Medieval Bihar: Administration, Towns and Trade
BPSC demand
Use this note to connect political regions, learning centres and river routes. Do not claim a uniform administration for every dynasty: Pala, Karnata, Oiniwar, Sultanate and Mughal arrangements changed over time.
Timeline
Places and functions
| Place/feature | Safe clue |
|---|---|
| Ganga | Major east–west river corridor, important for communication and exchange. |
| Gandak and Son | Important Bihar river systems; river confluences and crossings shaped settlements. |
| Nalanda | Monastic-scholastic centre; learning networks also supported travel and exchange. |
| Vikramshila | Buddhist Mahavihara site at Antichak in Bhagalpur district. |
| Rajgir | Ancient Magadhan centre that retained religious and historical importance. |
| Simraongarh | Karnata centre of historical Mithila, now in Nepal. |
| Land grants | Important evidence for local authority and agrarian expansion; interpret each inscription in context. |