Medieval History of Uttar Pradesh

Introduction

The medieval period in Uttar Pradesh saw the rise of Muslim rule, with the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire playing key roles. After the decline of Harshavardhana’s reign, several regional powers emerged but struggled to establish a lasting rule. Eventually, Uttar Pradesh became part of the Delhi Sultanate, followed by the Mughal Empire. The Mughal Empire’s subedar (governor) in the region later became the Nawab of Awadh.

Uttar Pradesh During the Sultanate Period

1. Delhi Sultanate’s Formation

• Muhammad Ghori’s Conquest: Muhammad Ghori’s invasion of India led to the establishment of a new political entity known as the Delhi Sultanate.
• Qutb-ud-Din Aibak: Aibak, a slave of Muhammad Ghori, founded the Slave Dynasty in 1206 and ruled until 1210. He is known for laying the foundation of the Qutub Minar in Delhi and constructing two mosques: ‘Qutub-ul-Islam’ in Delhi and ‘Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra’ in Ajmer. Aibak earned the title ‘Lakh Bakhsh’ (Giver of Lakhs) and died in 1210 while playing polo.

1. Expansion and Administration

• Iltutmish: After Aibak’s death, Iltutmish, his son-in-law, took over the throne in 1211. He introduced the silver coin (Tanka) and copper coin (Jital) and built the Jama Masjid in Badaun. He also introduced the Iqta system (land grants) and organized the Chahalgani (a group of 40 noble slaves). His court patronized scholars like Minhaj-i-Siraj, the author of Tabaqat-i-Nasiri.
• Firuz Shah Tughlaq: Firoz Shah Tughlaq, another Sultan, established the city of Jaunpur in memory of Muhammad bin Tughlaq. He also founded Firozabad and introduced the Jizya tax on non-Muslims.

1. Jaunpur and the Sharqi Dynasty

• Malik Sarwar Khwaja Jahan: In 1394, Malik Sarwar, known as Khwaja Jahan, founded the Sharqi Dynasty in Jaunpur. He was given the title of “Malik-Us-Sahrqi” (Owner of the East) and made Jaunpur a significant center for education, art, and commerce. Jaunpur earned the nickname Siraj-e-Hind (Light of the East).
• End of Sharqi Dynasty: In 1484, Bahlol Lodi, the Sultan of Delhi, defeated the Sharqi rulers and merged Jaunpur into the Delhi Sultanate.
• Sikandar Lodi: Sikandar Lodi, Bahlol Lodi’s son, founded Agra in 1504 and made it a sub-capital. He introduced the Gaz-i-Sikandari for measuring land.

Architecture of the Sultanate Period in Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh During the Mughal Period

1. Establishment of Mughal Rule

• Babur: Babur established Mughal rule in India after defeating Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat in 1526. He made Agra his capital and defeated Rana Sanga of Mewar at the Battle of Khanwa in 1527. Babur authored his autobiography, Tuzuk-i-Baburi, in Turkish and died in Agra in 1530. His tomb is in Kabul.

1. Humayun and Sher Shah Suri

• Humayun: Babur’s son, Humayun, succeeded him in December 1530. His sister, Gulbadan Begum, wrote his biography Humayunama. Humayun built Dinpanah in Delhi as his second capital. In 1540, he was defeated by Sher Shah Suri, who then took control of Uttar Pradesh.
• Sher Shah Suri: Sher Shah Suri is known for his administrative reforms and for defeating Humayun. In 1540, he invaded the fort of Kalinjar, ruled by Kirti Singh, and laid siege to it. After Sher Shah Suri’s death in 1545, Humayun regained the throne in 1555.

1. Akbar and His Reign

• Akbar: Akbar, the son of Humayun, succeeded the throne in 1556. He ruled from Agra and founded the city of Fatehpur Sikri in 1572. Akbar built significant forts in Agra and Allahabad. His court included nine gems (Navaratnas), two of whom, Todarmal and Birbal, were from Uttar Pradesh.

1. Later Mughal Emperors

• Jahangir: Jahangir, Akbar’s son, succeeded the throne in 1605. He established the Zanjir-i-Adal (Chain of Justice) at Agra Fort for those seeking royal justice. Jahangir’s reign saw a peak in arts and culture. Captain William Hawkins visited his court in 1608.
• Shah Jahan: Shah Jahan, who succeeded Jahangir in 1628, is famous for building the Taj Mahal in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. His reign is considered the golden period of India’s art, culture, and architecture. He shifted the Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi.

1. Aurangzeb: After Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb ascended the throne. However, due to his religious intolerance, the Mughal Empire began to decline.

READ MORE | ANCIENT HISTORY OF UTTAR PRADESH

Architecture of the Mughal Period in Uttar Pradesh

The Nawabs of Awadh

1. Formation of Awadh

• Saadat Ali Khan: Awadh was a province of the Mughal Empire, encompassing all of Uttar Pradesh. Saadat Ali Khan, also known as Burhan-ul-Mulk, founded the autonomous kingdom of Awadh in 1722. He became the governor of Awadh and introduced new land revenue and land lease systems to protect farmers from exploitation.

1. Key Nawabs of Awadh

• Safdar Jang: Safdar Jang became Nawab in 1739 and was made the Wazir of the Mughal Empire in 1748. He also governed the Allahabad province.
• Shuja-ud-Daula: Shuja-ud-Daula, who became Nawab in 1754, participated in the Battle of Buxar in 1764 against the British East India Company. After losing, the British established their dominance in India. Shuja-ud-Daula made a treaty with Warren Hastings in 1773, leading to the integration of Ruhelkhand into Awadh.

1. Later Nawabs

• Asaf-ud-Daula: After Shuja-ud-Daula’s death in 1775, Asaf-ud-Daula became the Nawab. He shifted the capital from Faizabad to Lucknow and made a treaty with the British East India Company in 1775, leading to significant debt. He built the Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza in Lucknow.
• Wajid Ali Shah: Wajid Ali Shah, the last Nawab of Awadh, ruled from 1847 to 1856. Accused of misrule, he was deposed by the British, and Awadh was annexed into British India in 1856. Wajid Ali Shah was sent to Calcutta, where he lived on a pension.

Important Events Timeline

READ | MODERN HISTORY OF UTTAR PRADESH

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