Category History

Yuan Dynasty, a Mongol dynasty, was founded by the Mongol leader Kublai Khan. He ruled most of present-day China, and all of modern Mongolia and its surrounding areas from 1271 to 1368. It was considered a division of the Mongol Empire and at the same time an imperial dynasty of China. Although he established the Yuan dynasty, he put his grandfather Genghis Khan’s name on the official record as the founder of the dynasty. Kublai Khan introduced many administrative and economic reforms during his reign. 

Aztecs were ethnic groups of central Mexico who spoke the Nahuatl language and existed in large parts of Mesoamerica in the 14th to 16th centuries. This period was known as the late post-classic period in Mesoamerican chronology. Although they were considered barbaric by the Toltecs and others in the region, they quickly absorbed their neighbours’ culture. The Aztecs controlled their empire primarily by installing friendly rulers in conquered cities, by marriage alliances between ruling dynasties, and by an economic strategy, making conquered cities depend on the centre for trade. Since there was no military protection in conquered cities, it made them easy prey for conquest in turn by the European invaders in the 16th century. 

Genghis Khan, the Great Khan (emperor), founded the Mongol Empire, which became the largest contiguous empire in history of the world after his death. He united Mongol tribes to improve their chances in battles. He had power over more of the world than any other conqueror in history. Despite his ferocity, the areas he ruled were given freedom of religion and were allowed to use efficient trade routes. By the end of his life, the Mongol Empire had occupied a considerable part of Central Asia and China. After his death the Mongolian empire was ruled by his son, Ogedei Khan, and grandson, Kubilai Khan. 

 The Mongols were a Central Asian ethnic group living on the Mongolian Plateau and were considered to be barbarians and savages. Today, the Mongolian Plateau is divided into independent Mongolia, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China, and Buryatia Republic of Russia. They were highly disciplined and experts in using the bow and arrow on horseback. Stretching from Vietnam to Hungary, the Mongol Empire, founded by Genghis Khan, is the largest contiguous empire in the history of the world. 

The Red Fort was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in Old Delhi that served as the capital of the Mughals until 1857. For nearly 200 years, it was the centre of Shah Jahan’s empire where he led a life known of great pomp and ceremony. He would make public appearances, called ‘darshan’, from a large balcony, receive public petitions in the Diwan-I-Am, review important state matters with his principal ministers in the Diwan-I-Khas, discuss the most secret affairs with his kin and most trusted officers in the Royal Tower or Shah Burj, hold lively gatherings and feasts, and then retire to his bedchambers for the night. This fort was the greatest of Mughal palaces and was the heart of Shah Jahan’s empire. 

The Mughal emperor Akbar came to power when he was just 13 years, following the death of his father Humayun. Akbar, under the guidance of his mentor Bairam Khan, expanded his territory throughout northern India and Afghanistan. Although he was not a great warrior, he was tolerant to other religions and was a very fair ruler. He succeeded at winning the trust and support of the entire Hindu population under his control. During his reign, he abolished two taxes: Jizya, a tax imposed on most of the non-Muslims, and a ‘pilgrimage tax’ paid by Hindus who travelled to various Hindu pilgrimage sites. He instituted many administrative reforms which were used throughout the Mughal period.