Social Life in Medieval India

Paper Code: 
25 HIS 325 (B)
Credits: 
04
Contact Hours: 
60.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

This course enables students to understand the evolution of the caste system in medieval India. They critically evaluate social institutions such as the family, marriage system, women's status, slavery, and customary laws. Additionally, students assess the roles of the nobility, ulema, landed aristocracy, and the development of the feudal system. Through this analysis, students gain insight into the complex socio-political structures of medieval Indian society

Course Outcomes: 

Course

Outcome (at course level)

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment Strategies

Course Code

Course Title

25HIS 325 (B)

 

Social Life in Medieval India

(Theory)

 

 

CO125-Examine caste structure and development of the caste system.

CO126-Assess the functioning of social institutions.

CO127-Critically explain Slavery, society and Social laws and customs.

CO128-Make an estimate of the  role of nobility,ulema and the Landed Aristocracy.

CO129- Analyse the development of Feudal System and its features.

CO130- Contribute effectively in course specific interaction

Approach in teaching:

Interactive Lectures, Discussion, Tutorials, Reading assignments, Power Point Presentation

 

Learning activities for the students:

Self-learning assignments, Effective questions, Seminar presentation

Students will be required to write one paper (12-15 pages each), along with the presentations, Written test and Viva, Class Interaction, Group discussion and Semester End Exam

 

12.00
Unit I: 
The Caste System

Caste structure and the development of the caste system 

12.00
Unit II: 
The Social Institutions

Functioning of social institutions – Family and Marriage

Position of Women

12.00
Unit III: 
Masses and Social Customs

Slavery, life and conditions of the masses

Social laws and customs.

12.00
Unit IV: 
Nobility and Ulema

Role of nobility and ulema – Landed Aristocracy

12.00
Unit V: 
The Feudal System

Development of Feudal System, its main features

Essential Readings: 
  • A.Yusuf Ali : Medieval India Social and Economic Conditions
  • P.N. Chopra : Some Aspects of Society and Culture during the Mughal Age  
  • A.L. Srivastava : Medieval Indian Culture 
References: 
  • K.M. Ashraf : Life and conditions of the People of Hindustan
  • B.N.S. Yadav- Some Aspects of Society in Northern India in 12th century A.D
  • Yusuf  Hussain : Glimpses of Medieval Indian Culture
  • K.A. Nizami : Some Aspects of Religion and Politics in India during the 13th Century
  • R.B. Pandey : Hindu Samskaras  
  • P.H. Prabhu : Hindu Social Organization
  • R.S. Sharma : Indian Feudalism 

E-Resources

Academic Year: 
2025-26
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