ABSTRACT
This chapter presents political and socio-economic aspects of north Indian kingdoms between the end of the Gupta era and the beginnings of the Sultanate of Delhi. It concerns with aspects of the economy and society that went hand in hand with feudalism. The vital area of Sind was lost to the Arabs in the early eighth century, but it was from the early eleventh century onwards that the Hindu states would begin to face Turco-Afghan aggression, first in the form of plunder, and then by an existential threat to their survival. A number of dynasties became engaged in fierce competition for control of north India during this period. The chapter highlights the demise of Hindu power in north India. It points out the decline of trade and the paucity of coinage have also been much exaggerated. Finally, it also examines the different channels of trade were continually appearing as opportunities for traders.
