Post-Gupta and Early Medieval Period (550 CE β 1200 CE)
The Post-Gupta and Early Medieval Period (6thβ12th centuries CE) marks the transition from classical India to the medieval period. After the decline of the Gupta Empire, several regional kingdoms emerged, leading to political fragmentation and the rise of new powers like the Harshavardhana Empire, Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas, Pallavas, Pratiharas, and Cholas.
1. Political Developments (550 CE β 1200 CE)
A. Decline of the Gupta Empire (After Skandagupta, c. 550 CE)
- Weak successors and continuous invasions by the Hunas weakened the Gupta rule.
- Feudalism became prominent, leading to decentralization.
- The empire collapsed into smaller regional states.
B. Harshavardhana (606β647 CE)
- Founded the Vardhana Dynasty after defeating the last Gupta ruler.
- Capital: Kannauj.
- Religion: Initially Hindu, later became a patron of Mahayana Buddhism.
- Administration: Centralized but feudal elements emerged.
- Foreign Accounts: The Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang visited India during his rule.
- Battle of Narmada (618 CE): Defeated by Pulakesin II of the Chalukya dynasty, stopping his expansion in the south.
C. Rajput Age (8th β 12th Century CE)
- Rajput clans emerged after Harshaβs death, forming small kingdoms.
- Important Rajput Clans:
- Pratiharas (Western India) β Opposed the Arabs.
- Chandellas (Bundelkhand) β Built Khajuraho Temples.
- Paramaras (Malwa) β Ruled from Dhar.
- Chahamanas (Chauhans) β Prithviraj Chauhan fought Muhammad Ghori in the First and Second Battles of Tarain (1191, 1192 CE).
D. South Indian Kingdoms
- Chalukyas of Badami (543β753 CE): Defeated Harsha, known for rock-cut temples.
- Pallavas (600β900 CE): Built the famous Mahabalipuram temples.
- Rashtrakutas (753β982 CE): Built the Kailasa Temple at Ellora.
- Cholas (850β1279 CE): Rajaraja Chola and Rajendra Chola expanded into Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia.
2. Society & Economy
- Rise of feudalism (land grants to officials and temples).
- Growth of agriculture, but trade declined due to Arab invasions and political instability.
- Caste system became rigid, and Rajput dominance increased.
- Temples became centers of economy and administration (example: Chola temples).
3. Cultural Developments
- Sanskrit literature flourished (Kalhana’s Rajatarangini, Bhavabhuti’s dramas).
- Temple architecture developed:
- Nagara style (North India) β Khajuraho Temples.
- Dravidian style (South India) β Brihadeshwara Temple (Cholas).
- Bhakti and Tantric movements gained popularity.
4. Foreign Invasions
- Arabs (711 CE): Muhammad bin Qasim conquered Sindh (first Muslim invasion in India).
- Mahmud of Ghazni (11th century): Raided India 17 times; plundered Somnath Temple (1025 CE).
- Muhammad Ghori (1192 CE): Defeated Prithviraj Chauhan, marking the beginning of Islamic rule in India.
Conclusion
The Post-Gupta period saw political fragmentation, the rise of feudalism, temple culture, and increasing foreign invasions. The early medieval period set the stage for the Delhi Sultanate, which began in 1206 CE.