Name____________ Ms. Reyes/Ms.

Rust Mini-Lesson Six: Global Absolutism AIM: How did Absolute rulers around the world differ? DO NOW: Answer the multiple-choice question and analyze the image.

Date: Global 10

God hath power to create or destroy, make or unmake, at his pleasure; to give life or send death; to judgeand to be judged (by) noneAnd the like power have kings; Which idea is described by this passage? 1. 2. 3. 4. theory of divine right enlightened despotism Social Darwinism constitutional monarchy

What idea is being shown in this cartoon? Explain. _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ MINI LESSON: Absolutism in the Islamic World
There are several examples of absolute monarchy in the Muslim world. In Islamic history, the Ottoman sultan Suleiman is considered to be the perfect ruler. He is said to have had all of the most important qualities of an Islamic ruler, especially knowledge of justice. In addition, he is viewed by many as a law giver, a great soldier, and a magnificent poet. A contemporary of Suleiman, Akbar the Great, ascended the throne in 1556, at the age of thirteen. The third Mughal emperor of India, Akbar won the support of Hindus and Muslims. His greatest accomplishment was the institution of an efficient bureaucracy that helped to run the empire. Akbar the Great :(1542-1605) Emperor of the Mughal Empire in India. He is considered to be their greatest ruler. He is responsible for the expansion of his empire, the stability his administration gave to it, and the increasing of trade and cultural diffusion. Suleiman :(1494-1566) Sultan of the Ottoman Empire and considered to be their greatest ruler. Under his leadership, the Ottoman Empire reached its greatest height.

CLASSWORK: Complete the following:

The Mughal Dynasty in India - Stories of Akbar and Birbal

Background : Stories of Akbar and Birbal are extremely popular in India. The several instances when Birbal uses his wit and intelligence to calm the ire of Emperor Akbar and amuse him at the same time, are told to children from a very early age. It used to be part of the oral tradition of storytelling, but in recent years these stories have been compiled into books by various authors. Akbar was the third Mughal Emperor to rule over India in the 16th century. He is also known as Akbar the Great for his contributions in the areas of art, architecture and music. It said that in his reign, Hindus and Muslims lived side by side in syncretistic harmony. He was illiterate himself, but provided patronage to fine arts and literature. In his court he had Nine Jewels or Navrtans. These were poets, musicians, advisers and learned men. The Story of how Birbal came to Akbars court Emperor Akbar loved to go hunting. On one such trip, he came across a young man named Mahesh Das. In the meeting that occurred, the Emperor was extremely impressed by the wit of Mahesh Das. The Emperor gave Mahesh Das his ring and asked him to come and visit him in his palace at any time.

A few years later Mahesh Das decided to try his luck in the city and to take the emperor up on his offer. He reached the city of Agra where Emperor Akbar had his fort on the banks of the Yamuna River. At the gate of the fort he was greeted by the guards. He told them that he had come to visit with the emperor. The guards looked at him in disdain (since he was not very well dressed) and asked him why they should let him in. He showed them the ring that was given to him by the emperor as proof. One of the guards realized that this individual obviously was of importance to the emperor and gave him permission to enter, based on one condition: the young man would share half of what he received from the emperor with the guard. Mahesh Das promised to do so and was given access into the court of Emperor Akbar. He bowed to the emperor as he went in and showed him the ring. The reputedly benevolent Emperor Akbar recognized the ring and the young man and immediately offered him anything he wanted. The young man thought a while, and asked the emperor for fifty lashes of the whip. The emperor was amazed but he knew that Mahesh Das was a very astute young man and asked him for his reason for his wish. Mahesh Das revealed to the emperor that deal that he had made with the guard outside the fort. The emperor was thoroughly amused and angry at the same time. He awarded the fifty lashes to the guard for his impertinence and his habit of bullying people. He rewarded Mahesh Das by including him in his court and giving him all the comforts he could desire. He also bestowed on him the name of Birbal. Till this day, stories of Birbals wit are told to children in India. Comprehension questions 1. Describe the characters of Akbar, Mahesh Das (Birbal) and the guard.

2. What can you tell about the Mughal Dynasty based on the information from the story?

3. If you could give a title to the story, what would it be?

4. What would you ask Emperor Akbar and Birbal if you met them?

5. What would you have asked Emperor Akbar if you were in the place of Mahesh Das (Birbal)?

Objective Activities

Option One: Create a Venn Diagram comparing one of the two leaders you learned about today to one of the European absolute leaders you learned about during this unit.

Option Two: Complete the following chart comparing the leaders you have studied.

Country
France

Monarch

Achievements/Wars/Explorations/Famous Citizens

Russia

India

Ottoman Empire