Tracing Changes Through A Thousand Years - Long Answer Questions
He was an Arab Geographer who made a map of the world in 1154 CE. His map showed Sri Lanka at the top and South India where North India is.
A person who makes maps.
Al-Idrisi's map (12th century) placed South at the top. The French map (1720s) is more familiar to us, with North at the top, and was used by European sailors.
Today it means India (the nation-state). In the 13th century (Minhaj-i-Siraj), it meant the areas of Punjab, Haryana, and the lands between Ganga and Yamuna. Babur used it to describe the geography/culture.
In the medieval period, a foreigner (pardesi/ajnabi) was any stranger who was not part of that society or culture. A city-dweller might regard a forest-dweller as a foreigner.
Coins, inscriptions, architecture, and textual records. Typically, the number of textual records increased dramatically during this period (700 to 1750).
A document written by hand. They were collected by wealthy people/rulers and stored in archives.
Scribes copied manuscripts by hand. Sometimes they could not read the handwriting and made small changes/guesses. Over time, these small changes became big differences.
A 14th-century chronicler. He wrote his chronicle first in 1356 and another version two years later. The two differ, but the first one was lost until the 1960s.
Derived from 'Rajaputra' (son of a ruler). Between the 8th and 14th centuries, it applied to a body of warriors who claimed Kshatriya caste status.
Potatoes, corn, chillies, tea, and coffee. Also new technologies like the persian wheel (irrigation) and spinning wheel (weaving).
Sub-castes or ranks based on background and occupation. They had their own rules and regulations managed by an assembly of elders (Jati Panchayat).
Empires spanning diverse regions. Examples: Cholas, Khaljis, Tughluqs, and Mughals.
A praise written for a ruler, often exaggerating their achievements.
The worship of new deities, construction of temples by royalty, and the growing importance of Brahmanas (priests). The idea of Bhakti also emerged.
Two groups of Muslims. Shias believed the Prophet's son-in-law Ali was the leader. Sunnis accepted the authority of early leaders (Khalifas).
British historians divided it into Hindu, Muslim, and British periods. Modern historians divide it into Ancient, Medieval, and Modern.
Spread of peasant societies, rise of regional and imperial state formations, development of Hinduism and Islam, and arrival of European trading companies.
A place where documents and manuscripts are stored.
As paper became cheaper and more available, people used it to write holy texts, chronicles, letters, and judicial records.
Tracing Changes Through A Thousand Years - Important Facts
700 to 1750 is the 'Thousand Years' study period.
Al-Idrisi made his map in 1154.
French cartographer made his map in the 1720s.
Map 2 was used by European sailors.
Hindustan's meaning changed over centuries.
Babur used Hindustan to describe fauna and culture.
Paper became widely available in the 14th century.
Original manuscripts are often hard to find.
Calligraphy is the art of beautiful writing.
Nastaliq is a cursive style of Persian/Arabic writing.
Rajputs became a powerful group.
Marathas, Sikhs, Jats, Ahoms also rose to power.
Forest dwellers were often pushed out by agriculture extension.
Jatis were ranked in hierarchy.
Jati Panchayats enforced rules.
Villages were governed by a chieftain.
Ghiyasuddin Balban claimed to rule a vast empire (in prashasti).
Amir Khusrau noted different languages in 1318.
Sanskrit was not belonging to any region.
Brahmanas dominated due to knowledge of Sanskrit.
Patrons were wealthy supporters of artists/priests.
Islam came to India in the 7th century.
Quran is the holy book of Islam.
Ulama are learned theologians/jurists.
Modern period is associated with material progress.
Medieval period is not 'static'.
Many regions became very wealthy.
European trading companies were attracted by wealth.
Technology: Persian wheel for irrigation.
Technology: Spinning wheel for weaving.
Technology: Firearms in combat.
New food: Potatoes, Chillies.
New beverage: Tea, Coffee.
Travelers brought new ideas.
History is discontinuous.
Region and Empire forces interacted.
Bhakti movement: Personal deity without priests.
Merchants also spread religion.
Shikaste is a denser writing style.
Chronicles provide historical narratives.
Archives preserve history.
Mapping (Cartography) evolved significantly.
Context changes the meaning of terms.
Historians must be careful with terms.
Copying errors accumulate in manuscripts.
Social groups became more complex.
Habitat refers to the environment and lifestyle.
Assam was ruled by Ahoms.
Changes occurred in economy/society/politics.
Tracing Changes Through A Thousand Years - Important Dates/Terms
Al-Idrisi's Map
French Cartographer's Map
Ziyauddin Barani's first chronicle
The Medieval Period