600 CE TO 1200 CE : Early Medieval India
Early Medieval India (600 CE to 1200 CE)
The period of Early Medieval India, spanning from 600 CE to 1200 CE, is characterized by significant political, cultural, and social transformations across the subcontinent. This era is marked by the emergence of regional kingdoms that shaped the historical landscape of both North and South India.
Periodic Phases
Early Medieval India can be divided into two main phases:
1. Phase I (600–750 CE): This phase saw the rise of regional powers in both North and South India. In North India, the Pushyabhutis of Thaneswar and the Maukharis of Kannauj were prominent, while in South India, major states included the Pallavas of Kanchi, the Chalukyas of Badami, and the Pandyas of Madurai.
| NORTHERN INDIA | SOUTHERN INDIA |
| PUSHYABHUTIS OF THANESAR/ VARDHANA DYNASTY | THE WESTERN CHALUKYAS OF BADAMI |
| THE MAUKHARIES OR VARMANA DYNASTY | THE EASTERN CHALUKYAS OF VENGI |
| THE CHALUKYAS OF LATA | |
| THE PALLAVAS OF KANCHI | |
| THE PANDYAS OF MADURAI | |
| THE KADAMBAS OF BANAVASI | |
| THE WESTERN GANGAS OF MYSORE |
2. Phase II (750–1200 CE): This period can be further subdivided into two segments:
– Phase II A (750–1000 CE): Dominated by three significant empires: the Gurjara-Pratiharas in North India, the Palas in Eastern India, and the Rashtrakutas in the Deccan region. These dynasties engaged in a tripartite struggle for supremacy over key territories and trade routes.
A. GURJARA-PRATIHARA DYNASTY
B. THE PALAS DYNASTY
C. THE RASHTRAKUTAS
D. THE SALAMA DYNASTY OF ASSAM
E. THE EASTERN GANGAS OF THE ORISSA
– Phase II B (1000–1200 CE): Marked by increasing invasions from Central Asian powers and further fragmentation of regional kingdoms. This phase also saw the rise of new powers such as the Chola dynasty in South India.
THE CHOLA DYNASTY
