Early Medieval Period in IndiaThe Early Medieval Period in India is the phase of 600 – 1300 CE. The early medieval age is the next significant era, and it spans nearly seven centuries, from around 600 to 1300. Kingdoms flourished in the north and the south and frequently changed ownership over these centuries. The fall of the Gupta Empire marks the end of ancient India's History. Temple architecture saw remarkable advancements during the Early Medieval Period in India, with iconic structures such as the Kailasanatha temple at Ellora being constructed.

The Early Medieval Period in India is one of the most important topics for the UPSC IAS exam because The Early Medieval Period in India marked a shift from a centralized economy to a feudalistic one, significantly altering land ownership and revenue systems.. It covers a significant part of the Medieval History subject in the General Studies Paper-1 syllabus for The spread of Bhakti and Sufi movements during the Early Medieval Period in India contributed to the evolution of regional languages and devotional literature. In this article, we shall study the important rulers and kingdoms of the Early Medieval Period in India and their relevance for the UPSC exam.

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About the Medieval Period of India

Medieval History starts from the 6th century and is divided into two phases: The 'early medieval period,' which lasted from the 6th to the 13th century, and the 'late medieval period,' which lasted from the 13th to the 16th century that ended with the start of the Mughal Empire in 1526. The early phase of Indian History is the History of ancient and early medieval India.

India was, therefore, divided into various regional kingdoms at that given time. The Gupta era introduced the system of paramountcy and subordination, with some kings acting as overlords and others as vassals. These rulers used it as they waged war and forged alliances. Successful leaders also displayed their authority by giving territory to temples, Brahmins, and officers. As a result, a political trend known as Indian feudalism emerged.

• In terms of administration, the Early Medieval Period in India was characterized by a decline in the centralized bureaucracy that had existed under the Guptas.
• The Early Medieval Period in India saw frequent conflicts among regional powers, which hindered political unification but encouraged cultural diversity.
• Trade and commerce during the Early Medieval Period in India became more localized, although maritime trade with Southeast Asia still flourished in certain coastal regions.
• The Early Medieval Period in India also witnessed the codification of laws and customs, as seen in the proliferation of regional dharmashastras and legal texts.

Also, check out the Medieval History UPSC Notes article using this link!

Early Medieval Northern India (circa 8th to 13th century CE) was marked by the decline of large empires and the emergence of several regional kingdoms like the Gurjara-Pratiharas, Palas, and Rashtrakutas. This period saw frequent warfare, feudal decentralization, and the growth of temple architecture and regional cultures.

Pushyabhutis of Thaneswar (c.500–c.647 CE)

In northern India, the Pushyabhuti Dynasty reigns from about 500 BCE–647 BCE. It arose following the fall of the Gupta Empire (3rd century BCE–6th century BCE). The core of their kingdom is known as the Vardhana or Pushyabhuti Dynasty. It was located in the Indian state of Haryana, with the capital at Shanishvara of Thaneshwar (now Thanesar) and afterwards at Kanyakubja. Prabhakar Vardhana and Harsha Vardhana are the two essential rulers of the Pushyabhuti Dynasty. 

Maukhari Dynasty (c. 510 CE–c. 606 CE)

The Maukharis reigned about 554 CE - 606 CE. They became an essential force in northern India in the sixth century CE, following the fall of the Gupta Empire (3rd to 6th century CE). With Kanyakubja as its capital, their kingdom's core was in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. To compete with other regional forces for political dominance in India, the Maukharis formed a strong kingdom. Some prominent rulers of the Maukhari dynasty are Ishanavarmana, Sarvavarmana, Avanti Varmana, and Grahavarmana.

Gurjara Pratiharas in north India (c. 730 CE–1036 CE)

The Gurjara-Pratiharas are also known as the Pratiharas. They held their reign over western and northern India. The prospects of this dynasty improved under Nagabhata I (730–760 CE), who decisively drove back Arab invasions. The most well-known ruler of this dynasty was Bhoja or Mihira Bhoja (about 836-885 CE). The Pratiharas were famous for their support of sculpture, art, and temple architecture, as well as their military wars with other dynasties of the time, including the Rashtrakuta Dynasty and the Palas of eastern India.

Pala Dynasty ( 750-1161 CE)

In the post-classical era of the Indian subcontinent, which began in the region of Bengal, the Pala Empire was an imperial power. It is called after the ruling dynasty, whose members had last names that ended in "Pala." Gopala was appointed to rule Gauda as its first emperor in the latter half of the seventh century AD. Bengal and eastern Bihar were the locations of the Pala stronghold.

Rashtrakuta Dynasty (753-982 CE)

In South India, the Rashtrakuta Dynasty governed from the eighth to the tenth centuries CE. At its peak, their kingdom encompassed the present-day state of Karnataka and portions of the conditions of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.

Chahamanas (Chauhans)

The Chauhan Dynasty was significant throughout the Indian period. During the sixth to the twelfth centuries, the Chahamana, also known as the Chauhans of Sambhar or the Chauhans of Ajmer, ruled over parts of the modern-day state of Rajasthan and the surrounding areas. The word Chauhan, a folk construction, borrows the Sanskrit word chahamana. During the Arab invasion, the Chauhans stayed with the Pratihars and acted as their feudal lords. In the eleventh century, they were in charge of the Shakambari region.

Paramaras of Malwa (9th or 10th century)

The Paramara dynasty was an Indian dynasty. It ruled Malwa and surrounding areas in west-central India. It ruled between the 9th and 14th centuries. The dynasty began in the ninth or tenth century, and its first kings most likely held power as vassals of the Rashtrakutas of Manyakheta. They belonged to the Rajput Parmara clan.

Chandellas (9th and the 13th centuries)

The Chandela dynasty was a Central Indian Rajput clan. In Indian History, they were known as the Chandela or Jejakabhukti dynasty. From the 9th through the 13th century AD, a section of the Chandelas controlled a large portion of the Bundelkhand region of Central India. Back then, the Bundelkhand region was referred to as Jejakabhukti.

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Early Medieval Southern India

Early Medieval Southern India witnessed the rise of powerful dynasties like the Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas, known for their naval strength, temple architecture, and administrative efficiency. This period also saw flourishing trade with Southeast Asia. The dynasties and some important rulers of southern India are listed below.

Satavahana Dynasty (Late 2nd century BCE–Early 3rd century CE)

Satavahana Dynasty was an ancient Indian dynasty. The dynasty was based in the Deccan. The Satavahana kingdom's capital was Pratishthan, also referred to as Paithan. It is situated in the Aurangabad district along the Godavari River. A significant successor of the Mauryan Dynasty was Satavahana. For roughly 450 years, the Satavahanas were in power. In the Puranas, they are also referred to as Andhras.

Chola Kingdom

Cholas defeated the Pallavas to take control in the ninth century. Up to the 13th century, this rule lasted more than five centuries. However, the state of Andhra did have a Chola kingdom that flourished worldwide in about the second century. Sangam literature first appeared in the early years of Chola's reign. One of the essential kings of this time was Kantaman.

Chera Kingdom

Chera Dynasty was one of the middle age Dravidian empires that ruled over the modern states of Kerala and a portion of Tamil Nadu. In India's past, Cheras were also referred to as Keraputras. It was founded during the ninth century. For its significant naval trade across the Indian Ocean, the dynasty is admired. The early and the later eras of the kingdom can be separated. 

Pandyas Kingdom

An ancient Tamil dynasty in South India was the Pandya Kingdom. In what is now South India, it was a prehistoric Tamil nation. During the fourth century BCE, three ancient Tamil dynasties occasionally ruled southern India. One of them was the Pandyas. One of the three ancient Tamil kingdoms that ruled over the Tamil people from the beginning of time till the end of the 15th century was the Pandyas. It is also referred to as the Madurai Pandyas.

Pallava Dynasty

The Pallava Dynasty succeeded the Ikshvakus. They arose on the ruins of Satavahanas in the Eastern Peninsula. The Pallava dynasty was established in Tondaimandalam. The capital was Kanchipuram. Until the Imperial Cholas took Tondaimandalam, the Pallavas ruled for around 500 years. Throughout their rule, they constantly fought with the Badami Chalukyas, Cholas, and Pandyas.

Early Medieval Deccan India

The Early Medieval Period in India witnessed the rise of regional kingdoms like the Palas in Bengal, the Pratiharas in the west, and the Rashtrakutas in the Deccan.The dynasties and some important rulers of Deccan India are listed below.

Chalukyas of Badami

The Chalukyas of Badami are also known as the Early Chalukyas. They ruled over parts of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. They were renowned for their military prowess and successful expansion through conquests. The dynasty made significant contributions to art, literature, and temple architecture. Notable examples include the rock-cut cave temples at Badami and other sites. They were strong supporters of Hinduism, and they fostered Kannada literature.

Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi

The Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi emerged as a separate branch of the Chalukya dynasty. They ruled over the eastern coastal region of Andhra Pradesh. They played a crucial role in the political landscape. Eastern Chalukyas, also known as the Chalukyas of Vengi, were a dynasty that ruled parts of South India between the 7th and 12th centuries. They started as governors of the Chalukyas of Badami in the Deccan region. Subsequently, they became a sovereign power and ruled the Vengi region of present-day Andhra Pradesh until c. 1001 CE. They continued ruling the region as feudatories of the Medieval Cholas until 1189 CE.

Chalukyas of Lata

The Chalukyas of Lata was a powerful dynasty. They ruled over Gujarat and parts of Maharashtra during the early medieval period. The Chalukyas of Lata were an Indian dynasty which ruled the Lata region of present-day Gujarat during the 10th and 11th centuries. They ruled as feudatories of the Western Chalukyas in their early years and were ultimately defeated by the Chaulukyas of Gujarat (Solankis).

They constructed magnificent temples and contributed to the development of temple architecture. The Chalukyas of Lata played a significant role in the political landscape. They fostered regional literature and Sanskrit learning.

Study the NCERT notes on the Chalukyas Dynasty in detail here!

Conclusion

The history of the Indian subcontinent between the "ancient period" and the "modern period" is known as the "medieval period" in India. The early Medieval Period in India was significant because of several dynasties and important rulers who ruled the era from 600 - 1300 CE. The post-medieval era, which represented the passage from the Middle Ages to modernity and included the Renaissance period, followed the early medieval period in India.

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