The term 'early medieval' referred to here is indicated to have began around

According to the author-The term, 'early medieval' referred to here is indicated to have begun around 600 CE.

Key Points

• The passage describes the political, social, economic, and cultural developments of the early medieval period in India.
• The author indicates that the term "early medieval" refers to the period from around 600 to 1200 CE.
• The passage mentions several key developments that took place during this period.
• First, there was a proliferation of states and land grants. Land grants to Brahmans played a significant role in the legitimation of political power and had a significant impact on agrarian relations.
• Second, there was an agrarian expansion in various parts of the subcontinent and rural societies became increasingly stratified.
• Third, trade links between the subcontinent, China, and Southeast Asia expanded significantly.
• Fourth, devotional worship was a marked feature of religious thought and practice.
• Temples functioned not only as sacred spaces but also as the core of urban centres and as political symbols.
• Fifth, significant development occurred in the cultural sphere, including a range of texts in Sanskrit and vernacular languages.

• There were an efflorescence and refinement of temple architecture and sculpture, and distinct regional styles became apparent.

​The passage concludes by stating that during this period, the developments at the political, social, economic, and cultural levels crystallized into distinct regional formations and patterns.