Medieval and Islamic History

Kitab-i-Nawras is a collection of poems composed by Ibrahim Adil Shah II of Bijapur, reflecting his deep interest in music and the arts.

The Indian actress known as Tabu was born Tabassum Fatima Hashmi.

Alauddin Khalji is historically associated with the siege of Chittor, motivated by his desire to capture Queen Padmini.

Balban was known for his strict court discipline and the introduction of Persian customs like Sijda and Paibos; he prohibited laughter in his court.

Humayun received the Kohinoor diamond from the family of the Raja of Gwalior, specifically the widow of Raja Vikramajit, after the Battle of Panipat. This was a gesture of gratitude for the protection provided by Humayun to the family.

Ala-ud-din Khilji's empire covered much of northern India, but Kashmir remained outside his direct control due to its difficult terrain and political structure.

Balban, Iltutmish, and Qutb-ud-din Aibak were all part of the Slave Dynasty and were slaves before becoming rulers. Ala-ud-din Khalji was a member of the Khalji dynasty and was not a slave.

Akbar is famous for his policy of Sulh-i-kul (universal peace) and for founding Din-i-Ilahi, which blended elements of various religions. He promoted a syncretic culture in the Mughal Empire.

Humayun died in 1556 after falling down the stairs of his library, the Sher Mandal, in Delhi. He is often described as having stumbled out of life as he had stumbled through it.

Malik Kafur was a prominent general of Ala-ud-din Khalji, known for his military campaigns in Southern India.

Qutb-ud-din Aibak died in 1210 after a fall from his horse while playing Chaugan (an early form of polo).

Akbar introduced a liberal policy toward Rajput rulers, offering them high administrative and military positions (mansabs) to consolidate his empire. This policy of religious tolerance and alliance helped secure the loyalty of the powerful Rajput clans. Other early Mughal rulers like Babur and Humayun did not integrate Rajputs into their administration on such a large scale.

Al-Biruni was a Persian scholar who accompanied Mahmud of Ghazni during his invasions of India in the early 11th century.

Babur wrote his autobiography, the Baburnama (Tuzk-e-Babri), and Jahangir wrote his, the Tuzk-e-Jahangiri.