2 Medieval Age

Madhuvan Sai Vidyashram School
Std VII History Notes

Module 2 Medieval Age

1. Which period of History is known as Medieval Age?

The period between ancient and modern period is known as Medieval period. The word ‘ Medieval’ has been derived from the Latin word ‘Medium aevum’ which means ‘time in the middle’. Though the division of history into periods varies from one country to another, generally the historians have taken the time period between 8th century AD to 18th century AD as the medieval age.

2. Write a note on changes in the medieval period?

During the medieval period a number of changes took place in society, religion, economy, culture and language, that were quite different from ancient period and it heralded the beginning of the modern age.these changes did not take place suddenly, they happened over a period of time. Infact some of these changes began earlier than the 8th century AD.However historians have taken a general view of these changes and have concluded that the new phase began in the 8th century AD.

3. Mention 2 changes that took place in medieval age?

The emergence and spread of two major religions- Islam and Christianity during the medieval period had a major impact on the social, political and economic structure of the period

4. Write a short essay on medieval age in India.

Some significant changes that took place during medieval age are as follows.

1. This period was marked by the absence of a powerful Central Government. The country was divided into a number of small states which were constantly at war with one another. The political disunity provided the foreigners with an opportunity to invade India.

2. The period saw the emergence of feudalism, though it was quite different from the European feudalism. In the post-Gupta period, land grants were given not only to the priests and temples but also to Zamindars. These landed beneficiaries had extensive powers to collect taxes and run the administration.

3. The caste system had become rigid and complex with the emergence of a number of sub-castes or mixed castes during this period .A number of restrictions were imposed on eating and drinking habits of people.

4. The concept of ‘bhakti’ or complete surrender to god, became a significant feature of medieval religion, especially in South India.

5. This period saw the birth of Islam in India .The growth of Sufism , originated in Persia , as an inter-religious cult was one of the major events in the medieval age.

6.The Turkish rule introduced many significant changes in the social, political and economic organisation of the country.