The medieval period of Indian history runs from the 7th century CE till the beginning of Mughal rule in the 16th century. The Mughal era, from the 16th to the 18th century, is referred to as the early modern period. It was a time of momentous political changes that transformed the social and economic fabric of the country.
1. Major Political Changes
- Expansion of the Chola empire from the time of Rajaraja I, which eclipsed the Pandyan and Pallava kingdoms and extended north till Orissa.
- From the twelfth century, several centuries of Muslim rule in Delhi, and the spread of Islam to different parts of the country.
- By the end of the 13th century the eclipse of the Cholas, culminating in the rise of the Vijayanagar empire over all of south India.
- Consolidation of Muslim rule under the Mughals, beginning in 1526 CE with the defeat of Ibrahim Lodi by Babur.
- The coming of the Europeans, beginning with the Portuguese, who arrived on the west coast of India in 1498.