Culturally medieval period marks the beginning of new stage
in the growth of India's composite culture. It saw the introduction of new
features in art and architecture of India and their diffusion to all parts of
the country. The architecture that developed during this period was the result
of the synthesis of the traditions of Central Asia and Persia with the
pre-existing Indian styles. During the 15th and 16th centauries distinctive
styles of art and architecture also developed in the regional kingdoms which
had emerged with the disintegration of the Sultanate.
During this time notable advances were made in the
development of languages and literature. Two new languages-Arabic and Persian
became a part of India's linguistic heritage. Historical writings for the first
time became an important component of Indian literature. Under the influence of
Persian, new forms of literature such as the ghazal were introduced. The period
saw two great religious movements. The Bhakti movement spread throughout the
country.
It disapproved religious narrow-mindedness, superstitions
and observance of formal rituals. The Bhakti saints condemned caste
inequalities and laid stress on human brotherhood. The other was Sufi movement.
The Sufis or the Muslim mystics preached the message of love and human
brotherhood. These two movements played a leading role in combating religious
exclusiveness and narrow -mindedness and in bringing the people of all
communities together. Sikhism began to emerge as a new religion based on the
teachings of Guru Nanak and other saints. The growth of a composite culture reached
its highest point under the Great Mughals in the 16th and 17th centuries.
The Mughals built an empire which once again brought about
the political unification of a large part of the country. Akbar the greatest
Mughal Emperor followed the policy of Sulhkul (peace with all). Some of the
finest specimen of Indian architecture and literature belong to this period. A
new significant art form was painting which flourished under the patronage of
the Mughal court. Influenced by the Persian traditions the Mughal painting
developed into a distinct Indian style. It later spread to other parts of the
country in various regional styles. Another significant development was the
emergence of a new language Urdu which became the lingua franca of the people
of the towns in many parts of the country.
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