South Asia Persian Chart---Rodrigo Rovner
Political- 1526: Establishment of Mughal Empire by Babur (descendant of Genghis Khan and Timur). Mughals ruled most of India during the 1600's and began to fall starting in 1707. Nizam-Ul-Mulk was defeated by the Maratha army in 1737, causing the end of the Mughal Empire. Mughal Dynasty was possibly the richest dynasty to have ever existed. During Mughal era, dominant political forces consisted of the Mughal empire, its tributaries, and also the rising successor states (later on). Mughals had no navy. Several invasions by the Marathan army as well as Afghans weakened the Mughal Dynasty over the years to the point where it was ruled by puppet rulers.
Economy- With the Indian Ocean, South Asian countries were able to trade overseas with areas such as Europe and China. Europe mainly bought from the goods of Asia such as spices and condiments from India. Because South Asia was rich with resources and was able to buy much from China, South Asian countries rarely traded with Europeans, rather had Europeans buy from them. Trade with various countries allowed for the introduction of new technology such as irrigation systems. Trading textiles was very important to the economy of India. Material goods such as calico, chintz, and cotton cloth were frequently traded and were the most popular items. Cash crops include indigo, sugarcane, cotton, and oil seeds. Merchants required to be paid in either gold pieces or silver. Rivers were also used as transportation purposes for simplified trade.
Religion- The ruling dynasty at the time (Mughal) was largely Muslim. Along with the empire, around 20% of the population was Muslim. There was also a presence of Hinduism. Akbar supported Hinduism greatly and worked to support Hindu temples around the Indian subcontinent. Mosques were also supported by Akbar. Also, because of Hinduism favor, many Hindus were put into elite and government positions. Child marriage was no longer allowed and the remarriage of a widow was allowed. Taxes were revoked from non-Muslims. Sharia= Islamic Law. The Vedas were Hindu sacred text. Also, special days called "market days" were created for the women to not feel secluded every once in a while. Akbar wanted to blend the 2 religions of Hinduism and Islam
Society- Although Akbar attempted to blend the 2 religions, the difference in beliefs created division between the people. Akbar insisted on reform movements to give homes to the ones in need such as the beggars and vagabonds. Much money was spent on luxuries. Remarriage of widows was now allowed and children could no longer be married. Women were greatly secluded, as the Muslim women could not leave the home unveiled. Although the seclusion, "Market Day" allowed for women freedom. Lower class usually had few problems, whereas upper class was where divorce was common. The birth of a male was celebrated whereas birth of a female was disappointing.
Innovations- With the Bubonic plague affecting many people, medical advancements increased. Hospitals existed as well as physicians. Vaccines were introduced to help stop spread of disease. Palampor were hand painted cotton fabrics that influenced crewel work designs. Palampore was also taken to the Americas by shipping vessels, where it was used for quilting. Astronomy was also popular during this time period as Islamic and Hindu astronomy were combined. An astronomy center was established at Delhi. Also, the creation of an early gun was invented in India. Akbar invented the first prefabricated homes and movable structures.
Art/architecture- Palampore was an art form introduced in the 17th century. It later spread to the Americas and used for quilting. Paintings depicted influence from various things such as European influence and also paintings that reflected religion. One of the most famous buildings is the Taj Mahal, which was built by a Mughal ruler. Architecture built during the Mughal era had much Persian and Hindu influence. White marble was used for the construction of precious buildings and decorations were in geometric designs.
Near Geographic- The area conquered by Akbar stretched from northern India to around the central region. China was close to India. Afghans and others invaded from the northwest, where there were no mountains. The presence of the Indian Ocean nearby is beneficial for merchants and for trade. Sailors depend on monsoons for transportation. The Indo Gangetic Plains are large alluvial plains dominated by the Brahmaputra, Ganges, and Indus Rivers. Fragmentation brought the end of the Mughals. Fragmentation was a result of several invasions from the north. India is surrounded by mountains, which allows for a single entrance to the north-west.
http://www.ancient.eu.com/india/
http://www.geographia.com/india/india02.htm
http://www.quia.com/files/quia/users/ramseym/World-AP-Intro/World-AP-NOTES/chapter_19_pdf
Economy- With the Indian Ocean, South Asian countries were able to trade overseas with areas such as Europe and China. Europe mainly bought from the goods of Asia such as spices and condiments from India. Because South Asia was rich with resources and was able to buy much from China, South Asian countries rarely traded with Europeans, rather had Europeans buy from them. Trade with various countries allowed for the introduction of new technology such as irrigation systems. Trading textiles was very important to the economy of India. Material goods such as calico, chintz, and cotton cloth were frequently traded and were the most popular items. Cash crops include indigo, sugarcane, cotton, and oil seeds. Merchants required to be paid in either gold pieces or silver. Rivers were also used as transportation purposes for simplified trade.
Religion- The ruling dynasty at the time (Mughal) was largely Muslim. Along with the empire, around 20% of the population was Muslim. There was also a presence of Hinduism. Akbar supported Hinduism greatly and worked to support Hindu temples around the Indian subcontinent. Mosques were also supported by Akbar. Also, because of Hinduism favor, many Hindus were put into elite and government positions. Child marriage was no longer allowed and the remarriage of a widow was allowed. Taxes were revoked from non-Muslims. Sharia= Islamic Law. The Vedas were Hindu sacred text. Also, special days called "market days" were created for the women to not feel secluded every once in a while. Akbar wanted to blend the 2 religions of Hinduism and Islam
Society- Although Akbar attempted to blend the 2 religions, the difference in beliefs created division between the people. Akbar insisted on reform movements to give homes to the ones in need such as the beggars and vagabonds. Much money was spent on luxuries. Remarriage of widows was now allowed and children could no longer be married. Women were greatly secluded, as the Muslim women could not leave the home unveiled. Although the seclusion, "Market Day" allowed for women freedom. Lower class usually had few problems, whereas upper class was where divorce was common. The birth of a male was celebrated whereas birth of a female was disappointing.
Innovations- With the Bubonic plague affecting many people, medical advancements increased. Hospitals existed as well as physicians. Vaccines were introduced to help stop spread of disease. Palampor were hand painted cotton fabrics that influenced crewel work designs. Palampore was also taken to the Americas by shipping vessels, where it was used for quilting. Astronomy was also popular during this time period as Islamic and Hindu astronomy were combined. An astronomy center was established at Delhi. Also, the creation of an early gun was invented in India. Akbar invented the first prefabricated homes and movable structures.
Art/architecture- Palampore was an art form introduced in the 17th century. It later spread to the Americas and used for quilting. Paintings depicted influence from various things such as European influence and also paintings that reflected religion. One of the most famous buildings is the Taj Mahal, which was built by a Mughal ruler. Architecture built during the Mughal era had much Persian and Hindu influence. White marble was used for the construction of precious buildings and decorations were in geometric designs.
Near Geographic- The area conquered by Akbar stretched from northern India to around the central region. China was close to India. Afghans and others invaded from the northwest, where there were no mountains. The presence of the Indian Ocean nearby is beneficial for merchants and for trade. Sailors depend on monsoons for transportation. The Indo Gangetic Plains are large alluvial plains dominated by the Brahmaputra, Ganges, and Indus Rivers. Fragmentation brought the end of the Mughals. Fragmentation was a result of several invasions from the north. India is surrounded by mountains, which allows for a single entrance to the north-west.
http://www.ancient.eu.com/india/
http://www.geographia.com/india/india02.htm
http://www.quia.com/files/quia/users/ramseym/World-AP-Intro/World-AP-NOTES/chapter_19_pdf