Medieval Indian History Pdf: How to Access, Read and Cite Them
Medieval Indian History Pdf Free Download
If you are interested in learning about the rich and diverse history of India from the 8th to the 18th century CE, you might be looking for some medieval Indian history pdf books that you can download for free. But before you do that, you should know some basic facts about this fascinating period of Indian history, why it is important to study it, how to study it effectively, what are the best books to read on this topic, and where to find them online legally and ethically. In this article, we will answer all these questions and more.
Medieval Indian History Pdf Free Download
What is Medieval Indian History?
Medieval Indian history is the term used to describe the history of India from the 8th century CE to the 18th century CE. It covers a span of about 1000 years that witnessed the rise and fall of various dynasties, empires, kingdoms and sultanates that ruled over different parts of India or the whole of it. It also encompasses the cultural, religious, social and economic developments that took place during this time.
The term "medieval" is derived from the Latin word "medium aevum" which means "middle age". It is used to distinguish this period from the ancient period (before the 8th century CE) and the modern period (after the 18th century CE). However, it should be noted that medieval Indian history is not a homogeneous or monolithic entity. It is rather a complex and diverse mosaic of different regions, cultures, languages and religions that interacted with each other in various ways.
Why is Medieval Indian History Important?
Medieval Indian history is important for several reasons. First of all, it helps us understand the origins and evolution of many aspects of Indian culture and society that are still relevant today. For example, medieval India saw the emergence of various forms of art, architecture, literature, music, dance and drama that reflect the creativity and diversity of the Indian people. It also witnessed the growth of various religious traditions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Islam and Sikhism that shaped the beliefs and values of millions of Indians.
Secondly, medieval Indian history helps us appreciate the achievements and contributions of India to world civilization. For instance, medieval India was a hub of trade and commerce that connected India with other regions of Asia, Africa and Europe. It was also a center of learning and scholarship that produced many eminent scholars and scientists who made significant advances in fields such as mathematics, astronomy, medicine, metallurgy and linguistics.
Thirdly, medieval Indian history helps us understand the challenges and opportunities that India faced in the past and how it responded to them. For example, medieval India experienced many political upheavals and invasions that tested the resilience and adaptability of the Indian people. It also encountered many cultural and religious interactions and exchanges that enriched and transformed the Indian society.
How to Study Medieval Indian History?
Studying medieval Indian history can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience if you follow some basic steps and guidelines. Here are some of them:
Primary Sources
Primary sources are the original documents or artifacts that were produced or used by the people who lived in the medieval period. They include texts, inscriptions, coins, sculptures, paintings, monuments, etc. They provide first-hand information and evidence about the events, people, places and ideas of the medieval period. They can be found in libraries, museums, archives, archaeological sites, etc.
Some examples of primary sources for medieval Indian history are:
The Chola inscriptions that record the achievements and administration of the Chola dynasty.
The Rajatarangini that narrates the history of Kashmir from ancient to medieval times.
The Baburnama that gives an autobiographical account of the founder of the Mughal empire.
The Ajanta caves that depict the life and teachings of Buddha through paintings and sculptures.
The Qutub Minar that showcases the Islamic architecture and art of the Delhi Sultanate.
Secondary Sources
Secondary sources are the books, articles, websites, etc. that are written or created by scholars or experts who have studied and analyzed the primary sources. They provide interpretation, explanation, evaluation and criticism of the primary sources. They can be found in bookstores, online platforms, journals, etc.
Some examples of secondary sources for medieval Indian history are:
History of Medieval India by Satish Chandra that covers the political, social and economic aspects of medieval India from 1206 to 1526 CE.
Medieval India by Romila Thapar that traces the cultural and religious developments of medieval India from 750 to 1200 CE.
Advanced Study in the History of Medieval India by J.L. Mehta that provides a comprehensive and detailed account of medieval India from 1000 to 1707 CE.
The Wonder That Was India by A.L. Basham that explores the civilization and culture of India from ancient to medieval times.
The Cambridge History of India by various authors that offers a multi-volume and multi-disciplinary perspective on the history of India from prehistoric to modern times.
Methods
Methods are the techniques or tools that are used to study and understand the primary and secondary sources. They include chronology, periodization, historiography, etc. They help us organize, compare, contrast and evaluate the sources.
Some examples of methods for studying medieval Indian history are:
Chronology is the arrangement of events in order of time. It helps us establish the sequence and duration of historical events.
Periodization is the division of history into periods based on certain criteria or themes. It helps us identify the similarities and differences between different periods.
Historiography is the study of how history is written and interpreted by different historians. It helps us understand the perspectives and biases of different historians.
What are the Best Medieval Indian History Books?
There is no definitive answer to this question as different books may suit different readers depending on their interests, preferences and goals. However, some general criteria that can help us choose good books on medieval Indian history are:
Criteria
Accuracy: The book should be based on reliable and authentic sources and should not contain factual errors or distortions.
Comprehensiveness: The book should cover all or most of the important aspects and topics of medieval Indian history and should not omit or overlook any significant information or evidence.
Readability: The book should be written in a clear, concise and engaging style that can capture the attention and interest of the reader. It should not be too technical or jargon-filled that can confuse or bore the reader.
Balanced: The book should present a fair and objective view of medieval Indian history and should not be biased or prejudiced towards any particular region, religion, dynasty or ideology.
Recommendations
Based on these criteria, some recommendations for good books on medieval Indian history are:
- History of Medieval India by Satish Chandra that covers the political, social and economic aspects of medieval India from 1206 to 1526 CE. It also discusses the cultural and religious interactions between Hindus and Muslims and the impact of foreign invasions on India. - Medieval India by Romila Thapar that traces the cultural and religious developments of medieval India from 750 to 1200 CE. It also analyzes the formation and expansion of states, the emergence of regional identities, the role of women and the nature of feudalism in India. - Advanced Study in the History of Medieval India by J.L. Mehta that provides a comprehensive and detailed account of medieval India from 1000 to 1707 CE. It also examines the administrative and military systems, the agrarian and urban economy, the art and architecture, and the literature and education of medieval India. How to Download Medieval Indian History Pdf for Free?
Downloading medieval Indian history pdf books for free can be tempting for many students and readers who want to save money and time. However, before you do that, you should be aware of some legal and ethical issues that may arise from this practice.
Legal Issues
Downloading medieval Indian history pdf books for free may violate the copyrights and licenses of the authors and publishers who have invested their time, money and effort in creating and distributing these books. Unless these books are in the public domain or have been explicitly authorized for free distribution by the owners, downloading them without their permission may constitute an infringement of their intellectual property rights.
According to the Indian Copyright Act of 1957, any person who knowingly infringes or abets the infringement of any copyright in a work shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than six months but which may extend to three years and with fine which shall not be less than fifty thousand rupees but which may extend to two lakh rupees.
Moreover, downloading medieval Indian history pdf books for free may also expose you to legal action from the owners who may sue you for damages or injunctions. You may also face legal consequences from your academic institution or employer if you use these books for your studies or work without proper citation or acknowledgment.
Ethical Issues
Downloading medieval Indian history pdf books for free may also raise some ethical issues that may affect your academic integrity and professional reputation. Some of these issues are:
Plagiarism: Plagiarism is the act of presenting someone else's work or ideas as your own without giving proper credit or citation. It is a serious form of academic dishonesty that can result in penalties such as failing grades, suspension or expulsion from your institution.
Citation: Citation is the act of acknowledging the sources that you have used for your research or writing. It is a way of showing respect and appreciation for the authors and publishers who have contributed to your knowledge and understanding. It is also a way of avoiding plagiarism and enhancing your credibility as a scholar or writer.
Academic Integrity: Academic integrity is the commitment to uphold the values of honesty, trust, fairness, respect and responsibility in your academic work. It is a way of demonstrating your personal and professional ethics and standards. It is also a way of contributing to the advancement of knowledge and learning in your field.
Where to Find Medieval Indian History Pdf for Free?
If you still want to download medieval Indian history pdf books for free despite knowing the legal and ethical issues involved, you should at least make sure that you find them from reliable and safe sources that do not compromise your security or privacy. Some of these sources are:
Reliable Sources
Reliable sources are those that provide accurate, authentic and updated information and evidence about medieval Indian history. They are usually created or maintained by reputable institutions, organizations or individuals who have expertise or authority on this subject. They are also usually peer-reviewed or verified by other experts or users.
Some examples of reliable sources for medieval Indian history pdf books are:
Internet Archive: Internet Archive is a non-profit digital library that offers free access to millions of books, documents, audio, video and other media. It also preserves and archives the historical and cultural heritage of the internet and other digital formats.
Google Drive: Google Drive is a cloud-based storage and file-sharing service that allows users to upload, download, share and collaborate on various types of files. It also offers free access to some books, documents and other media that are uploaded by other users or publishers.
Safe Sources
Safe sources are those that do not pose any risk or harm to your device, data or identity. They are usually free from viruses, malware, spyware, phishing, spam or other malicious software or content. They are also usually encrypted or protected by passwords or other security measures.
Some examples of safe sources for medieval Indian history pdf books are:
VirusTotal: VirusTotal is a free online service that analyzes and scans files and URLs for viruses, malware and other threats. It uses multiple antivirus engines and tools to detect and report any suspicious or harmful activity.
Malwarebytes: Malwarebytes is a free software that protects your device from malware, ransomware, spyware, adware and other unwanted programs. It also cleans up your device from any existing infections or issues.
Conclusion
In conclusion, medieval Indian history is a fascinating and important subject that can enrich your knowledge and understanding of India's past, present and future. However, if you want to download medieval Indian history pdf books for free, you should be careful about the legal and ethical issues that may arise from this practice. You should also be cautious about the reliability and safety of the sources that you use for this purpose. Alternatively, you can buy or borrow these books from legitimate and authorized sources that respect the rights and interests of the authors and publishers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about medieval Indian history pdf books:
- Q: What is the best book for medieval Indian history for UPSC? - A: There is no definitive answer to this question as different books may suit different candidates depending on their level of preparation, syllabus coverage and exam pattern. However, some popular and recommended books for medieval Indian history for UPSC are History of Medieval India by Satish Chandra, Medieval India by Romila Thapar, A History of Medieval India by Irfan Habib and The Wonder That Was India by A.L. Basham. - Q: How can I download NCERT books on medieval Indian history for free? - A: You can download NCERT books on medieval Indian history for free from the official website of NCERT (https://ncert.nic.in/textbook.php) or from the e-pathshala app (https://epathshala.nic.in/). You can also access these books online from the National Digital Library of India (https://ndl.iitkgp.ac.in/) or from the e-PG Pathshala portal (https://epgp.inflibnet.ac.in/). - Q: How can I cite medieval Indian history pdf books in my research paper? - A: You can cite medieval Indian history pdf books in your research paper using various citation styles such as APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, etc. depending on the requirements of your institution or journal. You can use online citation generators such as Citation Machine (https://www.citationmachine.net/), BibMe (https://www.bibme.org/) or EasyBib (https://www.easybib.com/) to create accurate and consistent citations for your sources. - Q: How can I convert medieval Indian history pdf books to other formats such as epub, mobi, txt, etc.? - A: You can convert medieval Indian history pdf books to other formats using various online converters such as Zamzar (https://www.zamzar.com/), Online Convert (https://www.online-convert.com/), PDF Converter (https://www.freepdfconvert.com/) or Calibre (https://calibre-ebook.com/). However, you should be careful about the quality and compatibility of the converted files and respect the copyrights and licenses of the original sources. - Q: How can I print medieval Indian history pdf books for personal use? - A: You can print medieval Indian history pdf books for personal use using any printer that supports pdf files. However, you should be mindful of the paper and ink consumption and the environmental impact of printing. You should also respect the rights and interests of the authors and publishers and not distribute or sell the printed copies without their permission. 71b2f0854b