As a nation grows, it is bound to review its past to sec what part of its
legacy is relevant, or an inhibiting factor, for growth. The medieval
period of Indian history has often been equated to the period of
Turkish and Mughal rule over the country. This meant that primacy
was given to political factors rather than societal ones. This attitude
w~s also based on the assumption that there has been little change in
Indian society down the centuries. This attitude has now begun to
change.