Weakness of Delhi Sultanate and Provincial Independence
The decline of Delhi Sultanate and emergence of provincial independence.
- Timur's attack in 1398 weakened Delhi Sultanate.
- Bengal, Sindh, Multan, Gujarat, Malwa, Jaunpur, and Rajputana declared independence.
- Balance of power dynamics among Gujarat, Malwa, Mewar, and others.
Rise of Lodis and Conflict with Jaunpur
Lodis' rise and conflict with Jaunpur for Ganga-Yamuna valley mastery.
- Lodis absorbed Jaunpur by late 15th century.
- Lodis expanded into Rajasthan and Malwa.
- Rivalry intensified with Gujarat and Mewar.
Bengal, Assam, and Orissa Relations
Struggles and developments in Bengal, Assam and Orissa.
- Bengal's intermittent independence from Delhi.
- Firuz Tughlaq's campaigns against Bengal.
- Bengal's relations with Kamrup (Assam) and Orissa.
- Influence of Buddhist monks and revival of overseas trade under Ilyas Shah.
Gajapati Dynasty and Orissa
Role of Gajapati dynasty in Orissa's history.
- Builders of Puri and Sun temples.
- Expansion towards Karnataka and conflicts with Vijayanagara and Bahmani sultans.
- Impact on Bengal-Orissa border dynamics.
Bengal and China Relations
Revival of Bengal's contact with China under Azam Shah.
- Gifts exchanged between Bengal and Chinese emperors.
- Impact on Bengal's overseas trade and cultural exchanges.
- Role of Buddhism in Bengal during this period.
Administration under Alauddin Hussain Shah
Governance and reforms under Alauddin Hussain Shah.
- Appointment of Hindu officials in high offices.
- Respect for Vaishnavite saints like Chaitanya.
- Contributions to Bengal's law, order, and cultural growth.
Conflict with Kamta and Ahom Kingdom
Bengal's military engagements with Kamta and Ahom Kingdom.
- Attempts to extend control over Kamta (modern Cooch Bihar).
- Ahom resistance and Hinduization under Svarga Narayana.
- Impact on Bengal's northeastern frontiers and geopolitical strategy.
Bengal's Southern Campaigns
Bengal's military campaigns in southern regions.
- Conquests of Chittagong and Tipperah.
- Challenges from Orissa and southern expansions.
- Strategic significance of maritime routes and control over Bay of Bengal.
Influence of Afghan and Rajput Dynasties
Role of Afghan and Rajput dynasties in North Indian politics.
- Relations between Bengal, Jaunpur, and Sharqi sultans.
- Contributions of Rajput generals like Man Singh.
- Impact on Delhi Sultanate's successor states and Mughal ascendancy.
Legacy and Cultural Flourishing
Enduring impact on North Indian culture and society.
- Contributions to Bengali literature and music.
- Architectural marvels like Gour and Sonargaon.
- Influence on future Sufi movements and Bhakti saints.
