Empire of South
These rulers acted as a trade "bridge" between the North and South and famously traded spices for Roman gold coins.
Who are the Satavahanas?
Instead of sending massive armies, India spread its culture, religion, and ideas to Southeast Asia using this peaceful method.
What is Soft Power?
Unlike early invaders (like the Kushans) who assimilated, the 11th-century Muslim invaders from Central Asia initially came to do this to Indian kingdoms.
What is plunder (or loot their wealth)?
This massive 240-foot victory tower in Delhi is a prime example of the new Indo-Islamic architectural style blending domes and intricate carvings.
What is the Qutub Minar?
The Bhakti Movement taught that God does not care about your wealth or caste, and can be reached through this simple emotion rather than complex rituals.
What is Love (or Devotion)?
This Pallava capital city was famous as a center of learning and was known as the "City of 1,000 Temples."
What is Kanchipuram?
Originally built as a massive temple dedicated to Vishnu, this monument in Cambodia is the largest religious structure in the world.
What is Angkor Wat?
In 1193 CE, the destruction of the great library at this ancient university with the aim to destroying non Islamic center of knowledge led to a severe decline of Buddhism in India.
What is Nalanda University?
She broke all the rules by refusing the veil, wearing battle armor, and becoming the first and only female Muslim ruler of the Indian subcontinent.
Who is Razia Sultana?
He was a poor weaver from Varanasi whose short, catchy "Dohas" taught that God is not found in a temple or mosque, but within your own heart.
Who is Kabir Das?
This mighty Chola king built the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur.
Who is Rajaraja Chola I?
Shaped like a giant Mandala, this majestic structure in Indonesia is the world's largest Buddhist temple.
What is Borobudur?
This fearless Rajput king defeated Muhammad of Ghauri in the First Battle of Tarain, but chivalrously forgave him and let him go.
Who is Prithviraj Chauhan?
Born in army camps and marketplaces so people could understand each other, this new language blended Hindi, Persian, and Arabic.
What is Urdu (or Hindustani)?
She was a brave Rajput princess who gave up her palace and royal wealth to wander and sing beautiful devotional songs to Krishna.
Who is Meerabai?
The Chola era is world-renowned for its exquisite metal sculptures, particularly the iconic dancing Shiva known by this name.
What is the Nataraja?
Just as Latin was used in Europe, this ancient Indian language became the "language of learning" in Southeast Asia
What is Sanskrit?
The ancient Indian "Rule of War" dictated that armies should not harm civilians and should only fight between these two times of day.
What are sunrise and sunset?
This was the per capita yearly tax levied on non-Muslim subjects (dhimmis) living under the rule of the Delhi Sultanate.
What is Jizya (or Jajia)?
To prove that everyone is equal, Guru Nanak started this tradition of a free community kitchen where kings and peasants sit on the floor to eat the exact same meal.
What is the Langar?
To manage their empire efficiently, the Cholas developed a system of local self-government using these village assemblies.
What are Sabhas?
In Indonesia today, ancient Indian epics like the Ramayana are still beautifully performed using this traditional art form.
What is Wayang Kulit (or Leather Shadow Puppets)?
Before the Islamic invasions, early foreign rulers like the Kushans completely assimilated into Indian culture. This Kushan emperor is remembered as one of history's biggest champions of Buddhism.
Who is Kanishka?
Along with paper-making, the Delhi Sultanate introduced this revolutionary tool to India, significantly boosting the country's textile production.
What is the Spinning Wheel (or Charkha)?
He rewrote the epic Ramayana from ancient Sanskrit into a local dialect of Hindi (the Ramcharitmanas) so everyday people could finally read the story of Lord Rama.
Who is Tulsidas?