World Scan: Indian History

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List of Indian's Viceroys (1858-1947)

1. Lord Canning (1858-1862)
Following the Queen's recommendation in 1858, transferring the Government from the company to the British Crown, Lord Canning was made the first Viceroy of India. Important developments in his regime were as follows:
Financial reforms	Hey 5% income tax was imposed on all are links beyond Rs. 500 a year.
Judicial reforms	Penal code was prepared by incorporating the suggestions earlier made by the First Law Commission headed by Lord Macaulay. High courts were set up at Calcutta, Bombay and Madras under the provisions of the Indian High Courts act of 1861.

2. Lord Elgin Ist (1861-1863)

The most important event of his time over the suppression of the Wahabi tribe of the fanatic Muslims inhabiting the North West Frontier.

Warren Hasting

1. Warren Hastings (1772-1785)
Administrative reforms	And of the dual systems; shifting of treasury froom Murshidabad to Calcutta.
Revenue reforms	Collection of revenue was taken over by the Company.
Judicial reforms	Zamindars were given judicial powers; establishment of civil and criminal courts in each district.
Social reforms	In 1781, he founded the Calcutta Madrasa for promotion of Islamic studies. This was the first educational institute established by the Company's government.
Impeachment	Warren Hastings tendered his resignation in protest against the Pits India Bill in 1785. He was accused for the Rohilla bar; Nand Kumar's murder; the case of the Chet Singh and accepting of bribes. His impeachment lasted for seven years from 1788 to 1795. He was exonerated for all the charges.

MUGHAL ARCHITECTURE

MUGHAL ARCHITECTURE

All the early Mughal Rulers except Aurangzeb were great bui1ders. With the coming of the Mughals, Indian architecture was greatly influenced by Persian styles. The Mughals constructed excellent mausoleums, mosques, forts, gardens and cities. The Mughal buildings show a uniform pattern both in structure and character.

The main characteristic features of Mughal architecture are the bulbous domes, the slender minarets with cupolas at the four corners, large halls, massive vaulted gateways and delicate ornamentation.

The few mosques and palaces built by Babar and Humayun are not of much architectural significance

Sher Shah of the Sur Dynasty who ruled over the Kingdom of the Mughals after driving Humayun out of the country was not only a great administrator but a lover of art also. He built several forts, tombs and mosques. The monuments of Sher Shah are a continuation of the Lodi style. The mausoleums are octagonal in plan and have verandahs around them, surmounted by huge domes. The verandahs have three smaller domes on each side.

Purana Quila (Old Fort), Delhi

With their elaborate superfluity and wonderful architecture, Indian monuments represent one of the most outstanding facets of the multi-faceted Indian culture. An architectural feat in itself, each Indian monument is a remarkably splendid sample of unbelievable artistry, covering a sense of mystery, deception and romance. Be it the marvel in white marble, the spellbinding Taj Mahal; or the red stone splendor, the magnificent Red Fort; or the magnificence of temple art of Khajuraho, Konark and Hampi , there is evident the master craftsmanship and elegance, that brings to the forefront the splendor of the bygone era. Monuments are witnesses of India's past; the monuments of India are also the guardian pillars of India's cultural heritage. The monuments of India have become an inspiration for the future generations.

Medieval History of India -Rajputs

Rana Sanga will be always remembered as a visionary more than a warrior. The way he united the various factions of Rajputs under his able leadership was a tremendous act. After the death of Harsha Vardhan Rajputs all over northern India had broken up into various factions squabbling and quarreling among themselves which became the sole cause of the tremendous successes which Muslim invaders got in India. After hundreds of years there was someone who was uniting the warring Rajput clans under one umbrella.

Facts About Mughal Empire & Emperors

Mughal Empire is one of the longest running empire in India. They ruled India about 300 years. In this time India got inspired by their culture and art.

Babur was the founder of Mughal Empire in India. In1526, Babur defeated the Ibrahim Shah Lodhi, at the First Battle of Panipat and started mughal reign in India. Bahadur Shah 2 was the last emperor of mughal dynasty. He was exiled by the British after the Indian Rebellion of 1857.

Buddhism is a religion based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, who lived about 25 centuries ago in what is now Nepal and northeastern India. He came to be called "the Buddha," which means "awakened one," after he experienced a profound realization of the nature of life, death and existence. In English, the Buddha was said to be enlightened, although in Sanskrit it is bodhi, "awakened."

Interesting facts About Taj Mahal

Planning a visit to the Taj Mahal? If you don't know already, there may be a few questions running through your mind like who built the Taj, why was it built, when's the best time to visit, the timings, the fee and a whole lot of stuff that you'd want to know before you pay a visit to the Taj. Don't worry at all, as this section on "Taj Mahal facts" will provide you with a few fast facts to up your knowledge along with the basic queries that you want to be answered as soon as possible. Read on to get some quick information about Taj Mahal and Agra. And once read, don't waste time. Just pack your bags, book your tickets and pay a visit to the world's most spectacular monument that epitomizes love at par.

FactsYear of Construction: 1631

Completed In: 1653

Time Taken: 22 years

Built By: Shah Jahan

Grand Trunk Road

The Grand Trunk Road is one of the of South Asia's oldest and longest major roads. The road, often called as the "Gernaili Sadak" (the Generals' Road) and Sadak-e-Azam ('The Grand Road') covers a distance of over 2,500 kilometres (1,600 mi).

Also called Mumluk or Ghulam Dynasty

All the Muslim rules that ascended the throne of Delhi after the death of Muhammad Ghori in 1206 till 1290 were either themselves slaves or the descendants of these slave rulers. That is why the rulers belonging ot this dynasty are generally are known as the "Slave Rulers" or the Mameluk Sultans and the dynasty is called the "Slave dynasty. " Muhaammad Ghori had left Indian possessions in the care of his former slave, Qutub-ud-bin Aibek, who on the death of his master, severed his links with Ghazni and asserted his independence, becuase he use to give (harity.)

Qutubuddin Aibek: 1206-1210

A Turkish slave by origin, he was purchased by Mohammad Ghori who later made him his Governor. After the death of Ghori, Aibek became the master of Hindustan and founded the Slave dynasty in 1206. For his generosity, he was given the title of Lakh Bakhsh (give of Lakhs.)
He died in 1210 while playing Chaugan or Polo
He constructed two mosques-Quwat-ul-Islam at Delhi and Adhai din ka Jhonpra at Ajmer. He also began the construction of Qutub Minar, in the honour of famus Sufi Saint Khwaja Qutubuddin Bakhityar Kaki.
Aibek was great patron of learning and patronised writers like Hasan-un-Nizami, author of 'Taj-ul-Massir' and Fakhruddin,author of 'Tarikh-i-Mubarak Shah'

Shamsuddin Iltutmish: 1211-1236

He was a slave of Qutubuddin Aibak and occupied the throne of Delhi in 1211 after deposing Aram Bakhsh.
He was a very capable ruler and is regarded as the 'real founder of the Delhi Sultanate'. He made Delhi the capital in the place of Lahore.
He saved Delhi Sultanate from the wrath of Chengiz Khan, the Mongol leader, by refusing shelter to Khwarizm Shah, whom Chengiz was chasing.
He introduced the silver coin (tanka) and the copper coin (jital). He organised the lqta System and introduced reforms in civil administration and army, which was now centrally paid and recruited.
He set up an official nobality of slaves known as Chahalgani/Chlisa(group of 40)
He completed the construction of Qutub Minar which was started by Aibeks.
He patronised Minhaj-us-Siraj, author of 'Tabaqat-i-Nasiri'.

Razia Sultan: 1236-1240

Though Iltutmish had nominated his daughter Razia as the successor, the nobles placed Ruknuddin Firoj on the throne. However, Razia got rid of Ruknuddin and ascended the throne.
She was the 'first and only Muslim lady who ever ruled India'
She was popular among the people but she was not acceptable to the nobles and theologians. She further offended the nobles by her perference for an Abyssian slave Yakut.
Soon after her accession, the governors of Multan, Badaun, Hansi & Lahore openly revolted against her. There was a serious rebellion in Bhatinad. Altunia, governor of Bhatinda refused to accept suzerainity of Razia. Razia accompained by Yakut marched against Altunia.
However, Altunia got Yakut murdered and imprisoned Razia. Subsequently, Razia married Altunia and both of them marched towards Delhi.
In 1240 AD, Razia became the victim of a conspiracy and was assassinated near Kaithal (Haryana).

Bahram Shah: 1240-1242

After Razia, Iltutmish' third son Bahram Shah was put on throne by powerful turkish council Chalisa.
He was considered only as adjure ruler, while Naib-e-mamlakat (the regent) was defector ruler.
Bahram Shah lost his life after failed attempt to assert his authority once on the throne.

Masud Shah: 1242:1246

He was son of Raknuddin but was disposed after Balban and Nasiruddin Mahamud's Mother, Malika-e-Jehan,conspired against him and established Nasiruddin Mahamud as the new Sultan.

Nasiruddin Mahamud: 1246-1266

He was the son of Iltutmish and was known as the Darvesi King as he was very pious and noble. He died in 1266.

Ghiyasuddin Balban: 1266-1287

Balban ascended the throne in 1266.
He broke the power of Chalisa and resorted the prestige of the crown. That was his greatest contribution towards the stability of the Sultanate.
To keep himself well-informed Balban appointed spies.
He created a strong centralized army to deal with internal disturbances and to check Mongols who were posing a serious danger to Delhi Sultante.
He established the military department Diwani-i-Arz
The Persian court model influenced Balban's conception of Kingship. He took up the title of Zil-i-Ilahi(Shadow of God)
He destroyed Mewati Rajputa brigandage in the doab, where forests were cut and forts built.
In his last days he overlooked Sultanate affairs due to death of his eldest and most loving son, Muhammad,and rebellion by his closed and most loved slave, Tughril. Muhammad died fighting Mongolians in 1285 and Tughril was captured and beheaded.

Kaiqubad: 1287-1290

A grandson of Balban was established on the throne by Fakruddin, the Kotwal of Delhi who assumed high political authority during last days of Balban. But Kaiqubad was killed by the Khiliji family, which saw end of Slave dynasty and beginning of Khiliji dynasty at Delhi throne.

Qutub Minar

Qutub Minar in Delhi is world heritage site. The tall minaret was constructed in 1192 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak, and later completed by his successor Iltutmish. The soaring conical tower is an exquisite example of Indo-Islamic Afghan architecture.Some Facts About Qutub Minar

Height : 73 meteres

Steps in minar : 379 steps

Year Built : 1192

Address : Mehrauli, New Delhi

Built by :Qutab-ud-din Aibak

Material: 1-3 stories- Redstone , 4-5 Stories-Marbel & Sandstone

Qutub Minar is a World Heritage Site and has survived the ravages of time impressively. The Minar of Delhi is surrounded by a lush green garden, which is an ideal leisurely place for visitors. Qutab Minar is the favourite destination of tourists. It is India's most visited monument attracting around 3.9 million visitors every year.Each of the 5 storeys and tower of Qutub Minar has unique designs.It was hit by lightening couple of times and was damaged. The subsequent rulers repaired it. Thus it is standing mightily as it was before till date.Qutab Minar is a great masterpiece of Mughal architecture. The base of the Qutub Minar measures 14.32 meters and the top of the structure measures 2.75 meters. The bird eye's view of Delhi city from the top is amazing. The base of first storey has alternate angular and circular flutings, the second one is round. The third storey of the Qutub Minar has angular flutings. The balconies projecting out heighten the beauty of the Minar.The tower is so high that around 379 steps are needed to be climbed to reach the top. Another taller tower adjacent to Qutub Minar is named Alai Minar which is somewhat tilted in one direction.The verses from the holy Quraan are carved on sandstone walls of Qutub Minar. This monument serves the purpose of calling people for prayer in the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque. This is a tower of victory, a monument that signify the might of Islam, or a tower for keeping a check for defense.

Qutub Minar has some adjoining structures that lend shine of some of its fame. The Qutub complex houses the iron wonder nearby. The Iron Pillar is one of the metallurgical interests of the world. It is a thing to study as well as famous tourist destination. Traditionally people believe that if anyone standing in front of pillar with his back towards the column can encircle it with their arms, all his wishes will be fulfilled. Government has built a fence around it for safety.An earthquake damaged top two floors of the minar during the rule of Firoz Shah; but was repaired by Firoz Shah himself. He built marble pavilions here. In the year 1505, earthquake again damaged it and was repaired by Sikandar Lodi. Once again the minar faced earthquake in the year 1794, then Major Smith refurbished the affected parts of the minar and replaced Firoz Shah's pavilion with his own pavilion. This pavilion was again removed in the year 1848 by Lord Hardinge. Now it can be seen lying between the Dak Bungalow and the Minar in the garden.Many natural conditions weathered the minar but it is still standing with all the might owing to time to time renovations and reinstated and renovated by the respective rulers.

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