
    • Typically one-fourth (25%) of the annual revenue.

  6. Dagh System:

    • Introduced by Alauddin Khilji to ensure the quality of horses and soldiers.
    • Included the branding of horses and keeping detailed records of soldiers.

  7. Chehra System:

    • A system of maintaining descriptive rolls of soldiers to prevent fraud and ensure accountability.

  8. Barid:

    • Military intelligence officers responsible for gathering and reporting information.

5. Literary and Cultural Terminology

  1. Diwan:

    • A Persian term for poetry collections.
    • Example: Amir Khusrau’s Diwan was celebrated during the Delhi Sultanate.

  2. Masnavi:

    • A form of Persian poetry composed in rhyming couplets.
    • Example: Masnavi-i-Rumi by Jalaluddin Rumi inspired many Indian poets.

  3. Tazkira:

    • Biographical accounts of poets, scholars, or saints.
    • Example: Tabaqat-i-Nasiri by Minhaj-i-Siraj chronicled the history of the Delhi Sultanate.

  4. Akbarnama:

    • Official chronicle of Akbar’s reign, written by Abul Fazl.
    • Includes the Ain-i-Akbari, detailing administration, culture, and society.

  5. Qawwali:

    • A form of devotional Sufi music introduced and popularized by Amir Khusrau.
    • Sung in dargahs (shrines) to express devotion.

  6. Mahzar:

    • A royal edict or proclamation.
    • Example: Akbar issued a Mahzar declaring his authority over religious scholars.

6. Societal Terminology

  1. Jati:

    • A sub-caste or community within the larger Varna system, influencing social and economic roles.

  2. Panchayat:

    • A local governing body in villages responsible for resolving disputes and maintaining order.

  3. Gaddi:

    • A term used for the royal throne, signifying the seat of authority.

  4. Darbar:

    • The royal court where administrative decisions were made and ceremonies conducted.
    • Example: Akbar’s darbar was known for its grandeur and inclusivity.

  5. Waqf:

    • Endowment made by a Muslim for religious, educational, or charitable purposes.
    • Managed by a Mutawalli (caretaker).

  6. Harem:

    • The private section of a royal palace, reserved for the women of the court.
    • Played a significant role in palace politics and cultural life.

  7. Sati:

    • The controversial practice where a widow immolated herself on her husband’s funeral pyre.
    • Criticized and opposed by reformers like Guru Amar Das and Akbar.

  8. Zanana:

    • The women’s quarters in a palace, similar to the harem.

Table: Key Terminology

CategoryTermDescription
MilitaryChauthMaratha tax for protection
LiteratureAkbarnamaOfficial history of Akbar’s reign
SocietyJatiSub-caste influencing social roles
CultureQawwaliSufi devotional music

7. Governance Terminology

  1. Hundi:

    • A financial instrument, akin to a bill of exchange, used in trade and credit transactions.
    • Facilitated long-distance trade and banking.

  2. Khut:

    • A class of landowners or revenue collectors in the villages.
    • They were responsible for collecting taxes and maintaining order.

  3. Muqaddam:

    • The village headman, responsible for local administration, revenue collection, and dispute resolution.

  4. Zamindar:

    • A landowner tasked with collecting revenue on behalf of the state.
    • Became prominent under the Mughals, evolving into hereditary landlords under British rule.

  5. Amil:

    • A revenue officer responsible for assessing and collecting taxes in districts.

  6. Farman:

    • A royal edict or decree issued by the emperor.
    • Often granted privileges or outlined administrative policies.

  7. Shiqdar:

    • A district-level officer responsible for law and order and overseeing revenue collection.

  8. Karkhana:

    • State-run workshops or factories producing goods for the royal household.
    • Produced textiles, weapons, and luxury items.

8. Religious Terminology

  1. Matha:

    • A Hindu monastery, typically associated with religious education and worship.

  2. Dargah:

    • A shrine built over the grave of a revered Sufi saint.
    • Example: The Ajmer Sharif Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti.

  3. Mazaar:

    • A mausoleum or tomb of a saint, often a site of pilgrimage.

  4. Pirs:

    • Spiritual leaders in Sufi Islam, regarded as guides or mentors.

  5. Langar:

    • A community kitchen providing free meals, introduced by Sikh Gurus to promote equality.

  6. Masjid:

    • A mosque used for congregational prayers and community gatherings.

  7. Teerth:

    • A pilgrimage site considered sacred in Hinduism and Jainism.

  8. Ulema:

    • Islamic scholars specializing in religious law (Sharia).
    • Played a significant role in advising rulers during the Sultanate and Mughal periods.

9. Trade and Economic Terminology

  1. Mandis:

    • Local markets or trade centers for agricultural and artisan goods.

  2. Sarais:

    • Rest houses for travelers and traders along trade routes.
    • Promoted commerce and facilitated long-distance trade.

  3. Pargana:

    • A cluster of villages functioning as an administrative and revenue collection unit.

  4. Bandar:

    • A port or harbor, crucial for maritime trade.
    • Example: Surat and Masulipatnam were prominent bandars.

  5. Hafta:

    • Weekly markets held in towns and villages.

  6. Karwan (Caravan):

    • A group of merchants traveling together for safety along trade routes.
    • Often used camel or bullock carts for transportation.

10. Architectural Terminology

  1. Gopuram:

    • Monumental entrance tower in Dravidian temple architecture.
    • Example: Temples of Vijayanagar Empire.

  2. Shikhara:

    • The spire or tower above the sanctum of a Hindu temple.
    • Example: Kandariya Mahadeva Temple in Khajuraho.

  3. Minar:

    • A tower associated with Islamic architecture.
    • Example: Qutb Minar in Delhi.

  4. Charbagh:

    • A Persian-style garden divided into four symmetrical parts by water channels.
    • Example: Taj Mahal’s gardens.

  5. Mandapa:

    • A pillared hall or pavilion in a temple used for rituals or gatherings.

  6. Hauz:

    • A large water reservoir built for public use or royal purposes.
    • Example: Hauz Khas in Delhi.

Table: Additional Key Terms

CategoryTermDescription
GovernanceZamindarLandowner responsible for tax collection
ReligionDargahShrine of a Sufi saint
TradeSaraiRest house for traders
ArchitectureCharbaghPersian garden design with water channels

Conclusion

This compilation of important terms from the medieval period provides insights into the socio-political, religious, and economic fabric of India during the Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Empire, and regional kingdoms. These terms not only reflect the administrative and cultural practices but also highlight the synthesis of Indian and Persian traditions.

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