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SPECIAL SHORT NOTES

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History (Ancient and Medieval)

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UP Special Part 1 - Notes Code: 2.4

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Contents
1. Uttar Pradesh: Ancient History ................................................... 3
2. Uttar Pradesh: Medieval History ............................................... 14
3. Uttar Pradesh: Historical Personalities ...................................... 20
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1. Uttar Pradesh: Ancient History

 In ancient times, Uttar Pradesh was known as Madhyadesh and it had very fertile land between
Delhi and Patna.
 Discovery of arms and implements of ancient and Neo-Palaeolithic age was found in Mirzapur,
Bundelkhand, Sonbhadra and Pratapgarh.
 The history of Uttar Pradesh has been divided into Pre-historic Age (Stone age), Proto-historic
Age (Bronze age) and Historic Age (Iron age).
1. Pre-Historic Age in Uttar Pradesh

 Pre-historic age is also known as stone age. It is broadly divided into three categories. They are:
o Palaeolithic Age: During this period, people started using tools made up of stones for the
first time. The evidence of these tools are found in Chhatar palia, Mahugarh and
Parisdhia in Belan valley (Allahabad), Singrauli valley in Sonbhadra and Chakia in
Chandauli. [U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2008]
o Excavation of the Belan valley was done under the supervision of GR Sharma, Professor
of Allahabad University.
o The statue of a bone built maternal goddess along with a stone equipment has been
obtained from the Lohanda Nola region of the Belan valley.
o Two sites at Nihi and Gopipur were also found on the banks of small rivulets in Banda.
o Quartzite was the material used to make tools.
o In this age, people were not familiar with the process of agriculture, construction of huts
and fire but evidences are found that animal husbandry was practised in this age.
 Mesolithic Age
o In Uttar Pradesh the evidence of mesolithic age's culture has been found in Mirzapur,
Sonbhadra and Pratapgarh.
o The tools of this age were small as compared to those of Palaeolithic age. Relics of huts
and pottery were found from Allahabad region.
o Most of the evidence has been found from Sarai Nahar Rai, Pratapgarh district of Uttar
Pradesh. [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2010]
o In Sarai Nahar Rai, 15 human skeletons have been found, that were buried with head of
the body towards West direction. [U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2013]
o Evidence of huts and pottery has been found in Chopani Mando (Prayagraj).
o The people of this age practised hunting and gathering for their food. Area around which
they practised hunting and gathering or collecting their food were Mirzapur, Sonbhadra,
Allahabad and Pratapgarh.
 Neolithic Age
o It was the period of primitive technology and social development. In Uttar Pradesh, the
evidence of Neolithic age has been obtained from Prayagraj, Pratapgarh, Sonbhadra
and Mirzapur districts of Uttar Pradesh.
o The stone tools of this period were small, beautiful and sharper than the Mesolithic period.
The earliest neolithic site in India is Lahuradewa which provides evidence of slash and
burn cultivation. [U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2008]
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o In this age, people were well known to agricultural activities. Evidences of paddy farming
were found in Koldihwa of period between 7000-6000 BC. The evidence of paddy's
grains and stems has been found. Lahuradewa has now begun to be accepted as the most
ancient site of agriculture in the entire Indian subcontinent.[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2010]
o People in this age started domesticating cattle, sheep and goats. They painted potteries.
Animal skins were used as clothes.
2. Proto-Historic Age in Uttar Pradesh
 Proto-historic age is also known as Chalcolithic age.
 During this period, people started using tools made up of copper for the first time.
 Copper tools of this age were found in Meerut and Saharanpur. In the regions of Upper Ganga
valley, Ganga-Yamuna Doab and some other places, grey painted pottery and other copper
made artefacts were found.
 Indus Valley Civilisation also belongs to this age.
 Indus Valley Civilisation
o This civilisation has been traced from Uttar Pradesh from the period of 2500 BC.
o In India, the evidence of urban settlement has been discovered from Uttar Pradesh,
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Haryana, Punjab, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir and Rajasthan.
o In Uttar Pradesh, the areas around which urban settlement were found are Alamgirpur
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(Meerut), Badagaon (Baghpat) and Hulas (Saharanpur).[U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre)

2006][U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2004]
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o Alamgirpur was discovered by Bharat Sevak Samaj on the bank of river Hindon.
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Excavation was done in 1958 under the directions of Yag Dun Sharma. The people of
Alamgirpur were involved in cultivation of cotton and live in villages.
o Later, the remains of the Indus Valley Civilisation have been found from Manpur
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(Bulandshahar), Mandi village and Kairana (Muzaffarnagar).

 Post Indus Valley Civilisation
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o The period after Indus Valley Civilisation and before Vedic period, is known as Post Indus
Valley Civilisation. The ruins of ancient site found in Uttar Pradesh are related to the
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Indus Valley Civilisation and Vedic period.

o The copper utensils which were excavated from Alamgirpur, Hulas, Kanpur, Unnao,
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Mirzapur and Mathura are related to the Post Indus Valley Civilisation. [U.P.P.C.S.
(Pre) 2020]
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3. Historic Age in Uttar Pradesh

 Historic age is also known as iron age. This period was known as Iron age because tools and
other artefacts were made from iron for the first time.
 In this age, painted greyware and black polished utensils were found. The evidence of Iron
age has been traced from Ahichhatra, Hastinapur on the banks of river Ganga,
Atranjikheda, Mathura, Shravasti and Kampilya. [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2006]
 The iron materials and furnaces have been found in Hastinapur and Atranjikheda.
[U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2008]
4. Vedic Civilization in Uttar Pradesh
 The Iron age is also known as Vedic Age, developed between 1500 BC to 600 BC. It expands
from Indus river region (Pakistan) to Bengal (India). It has been divided into two parts:
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 In Indian literature, Vedas are the most ancient scriptures which are four in numbers, namely
Rig Veda, Yajurveda, Samaveda and Atharvaveda. Rig Veda is the most important and oldest
among all these. Rig Veda, Yajurveda and Samaveda are called Vedatrayi or simply Trayi.
[U.P.P.S.C. (GIC) 2010]
 Rigveda consists of 1028 hymns and 10552 mantras. [U.P. R.O. (Pre) 2016]
 Yajurveda contains the description of stotras and rituals.
 There are two branches of Yajurveda-Shukla Yajurveda and Krishna Yajurveda. Vajasnami
is the Samhita of Shukla Yajurveda. Shukla Yajurveda is available only in the poetic form
whereas Krishna Yajurveda contains both poetic as well as prose form. [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre)
2018]
 The Samaveda consists of many hymns which are taken from Rig Veda and are indeed lyrical
and melodious.
 The Atharvaveda contains a lot of knowledge of the physical world and spirituality.
 The Gopatha Brahmana is the only Brahmana, a genre of the prose texts describing the Vedic
rituals, associated with the Atharvaveda. The text is associated with both the Shaunaka and
the Paippalada recensions of the Atharvaveda. [U.P.R.O./A.R.O (Pre) 2014]
 Each of the Vedas is divided into four parts (or the sections). The correct order of them is
Samhitas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas and Upanishads. Samhitas and Brahmanas form the
Karma- Kanda segment of the Vedas. Aranyakas and Upanishads from the Gyan-Kanda
segment of the Vedas. They explicitly focus on philosophy and spirituality. Upnishads talk
about salvation. [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2004, 2003, U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2002][U.P.P.C.S.
(Mains) 2014]
 Kathopanishad is the story of the conversation between Yama, Lord of death and Nachiketa,
the young 12 years old boy. [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2006]
 Vedic river Askini is identified with a present-day river named as Chenab, also popularly
known as Chandrabhaga.Rivers mentioned in the Rig Veda namely Kubha (Kabul), Kramu
(Kurram), Gomti (Gomal) and Suvastu (Swat) were flowing through Afghanistan which
indicates that there were deep relations of Aryans with the country.Parushni (Ravi),Sadaneera
(Gandak), Shutudri (Sutlej). [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2012]
 Saraswati River was considered as the most pious and respected river during the Rigvedic
period. In the Rig Veda, Saraswati is referred as ‘Matetama,’ 'Devitama' and “Naditama’
means best of all mothers, best of all Goddesses and the best of all rivers respectively.
 During Vedic period, the gold necklace was called as ‘Nishka’ which later transformed the
way for the gold coins. [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2007, Pre 2005]
 As a Rigvedic term, gotra simply means “cow shelter” or “herd of cows”. [U.P.P.C.S.
(Mains) 2005]
 Boghaz-Koi inscription which mentions four Vedic God namely Indra, Varuna, Mitra, and
Nasatyas, is the 14th century B.C. inscription. It is important in Indian history because
inscription of 14th century B.C. was discovered here. [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2016]
 The most interesting aspect of Rig Vedic religion was its polytheistic character in which a
number of Gods were worshipped. [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2014]
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 The largest number of hymns in Rigveda belongs to god Indra who was war god, god of rain and
thunder as well and Agni (Second largest). [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2002, 2008, 2010,2011,2017]
 The Gayatri Mantra was first written in Sanskrit in the Rig Veda by the Brahmarshi
Vishwamitra. [U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2013]
 Pancha-Jana suggested five specific tribes whose eponymous ancestors were the founders of
the clans, namely Yadu, Turvasa, Druhya, Anu and Puru. [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2009]
 Puranas have five characteristics like Sarga, Pratisarga, Vansa, Manvantara and
Vanshanucharita. [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) (Re. Exam) 2015]
 Puranas are the sacred literature of Hinduism. There are 18 Puranas namely, (1) Matsya
Purana (2) Markandeya Purana (3) Bhagavat Puranam(4) Bhavishya Purana (5) Brahmanda
Purana (6) Brahma Vaivrata Purana (7) Brahma Purana (8) Vamana Purana (9) Varaha Purana
(10) Vishnu Purana (11) Vayu Purana (12) Agni Purana (13) Narada Purana (14) Padma
Purana (15) Linga Purana (16) Garuda Purana (17) Skanda Purana (18) Kurma Purana. Out
of these 18 Puranas, Srimad Bhagvatam is considered as the ‘Crown Jewel’ of all the Vedic
literature. [U.P.P.S.C. (GIC) 2010, U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2009]
 The words “Satyameva Jayate’ is a Sanskrit word taken from the ‘Mundakopanishad.
[U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Pre) 2004, U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2004]
 Rig Vedic Period (1500-1000 BC)
o The main source of information of Vedic period is the Rigveda. During this period, Aryan
civilisation was limited to Punjab and Sindh region only.
o Here was the residence of the Panchajana. It included Anu, Druhya, Yadu, Pun and
Turvashas.
 Post Vedic Period (1000-600 BC)
o This period developed only on Rigveda culture. During this period, Vedic culture had
expanded from almost Northern India to Eastern Bengal, including Uttar Pradesh.
o Main centre of the Post Vedic period was the Doab region of the Ganga and Saraswati.
Earlier, it was known as Madhyadesh.
o Large states like Kuru and Panchal were included under Madhyadesh.
o Kuru kingdom was expanded from Meerut to Delhi and Thaneshwar. Asandivata
(Hastinapur) was the capital of Kuru.
o Kuru was expanded to Bareilly, Budaun and Farrukhabad and its capital Kampilya.
Panchal was a well developed state among all the kingdoms.
o Kuru and Panchal region was the land of great sages like Bhardwaj, Valmiki,
Vashishtha and Yajnavalkya.
5. Epic Era in Uttar Pradesh
 After Vedic period, two epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata were written in Uttar
Pradesh, which are the sources of modern history.
 By this time, Aryan civilisation had spread to Anga in East. It included the kingdom
Kaushambi, Kosala, Kashi, Videha, Magadha and Anga. The story of Lord Rama is
related to Ikshvaku Dynasty. Its writer was Maharshi Valmiki.
 The story of Mahabharata is related to Kuru dynasty of Hastinapur. Maharshi Ved Vyas was
the writer of Mahabharata.
 Mahabharata originally had only 8,800 slokas and its original name was ‘Jaya’ or
Jayasamhita. Mahabharata today has 100,000 Shlokas and is believed to be written by Sage
Veda Vyasa. It was also known as Shatasahasri-Samhita. [U.P.R.O/A.R.O. (Pre) 2014]
[U.P.B.E.O. (Pre.) 2019]
Page. 6
6. Mahajanapadas and Uttar Pradesh

 Buddhist Literature (Anguttara Nikaya, Maha Vastu) and Jain Literature (Bhagavati
Sutra) contain 16 Mahajanapadas. Among 16 Mahajanapadas, only 8 were located in Uttar
Pradesh. These were Kuru, Panchal, Shursen, Vatsa, Kosal, Malla, Kashi and Chedi.
 List of Mahajanpadas with their Capitals and Extension Area in Uttar Pradesh
Mahajanpada Extension Area Capital
Meerut, Delhi,
Kuru Indraprastha (Delhi)
Thaneshwar
Panchal
Bareilly, Budaun, Ahichhatra (Bareilly) and
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2007] Farrukhabad Kampilya
Mathura[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2020]

Shursena Mathura
Saket and Shravasti

Kosala Awadh [U.P.R.O. 2016]
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Kaushambi
Vatsa Prayagraj
(Prayagraj)
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Kushinagar[U.P.P.C.S.
Malla Kushinagar and Pava
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(Mains) 2005]
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Kashi Varanasi Varanasi

Suktimati(Banda) [U.P.P.C.S.
Chedi Bundelkhand
(Mains) 2011]
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 Republic States of U. P. in Ancient India

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o In the 6th C BC, present day UP contained 7 republics.

Republic States Current Location
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Shakya of Kapilavastu Siddharthnagar

Koliya of Ramgram Gorakhpur
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Moriya of Pippalivana Gorakhpur Region

Mall of Kushinagar Kushinagar Region
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Malla of Pava Fazilnagar

Maggas of Samasumaragiri Mirzapur
Kalam of Kesput Ganga- Yamuna Basin
7. Emergence of New Religions

 The emergence of Jainism and Buddhism in 6th Century BC had a considerable effect on the
then regions of Uttar Pradesh. This is discussed below:
 Jainism
o Parshwanath was the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism. According to Jain text he was born
in Varanasi. Mahaveer Swami was the 24th Tirthankar of Jainism. He was born in
Kundalpur in Vaishali (Bihar).[U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Pre) 2004]
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o Mahavir Swami attained enlightenment at the bank of river Rijupalika in the village of
Jrimbhik. [U.P. R.O. (Mains) 2017]
o Jainism had spread in Uttar Pradesh even before the arrival of Mahaveer Swami.
o During Kushana period, Mathura was a prosperous centre for Jains.
o Tirthankar such as Parshwanath (born in Varanasi), Sambharnath and
Chandraprabha attained Kaivalya in Uttar Pradesh. [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2016]
o Many evidences of Jainism have been found from Mathura.
o Prabhasgiri is a Jain pilgrimage site located in Kaushambi, U.P. The site Prabhasgiri is
related to 6th Jain Tirthankar, Padmaprabha. [U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Pre) 2008]
[U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Mains) 2010]
o In Northern India, two major pilgrimage sites are located in Mathura and Ujjain.
 Buddhism
o It was founded by Gautam Buddha. He was born in 563 BC at Lumbini.
o His father Suddhodhana was the king of Kapilvastu. He belonged to Sakya dynasty and
his mother belonged to Kosala dynasty. At the age of 35 at ‘Uruvela' (Bodh Gaya), on
the bank of river Niranjana, he attained Nirvana. [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2005]
o Sarnath was the place where he preached his first sermon which was called
Dharmachakra Pravartana. There, he gave two elements of the holy trinity of
Buddhism i.e. Dhamma and Sangha. [U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2004]
o In 483 BC, Buddha obtained Mahaparinirvana at the age 80 in Kushinagar. [U.P.P.C.S.
(Spl) (Pre) 2004]
o Uttar Pradesh is known as the Paalana of Buddha religion or Cradle of Buddhism. He
spent more time of his work life here.
Buddhist Sites in Uttar Pradesh
This site was located in present-day Siddharthnagar. Shuddhodhana, the
Kapilavastu
father the Buddha, was the ruler of this domain.
Its ancient name was Rishipattan. The Buddha delivered his first ever
sermon at this place, which is called the Dharmachakra Pravartana or
Sarnath
Turning of the Wheel. It was here the Buddha also established his
Buddhist Sangha.
This is the place of the parinirvana (quitting the mortal world) of the
Kushinagar Buddha. It was the capital of the Malla republic (present-day Kushinagar
and Deoria).
Situated on the banks of the Rapti River, it was the capital of the Kosala
kingdom. The Buddha delivered most of his sermons in this city.
Alexander Cunningham had identified the ancient Shravasti at Sahet-
Shravasti
Mahet (today’s Shravasti) placed near Gonda in Uttar Pradesh in 1861. It
is known by excavations that the configuration of Shravasti was in
crescentic form. [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2010]
The present-day Ramgarh Tal in Gorakhpur is believed to be ancient
Ramgram Ramgram and was the capital of the Koliya republic. Yashodhara, the
wife of Gautama Buddha, was a princess of this republic.
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This was the maternal native place of the Buddha. The town of
Devdah Thuthibari, situated in the district of Maharajganj on the border with
Nepal, is believed to be the site of this ancient Buddhist place.
This site is situated in the region of present-day Fazilnagar-Sathiyawan
area in present-day Kushinagar. It was here that the Buddha fell ill after
Pawa
eating at Chandrakumar's dwelling, after which he attained
mahaparinirvana at Kushinagar.
 Other Religion: In Uttar Pradesh, except the Jainism and Buddhism, the God and Goddess of
Brahamana religion have been found like Vishnu, Vasudeva, Surya, Durga, Laxmi, etc.
8. Magadha Empire
 Magadha was an ancient Indian kingdom in Southern Bihar. It was counted as one of the
sixteen Mahajanapadas of ancient India.
 Magadha played an important role in the development of Jainism and Buddhism. The two of
India's greatest empires, the Maurya Empire and Gupta Empire, originated in Magadha.
 This empire was founded by Bimbisara. Kaushal and Avanti were also conquered by
Magadha Empire.
 After the death of Bimbisara, Ajatshatru became the ruler of Magadha Empire. He ruled over
Bihar and half of Uttar Pradesh.
 Magadha Empire was also ruled by Haryank, Shishunaga and Nanda dynasty.
Mahapadmananda was the most powerful ruler of Magadha Empire.
 In 323 BC, Chandragupta Maurya became the emperor of Magadha.
9. Maurya Period
 Chandragupta Maurya founded the Maurya dynasty in 322 BC. He dethroned Dhananand
with the help of Kautilya.
 He expanded his kingdom from Iran-Saurashtra in the West Bengal in the East, Himalaya in
the North and Karnataka in the South.
 In 305 BC, Chandragupta defeated Seleucus Nicator and Hindu Kush became boundary
between their states. Megasthenes was sent to the court of Chandragupta Maurya by Seleucus
Nicator.
 Chandragupta Maurya was succeeded by his son Bindusar. Bindusar patronised Ajivikas.
 Ashoka the great, was the grandson of Chandragupta and son of Bindusar who ruled almost
all of the Indian subcontinent from 268 to 232 BC. He is related to the Brahamana religion.
Later, he converted to Buddhism.
 According to Buddhist tradition, Ashoka won the throne after killing 99 brothers sparing only
Tissa, the youngest one.
 Ashoka's inscriptions of Topa and Meerut were shifted to Delhi by Firoz Shah Tuglaq and
inscription of Kaushambi was established in Fort of Prayag by Mughal emperor Akbar.
 Ashoka created the state of four lions in Sarnath. The Lion Pillar of Ashoka has been adopted
as the national emblem of India. The sculptures and inscriptions of Ashoka period were
constructed with sandstone of Chunar. Dharmarajika Stupa was built by Ashoka in Sarnath.
Page. 9
List of Ashoka's Pillars and Major Rock Edicts in Uttar Pradesh

Place Pillar/Rock Edict/Inscription
Meerut Inscription
Sarnath near Varanasi Pillar inscription, Schism Edict
Allahabad (originally located at Pillar Edicts I-VI, Queen's Edict, Schism Edict Probably
Kaushambi) moved to Allahabad by Jahangir
Kaushambi Minor Rock Edicts
Sankisa Elephant capital only
Topra (Khijrabad-Saharanpur) Inscription
Kalsi Kalsi is located in Dehradun district of Uttarakhand. It is
[U.P. Lower Sub. (Spl) (Pre) 2008] famous for Ashokan rock edict.
10. Famous Ruling Dynasties of Ancient Period

 This dynasty was established by Pushyamitra Shunga in 185 BC.
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The capital of Shunga dynasty was Vidisha (Madhya Pradesh).
The great Buddhist stupa at Bharhut (Madhya Pradesh) was built
during his reign.
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 It is known from the rock documents found at Ayodhya that

Shunga dynasty was a Brahman caste.
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 Pushyamitra made ‘Ashvamedh Yajna' at Jagatgram near

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Dehradun (Uttarakhand).
 Patanjali was the priest of two Asvamedha yajnas performed by
Pushyamitra Shunga. He was born at Gonarda in Central India
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Shunga Dynasty and wrote Mahabhasya. He was the expounder of Yoga

Philosophy. [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2007]
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 In Patanjali's `Mahavashy', it is mentioned that Saaket (Ayodhya)

was surrounded by Yawan's (Yunanis). The Yawan attackers, led
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by Menander, captured Kathiawar, Sakal or Sialkot and Mathura.

 They were challenged and defeated by Vasumitra, the grandson
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of Pushyamitra. [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2005]

 Famous monuments built during Shunga period were Bharhut
am
Stupa, Sanchi Stupa, Amravati Stupa, Nasik Chaitya, etc.

 Pushyamitra was succeeded by his son Agnimitra, the hero of
Kalidasa's drama Malavikagnimitra. [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2006]
 The Kanva dynasty (75-30 BCE) was a Brahmin dynasty which
replaced the Shunga dynasty. The first king of this dynasty was
king Vasudeva.
Kanva Dynasty  The town Kalpi is situated in the Jalaun district of Uttar Pradesh
on the bank of river Yamuna. During the ancient period, it was
famous as 'Kalpriya', which was later known as Kalpi. It was built
by King Vasudeva.[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2015]
Page. 10
 This dynasty continued to rule for 45 years and it was brought to

an end in 28 B.C. by Simuk. He was the founder of Satavahana
dynasty.
 The Kushana dynasty was founded by Kujula Kadphises also
known as Kadphises I.
 The second king of Kushana dynasty was Vima Kadphises also
known as Kadphises II who issued gold coins. These coins are
found from Mathura. These coins have images of Shiva, Trishul
and Nandi carved on them.
 The greatest ruler Kaniska was the son of Verma Kadphises of
Kushana dynasty. The capitals of second Kushan dynasty were
at Peshawar (Purushapura) and Mathura.
 Kanishka started an era in 78 AD which is now known as the
Kushana Dynasty Shaka era.
 In Kanishka reign, 4th Buddhist council was held in Kundalavana,
Kashmir. The Kushanas were the first ruler in India to issue gold
coins on a wide scale. These coins are found from Mathura.
Mathura was the centre of trade and culture during Kushana
period. [U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2013]
 During Kushana period, two art forms were developed i.e.
Gandhar and Mathura art forms. Parshva, Vasumitra, Asvaghosa,
Nagarjuna, Charaka and Mathura were scholars and were
patronaged by Kanishka. [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2006][U.P.P.C.S.
(Pre) 2017]
 They replaced the Indo Greeks in India also known as Seythians.
The most famous ruler in India was Rudradaman (130AD - 150
AD).
 The first king of Shah dynasty was `Maueus' or `Moga'. He
established Kshatrapa dynasty in Mathura around 60 BC and died
around 38 BC.
 The territories of Mathura Kshatrapa were extended from
Mathura to Punjab.
Shaka Dynasty
 In about 58 BC, a king of Ujjain, Vikramaditya is supposed to
have fought effectively against the Shakas.
Indo Greek Invasion: Indo Greek were the first among the foreign
invaders in India, who invaded India. Menander (165-145 BC)
was the most famous among all the Indo Greek invaders His
kingdom expanded from river Jhelum to Mathura in Uttar
Pradesh.
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2017]
 It was founded by Srigupta. He used the title of Maharaja.
Gupta Dynasty Srigupta was succeeded by his son Ghatotkacha. Ghatotkacha
also inherited the tide of Maharaja.
Page. 11
 Chandragupta I was the first ruler to use the title of

Maharajadhiraja. He solidified his state after he had married the
daughter of Lichchhiwi dynasty. The powerful Lichchhiwi had
control over Bihar and Nepal. He started Gupta era in 319-20
AD. Chandragupta I was able to establish his authority over
Allahabad, Awadh and South Bihar.
 Chandragupta I was succeeded by his son Samudragupta. He was
called the Nepolean of India due to his military campaigns by VA
Smith.
 The most authentic record of his reign is described in the Prayag
Prashasti / (Allahabad) pillar inscription, composed by his court
poet Harisena of Samudragupta. [U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains)
2004]
 Samudragupta was succeeded by his son Chandragupta II. He
was also known as Vikramaditya. This period is referred to as the
classical age or golden age of ancient India.
 It was the time of Chandragupta II that the Chinese Pilgrim Fa-
hien visited India. He married Kubernaga of Naga dynasty.
During Gupta period, splendid Buddhist states were constructed
in Sarnath and Mathura.
 Temple art was developed during the Gupta period. The temple of
Kanpur, Jhansi, Bhitargaon, Ghazipur and Bhitari are examples of
temple art of Gupta period. [U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2014]
List of Inscriptions of Gupta Period
Inscription About the Inscription
It is located in district of Uttar Pradesh. It is the
oldest record of the Kumaragupta I reign and
Bilsad
dated Gupta year 96 which corresponds to 415
AD.
It is located in Karchana Tehsil of Prayagraj. The
two inscriptions have been found of
Gadhwa
Kumaragupta's reign. From here, also the last
inscription of Skandagupta is found.
It is located in Ayodhya. It belongs to the
Kumaragupta reign which dated Gupta year 117
which corresponds to 436 AD. The peculiarity of
Karamdanda
this inscription is that it is engraved on a 'linga'
which is of stone and found in a site called
Bharadhi-Din in Faizabad.
It is located in Prayagraj and is dated Gupta year
129 which corresponds to 448 AD. It is of
Mankuwar Buddhist image inscription in Kumaragupta's
reign. It is made up by a Buddhist monk
Buddhamitra
Page. 12
This inscription is damaged and it is not possible

to date the inscription or read the dedication. It is
Mathura
made up of stone. It is of Chandragupta II's reign,
which is recently dated to 388 AD.
It is also known as Saidpur, an ancient village in
Gazipur. It describes the reign of Skandagupta
and Kumaragupta I. From the Bhitari Pillar
Bhitari
inscription. It is known that Purugupta was the
immediate successor of Kumaragupta I.
[U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2014]
 Capital of this dynasty was Thaneswar. The first important ruler of
this dynasty was Prabhakaravardhana. The Prabhakaravardhana
was succeeded by his eldest son Rajyavardhana.
 Harshavardhana defeated Dhruvasena II, who was the Maitraka
Vardhana Dynasty ruler of Vallabhi. The Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang visited India
or the Pushyabhuti at the time of Harshavardhana. [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2012]
om
Dynasty  His kingdom was expanded from Thaneshwar to river Narmada in
the South, Ganjam in the East and Vallabhi in the West. He is also
l.c
known as Mahodaya Shri because of the development of Kannauj.

He organised two religious conferences in Prayag and Kannauj in
ai
643 AD. [U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2001]

 After Vardhana dynasty, Yashovasman was the ruler of Kannauj
gm
for short period. For 200 years, the triangular struggle between the
three kingdoms of Rashtrakuta, Pala and Pratiharas continued on
77
Kannauj.
 Inscription which was found from Gwalior, proved that Pratihara's
Gurjara-Pratihara
77
king Nagabhatta II defeated Chakrayudha the ruler of Kannauj and

Dynasty
made Kannauj his kingdom's capital. [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2017]

99
Mihirbhoja, Mahipala and Mahendrapala, etc were the major rulers

of this dynasty. [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2008]

ity
Sulaiman came to India. In 1018-19, Mahmud of Ghazni invaded

India and defeated Pratiharas.

am
After the fall of the Gujara-Pratiharas, two new dynasties of

Chandela and Gahadavala dynasty emerged in the state.
 Mahoba's Chandela ruled nearly for 400 years. Their evidences are
still available in Khajuraho.
Chandela and
 Gahadavala dynasty was founded by Chandradeva in Kannauj.
Gahadavala
Dynasty  Govindachandra and Jay chandra were the famous kings of this
dynasty.
 In the Battle of Chandawar (Firozabad) in 1194, Muhammad Ghori
defeated Jayachandra, the last ruler of the Gahadavala dynasty and
killed him. [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2008]
Page. 13
Timeline
Period Dynasties and Empires
684 BC-320 BC Magadha Empire
322 BC-187 BC Mauryan Empire
185 BC-78BC Shunga Dynasty
75 BC-30 BC Kanva Dynasty
90 AD-100 AD Kushana Dynasty
Around 78 AD Shaka Dynasty
319 AD-543 AD Gupta Dynasty
550 AD-647 AD Vardhana Dynasty
Mid 8th-1lth Century AD Gurjara-Pratihara
9th-13th Century AD Dynasty Chandela and Gahadavala Dynasty
2. Uttar Pradesh: Medieval History

After the decline of Harshavardhana's reign, various regional powers came into existence and tried
hard to establish their rule. Then it was ruled by the different sultans of Delhi Sultanate. After this
event, Uttar Pradesh along with Delhi came under the rule of Mughal Empire. The subedar of Mughal
Empire became the Nawab of Awadh.
1. Uttar Pradesh and Sultanate Period

 Muhammed Ghori's conquest became the cause of new political entity in India, the Delhi
Sultanate.
 Qutb ud-Din Aibak (1206-10), the slave of Muhammed Ghori, founded the slave dynasty in
1206 and conquered the throne.
 The area of present Uttar Pradesh was the part of Delhi Sultanate from the beginning.
 Qutb ud-Din Aibak was given the title of `Lakh Bakhsh'. He laid the foundation of Qutub
Minar of Delhi and constructed two mosques `Qitub-ul-Islam' at Delhi and Àdhai Din Ka
Jhonpra' at Ajmer. He died while playing polo in 1210.
 After the death of Qutb ud-Din Aibak, Iltutmish occupied the throne in 1211 by deposing
Aram Baksh. He was son-in-law of Aibak. He introduced silver coin (Tanka) and copper coin
(Jital). Jama Masjid of Badaun was built by Iltutmish.
 He introduced Iqta system and official nobility of slaves known as Chahalgami. He patronised
Minhaj-i-Siraj, author of Tabaqat-i-Nasiri.
 After Iltutmish, Firuz Shah Tughlaq became the ruler of Delhi sultanate. He has set up the
city of Jaunpur in memory of Muhammad bin Tughlaq. Firozabad was founded by Firoz Shah
Tughlaq. [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2011]
 Jizya tax was introduced in his time.
 Sharqi dynasty was founded by Malik Sarwar Khwaja Jahan in 1394. [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre.)
2021]
 He was given the title of Malik-Us-Sahrqi (Owner of East) and he was the ruler of Eastern
areas.
Page. 14
 In reign of Sharqi Jaunpur became the major centre of education, art and business. Jaunpur
was known as Siraj-e-Hind (Siraj of East).
 Bahlol Lodi, the Sultan of Delhi won Jaunpur in 1484 and merged it in Delhi Sultanate.
 Sultan Sikandar Lodi, the son of Bahlol Lodi, laid the foundation of Agra city in 1504 and
made it its sub-capital. [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2005, 2011,U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2008]
 He introduced Gaz-i-Sikandari for measuring cultivated land. Sikandar Lodi was succeeded
by his son Ibrahim Lodi.
Architecture of Sultanate Period in Uttar Pradesh
Architecture Emperor
Jaunpur Nagar Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Agra City Sikandar Lodi
Jama Masjid (Jaunpur) Hussain Shah Sharqi
Lal Darwaza (Jaunpur)[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2018] Hussain Shah Sharqi
Atala Masjid (Jaunpur) Ibrahim Shah Sharqi
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2011]
Jhanjhari Masjid (Jaunpur) Ibrahim Shah Sharqi
Jama Masjid (Budaun) Iltutmish
2. Bhakti Movement in Uttar Pradesh

 Bhakti Movement in Medieval India was a new attempt to counter Buddhism and Jainism
which were founded in the 6th C BC as a reaction to the complexities of Vedic rituals.
 The movement was led by saints from Shaiva and Vaishnava sects.
 In southern India, Vaishnava saints, propagating Vaishnava Dharma, were known as ‘Alvars’
and Shaiva saint, propagating Shaiva dhanna, were known as ‘Nayanars’.
 Both Alvars and Nayanars used Bhakti (worship or personal devotion to God) as a medium
to propagate Dharma. Ramananda brought the bhakti movement from the south to the north.
Important Saints Description
 Ramananda, a disciple of Ramanuja, was born in Anusuiaya of
Prayagraj.
 He enrolled disciples from all castes and preached in the local
language.
Ramananda  He emphasised on monotheism (principle of one God). He started
worship of Rama instead of Vishnu.
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains)
2010]  Kabir, Raidas, Sena were his famous disciple. The popularity of the
bhakti movement led to its dissection into Nirguna (God without
attributes) and Saguna (God with attributes) sects. [U.P. Lower Sub.
(Pre) 2002]
 Kabir is the most prominent name in the Nirguna sect and the Saguna
sect was led by Chaitanya, Tulsidas, Vallabhacharya, Surdas and
Meera.
Page. 15
 Contemporary of Sultan Sikandar Lodi and was born in 1440 AD

(the exact date is disputed).
 Kabir raised himself above the orthodoxies of caste and religion and
raised his voice against all kinds of social evils in society.
 He was a true social reformer. He was against religious rituals,
worldly pomp, anthropomorphism and idol worship.
 He preached about Nirguna Brahma (God without attributes) based
Kabir on the principle of one God. He even accepted Rama in Nirguna
form.
 Despite being illiterate, Kabir composed couplets based on his
teachings. These couplets were an effective medium to spread his
ideas among the masses.
 ‘Bijak’ is the collection of' his couplets. He challenged Brahmanical
orthodoxy throughout his life and even in death, by dying in
‘Maghar’ (present-day Sant Kabir Nagar district) in 1510 AD.
 Born in Kashi in 1482 AD. He was a disciple of Ramananda.
om
 He worked as a cobbler. He used to do social work and worship God
in his spare time.
l.c
Raidas (Ravidas)  He opposed worldly pomp, ritualism, caste system,

anthropomorphism, etc.
ai
 He believed in the principle of one God without attributes, that is,

gm
Nirguna Brahma. His followers established the `Raidas Sect'.

 Born in Rajpur village in the Banda district in 1523 AD. He was a
contemporary of Akbar, Jahangir and the Mewar King Rana Pratap.
77
Tulsidas  He was the most prominent saint-poet of the Saguna bhakti sect. He
composed the Ramcharita Manas praising and describing the life of
77
Rama, an incarnation of Vishnu.[U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Pre) 2004]

 Vallabhacharya is one of the most famous saints of the Krishna
99
Bhakti sect.
 Born in 1479 AD in Kashi. He believed in the philosophy of
ity
Shuddhadvaita (pure non-dualism). [U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2002]

Vallabhacharya  He founded Vaishnuva Sampraday (Vaishnava sect) in the
am
Vijaynagar Kingdom during the reign of Raja Krishnadevaraya. He

prescribed Krishna worship in the form of ‘Srinath ji’.
 He composed Subhodhni, Siddhant Rahasya and Anubhasya. His
followers were known as Àsthachap'.[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2005]
 Surdas, a disciple of Vallabhacharya, was born in 1478 AD at
Runakta village on the Agra-Mathura road.
 He was a contemporary of Akbar and Jahangir.
Surdas
 He was a poet and a member of Asthachap. He emphasised on
Krishna worship and composed Sursagar, Sursaravali and Sahitya
Liehari in Brijbhasa.[U.P.P.S.C. (GIC) 2010]
Page. 16
3. Uttar Pradesh and Mughal Period

 Mughal rule in India was established in 1526 by Babur. He defeated Ibrahim Lodi in the first
Battle of Panipat on 21st April, 1526 and made Agra his capital.
 In 1527, he defeated Rana Sanga of Mewar at Khanwa. He wrote his autobiography Tuzuk-i-
Baburi in Turkish. He died at Agra in 1530. His tomb is at Kabul.
 In 1529, Babar defeated Muhammad Lodi and Nusrat Shah on the banks of the river
Ghaghara.
 In December 1530, Humayun succeeded his father Babur as ruler of the Mughal territories in
the Indian sub-continent. His sister Gulbadan Begum wrote his biography Humayunama.
Humayun built Dinpanah at Delhi as his second capital.
 In 1540, Sher Shah Suri took over the reign of Uttar Pradesh after defeating Mughal emperor
Humayun. [U.P.B.E.O. (Pre) 2019]
 In 1540, he invaded the fort of Kalinjar, and laid a siege of the fort. [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2015]
 In 1545, after the death of Sher Shah Suri, Humayun regained the throne of Delhi sultanate in
1555.
 Akbar was the eldest son of Humayun who succeeded the throne under the tide of Jalal-ud-
din Muhammad Akbar in 1556 AD.[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2005]
 Akbar was under the inference of Maham Anga and Adham Khan from 1560 to 1562. He
came to Agra city and built a fort here.
 Akbar ruled from Agra and founded the city of Fatehpur Sikri in 1572 AD. He constructed
huge forts in Agra and Allahabad.[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2007]
 Todarmal and Birbal, the Navaratanas of Akbar, belonged to Sitapur and Kalpi of Uttar
Pradesh. [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2012, 2007]
 Jahangir succeeded the throne after Akbar's death in 1605.
 He established Zanjir-i-Adal (Chain of Justice) at Agra fort for the seekers of royal justice.
He built the Mausoleum of Akbar and Mausoleum of Mariam-uz-Zamani.
 In 1608, Captain William Hawkins came to Jahangir's court.
 The period of Jahangir saw arts and culture at its peak.
 After the death of Jahangir, Shah Jahan succeeded the throne in 1628.
 In 1631-32, he defeated the Portuguese. He shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi.
 The period of Shah Jahan is known as the golden period of India's art, culture and architecture.
 He built the classical wonder Taj Mahal at Agra in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. He
also built Moti Masjid in Agra fort. [U.P.P.C.S (Pre) 2010]
 After the death of Shahjahan, Aurangzeb sat on the throne of Delhi but due to his religious
intolerance the Mughal empire collapsed.
Architecture of Mughal Period in Uttar Pradesh
Emperor Architecture
Jama Masjid (Sambhal), Babri Masjid (Ayodhya) [U.P.P.C.S.
Babur
(Mains) 2011]
City of Fatehpur Sikri, Agra fort, Fort of Allahabad, Jahangir Mahal
Akbar
(Agra), Buland Darwaza, Fatehpur Sikri (Fatehpur Sikri), Jama
Page. 17
Masjid, Birbal Mahal, Khas Mahal, Humayun Tomb, Tomb of

Sheikh Salim Chisti, Panchmahal of Fatehpur Sikri, Jodhabai Mahal
[U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Pre) 2004]
Nurjahan Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah (Agra) [U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2010]
Jahangir Tomb of Akbar, Mariam-uz-Zamani 's Tomb
Taj Mahal (Agra) Diwan-i-Am of Agra Fort, Moti Masjid of Agra
Shah Jahan
Fort [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2013]
4. Nawab of Awadh
 Awadh was a province of the Mughal empire. It included the entire Uttar Pradesh.
 Saadat Khan-Burhan-ul-Mulk was the founder of the autonomous kingdom of Awadh in 1722.
 He was appointed as the Governor of Awadh in 1722. He introduced new land revenue and
land lease system in Awadh, to protect farmers from exploitation of landlord.
 Safdar Jang became the Nawab of Awadh in 1739. In 1748, he was made the Wazir of the
Mughal empire and Allahabad province was also handed to him. [U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains)
2008]
 Shuja-ud-Daula became the nawab of Awadh in October 1754. He participated in the Battle
of Buxar in 1764 in alliance with Mir Qasim against the British East India Company. British
established their supremacy in India after this battle.
 Shuja-ud-Daula made a Treaty of Banaras in 1773 with Warren Hastings and with the help of
the British in 1774 Ruhelkhand got mixed in Awadh.
 He died in 1775 at Faizabad and was buried at Gulab Bari.
 Asaf-ud-Daula became Nawab of Awadh after the death of Shuja-ud-Daula, replaced by Shah
Alam II from 1773 to 1777. Asaf-ud-Daula shifted his capital from Faizabad to Lucknow.
[U.P.R.O. 2017]
 He made treaty in 1775 with British East India Company. By this treaty, he was burdened
with debt. It is called Treaty of Faizabad.
 He built Bara (big) Imambara, Rumi Darwaza (also known as Turkish gate) in Lucknow. He
died in 1797 and was buried at Bara Imambara in Lucknow.
 Wajid Ali Shah was the tenth and last Nawab of Awadh from 1847-1856.
 By accusing of misrule, Lord Dalhousie annexed Awadh in British state in 1856 and sent
Wajid Ali Shah to Calcutta and paid monthly pension.
5. Important terms to remember

Terms Description
The Iqta system was a unique type of land distribution and administrative
system introduced during the reign of Iltutmish. In the Iqta system the lands
Iqta system of the Delhi Sultanate were divided into several large and small tracts called
Iqta and assigned these Iqtas to the Sultan’s soldiers, officers and nobles.
[U. P. P. C. S. (Pre) 2010][U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2019]
Page. 18
Feature of Akbar administration. The Mansabdari system was a grading

system used by the Mughal rulers to fix the rank and salary of a Mansabdar.
Mansabdari
They were nobles who occupied various positions in the administration of the
system
Mughal Empire. They were appointed and dismissed by the Mughal Emperor.
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2009,U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2019]
The quest of Akbar culminated in the Tauhid-i-ialhi (the divine monotheism)
or Din-i-Illahi, the word Din was applied decades later. In 1582, this religious
doctrine which combined mysticism, philosophy and nature worship was
Din-i-Illahi propounded by Akbar which recognized no prophets.
and Tauhid-i- Din-i-Illahi was an eclectic doctrine that contained elements from very diverse
ilahi fields. It overthrew almost every ceremonial rule whether Islam or Muslim, but
took the good ideas from the Brahmins as well as from the missionaries and
adopted “Sun” as a symbol of the worship of the creator. He started a new Illahi
era.[U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2006,U.P. P.C.S. (Mains) 2003]
There are following types of taxations as per Islamic law.
 Ushr: This was a tax on crop produce. It was levied only on Muslims. It
om
was fixed as 10 percent of produce on irrigated land and 5 percent of
produce on non-irrigated land.
 Kharaj: This was a land tax levied on non-Muslims. It ranged between
l.c
one-third and one-half under various sultans.

 Khams: It was the tax on war booty and hidden treasures. Generally, it
ai
Islamic was divided as one-fifth to the ruler and four-fifth to the soldiers. Firoz
gm
Taxation Shah made the ruler's part four-fifths.

 Zakat: It was also levied only on Muslims. It was used for the welfare of poor
77
and needy Muslims. Its rate was fixed as two and a half percent of income.
 Jiziya: It was the tax on non-Muslims who were called as zimmis under Islamic
77
law. Jiziya was imposed in lieu of exemption from military service and for
protection of the state. Women, children, handicapped and unemployed were
exempt from it. It was imposed on Brahmins also, who were exempted earlier.
99
Akbar repealed jiziya which was again reimposed by Aurangzeb.

ity
Timeline
am
Period Events
1206 AD Foundation of Slave Dynasty
1394 AD Sharqi Dynasty
1504 AD Agra city was found by Sikandar Lodi
1526 AD Establishment of Mughal rule in India
1540 AD Invasion of the fort of Kalinjar by Sher Shah Suri
1628 AD Shah Jahan succeeded the throne
1722 AD Autonomous kingdom of Awadh was founded
1773 AD Treaty of Banaras
1856 AD Awadh was annexed in British State
Page. 19
3. Uttar Pradesh: Historical Personalities

Name Information
 He was born in 1236 AD in Budaun, Uttar Pradesh. He was a great Sufi
Saint of Chishti order. He was a disciple of the Sufi Saint Fariduddin
Ganjshakar, commonly known as `Baba Farid'. [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre)
Nizamuddin 2006]
Auliya  At the age of five, after the death of his father, Ahmad Badayuni, he came
to Delhi with his mother, Bibi Zulekha.
 He spent all his life to spread the Sufi order and died in 1325 AD
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2007]
 His real name was Abul Hasan Yamin-ud-Din Khusro. He was born in
1253 AD in Patiyali (Kasganj). He was a great Sufi musician, poet,
historian, scholar and composer.
 He is known as ‘Tuti-e-Hind’ (voice of India), 'Father of Qawwali',
'Father of Urdu Literature' and 'Father of Khadiboli'. He developed
Amir Khusro `Khayal Gayaki'.
 He was the disciple of Nizamuddin Auliya and had seen the regin of
eight Delhi Sultans.
 His important compositions were `Nuh Sipihr’, "Khazayan-ul-futuh'
and Tughlaq Nama'. [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2019][U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2019]
 He improvised many musical instruments like tabla, sitar, etc.
 He was born in 1285 AD in Bulandshahar district. He was a political
thinker and historian of Sultanate period.
 He remained in the courts of Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq and Firuz Shah
Tughlaq.
Ziyauddin
Barani  His best works are ‘Tarikh-i-Firuz Shahi’ which covers the Sultanate
period of 1265-1358 CE (from the reign of Ghiyas-ud-din Balban to
first six years of reign of Firuz Shah Tughlaq.[U.P.B.E.O. (Pre) 2019]
 Other important work includes Fatwa-i-Jahandari which is an
important work of Sultanate administration.
 He was 15th century Indian mystic poet and saint whose writings
influenced Bhakti movement.
 He belonged to a Muslim weaver family of Uttar Pradesh.
 He was born in Varanasi in 1525.
Kabir
 He was the first disciple of Bhakti poet saint Swami Ramananda.
 He composed his poem in vernacular Hindi. His works included Kabir
Bijak, Kabir Parichai, Sakhi Granth, Adi Granth, Kabir
Granthavali.
 He was born in 1528 AD in a Brahman family at Kalpi in Jalaun district.
Birbal
His real name was Mahesh Das. [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2014]
Page. 20
 Birbal was famous for his intelligence. He also served at the Rajput Court
of Raja Ram Chandra of Rewa (Madhya Pradesh).
 He was one of the nine jewels of Navaratnas of Emperor Akbar.
 He was the first man to adopt Din-i-Ilahi the religion founded by Akbar.
He was also honoured by the title `Kavi Raj' by the Emperor.
 He was born in 1547 AD in Agra. He was a great poet and scholar at
Akbar's court.
 He was the elder brother of Abu’l Fazl.
 The Mahabharat was translated into the Persian language named as
‘Razmnama’ with the joint effort of Badauni, Abul Fazl, and Faizi, etc.
Sheikh Faizi
Besides this, Badauni translated the ‘Ramayan,’ Faizi translated
‘‘Leelavati’’ and Abul Fazl ‘‘Kaliyadaman’’ in the Persian language.
 Faizi was one of the nine Jewels of Akbar's Court. He died in 1595 AD
[U.P. R.O./ A.R.O. (Pre) 2016] [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2001,U.P.U.D.A. (Pre)
2002,U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2003]
 He was born in 1550 AD in Agra.
 His father's name was Shaikh Mubarak and he was the younger brother
of Sheikh Faizi.
 Due to his ability Akbar made him his Grand Vizier (Prime Minister).
Abu'I Fazl
He led the South expedition of Akbar.
 He was the scholar to Turkish, Persian, Sanskrit, Arabic and Hindi
languages. His important compositions are ‘Akbarnama’ and ‘Ain-i-
Akbari’. [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2014]
 He was a 16th Century blind Hindu devotional poet and singer.
 There is controversy over the exact date of birth of him and the exact year
of his death.
Surdas  He is best known for his composition the Sursagar.
 Sursagar contains the descriptions of Krishna and Radha.
 He was involved in the Bhakti Movement which spread to North India in
the 14th to 17th centuries.
 He was born at Laharpur village in Sitapur district. He worked for Sher
Shah Suri and Mughal Emperor Akbar.
Todarmal  He was the Finance Minister of Akbar who developed new 'Land
Revenue System' and Dahasala System'. [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2012]
 He was one of the nine jewels in Akbar's court.
 He was born in Soron Shookar Kshetra, district Kasganj in Uttar
Pradesh.
 He was a Hindu Vaishnava saint and poet and philosopher renowned for
Tulsidas
his devotion to the god Rama.
 He is best known as the author of the epic Ramcharitmanas, a retelling
of the Sanskrit Ramayana based on Rama's life in Awadh.
Page. 21
 He spent most of his life in the city of Varanasi. The Tulsi Ghat on the
Ganges river in Varanasi is named after him.
 He founded the Sankatmochan temple dedicated to Hanuman in
Varanasi, where he saw Hanumana.
 His other major works included Dohavali, Sahitya Ratna, Gitavali,
Krishnavali, Vinaya Patrika, etc.
Mughal Literature
Books Authors
Majma-ul-Bahrain Dara Shukoh
Tazul Maasir Hasan Nizami
Alamgir Nama Muhammad Qazim
Naskha-i-Dilkusha Bhim Sen
Chahar Chaman Chandrabhan Brahman
om
Futuhat-i-Alamgiri Ishwardas Nagar
Khulasat-ut-Tawarikh Sujanrai Bhandari
l.c
Tarikh-i-Dilkusha Bhimsen Kayestha

Tabaqat-i-Akbari Nizamuddin Ahmed
ai
Iqbal Nama Jahangiri Muitmad Khan

gm
Padshah Nama Abdul Hamid Lahori

Badshah Nama
Tuzuk-i-Baburi Babur
77

Tarikh-i-Sher Shahi Abbas Khan Sarwani
77
Humayun Nama Gulbadan Begum

[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2009][U.P.P.C.S (Pre)
99
2004, (Mains) 2002]

ity
*****
am
Page. 22

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SPECIAL SHORT NOTES

History (Ancient and Medieval)

UP Special Part 1 - Notes Code: 2.4

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1. Uttar Pradesh: Ancient History

1. Pre-Historic Age in Uttar Pradesh

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(Meerut), Badagaon (Baghpat) and Hulas (Saharanpur).[U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre)

(Bulandshahar), Mandi village and Kairana (Muzaffarnagar).

Indus Valley Civilisation and Vedic period.

3. Historic Age in Uttar Pradesh

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6. Mahajanapadas and Uttar Pradesh

Mathura[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2020]

Saket and Shravasti

Kashi Varanasi Varanasi

 Republic States of U. P. in Ancient India

o In the 6th C BC, present day UP contained 7 republics.

Shakya of Kapilavastu Siddharthnagar

Moriya of Pippalivana Gorakhpur Region

Malla of Pava Fazilnagar

7. Emergence of New Religions

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List of Ashoka's Pillars and Major Rock Edicts in Uttar Pradesh

10. Famous Ruling Dynasties of Ancient Period

 It is known from the rock documents found at Ayodhya that

 Pushyamitra made ‘Ashvamedh Yajna' at Jagatgram near

Shunga Dynasty and wrote Mahabhasya. He was the expounder of Yoga

 In Patanjali's `Mahavashy', it is mentioned that Saaket (Ayodhya)

by Menander, captured Kathiawar, Sakal or Sialkot and Mathura.

of Pushyamitra. [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2005]

Stupa, Sanchi Stupa, Amravati Stupa, Nasik Chaitya, etc.

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 This dynasty continued to rule for 45 years and it was brought to

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 Chandragupta I was the first ruler to use the title of

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This inscription is damaged and it is not possible

known as Mahodaya Shri because of the development of Kannauj.

643 AD. [U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2001]

king Nagabhatta II defeated Chakrayudha the ruler of Kannauj and

Mihirbhoja, Mahipala and Mahendrapala, etc were the major rulers

Sulaiman came to India. In 1018-19, Mahmud of Ghazni invaded

After the fall of the Gujara-Pratiharas, two new dynasties of

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2. Uttar Pradesh: Medieval History

1. Uttar Pradesh and Sultanate Period

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2. Bhakti Movement in Uttar Pradesh

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 Contemporary of Sultan Sikandar Lodi and was born in 1440 AD

Raidas (Ravidas)  He opposed worldly pomp, ritualism, caste system,

 He believed in the principle of one God without attributes, that is,

Nirguna Brahma. His followers established the `Raidas Sect'.