Lesson Outline: Unit 2

Lesson Title: The Mughal Empire
Date: 23 November 2008
Creator: Keshav Kohli
Subject: Social Studies level 3

Activities and lesson notes: This longer unit is divided into three individual sections, each focusing on different aspects of the Mughal Empire and its effects on India’s culture, geography, political sphere, and economic stability. The first lesson articulates the rise of the Mughal Empire to power, specifying the line of kings leading up to the rule of Jahangir, the cultural provisions made by Akbar the Great, the influence of the Ottoman Empire on Babur’s conquests, the significance of Humayun’s government, and growing threat of opposition such as that of the Hindu Rajput Confederacy. In class, students acquired a detailed understanding of cash economy, Hindu-Muslim unity, syncretism, the nation-state, cultural reform, the bureaucratic system of government, and Mughal architecture through lectures and engaging student activities. Specific emphasis was placed on the role of Akbar’s regime in unifying the northern territory of India—a central premise in analyzing the subsequent fall of the Mughals under Aurungzeb’s administration. In effect, students have become very familiar with social, economic, political, and geographical patterns in early societies during Mughal rule. This study of the Mughal Empire will assist students both in comprehending and identifying the underlying foundation of Indian culture and political policies, as well as in expanding their ability to read, margin note, and concretely understand the text assigned.

Sources (websites, books used, etc.): To name a few:
· India A History by John Keay
· In Spite of the Gods: The Strange Rise of Modern India by Edward Luce
· http://www.wikipedia.com/
· The World’s History Volume II by Howard Spodek
· Various internet sources for images

Materials needed (markers, scissors, etc): Kohli Bucks (artificial paper money given to students on occasion, allowing them to “purchase” treats—namely candy—in class)