AROUND THE AP WORLD DAY 64: MUGHALS & TOKUGAWA JAPAN

FREEMAN- PEDIA
6 Mar 202104:32
EducationalLearning
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TLDRThe video script discusses two major land-based empires: the Mughals and the Tokugawa Shogunate. The Mughals, inheritors of the Delhi Sultanate, utilized gunpowder to seize power and are noted for their architectural achievements and unique tax system. Akbar the Great, known for his religious tolerance, was their most celebrated ruler. The Tokugawa Shogunate, an island power, maintained a policy of isolation (Sekoku) but engaged in trade with the Dutch, coining the term 'Dutch learning'. The video also hints at a future discussion on the belief systems of these empires.

Takeaways
  • 🏰 The Mughal Empire was a land-based empire that inherited the Delhi Sultanate through conquest, similar to how the Ottomans took over the remnants of the Byzantine Empire.
  • 🔥 Gunpowder played a crucial role in the rise of various empires, termed as 'gunpowder empires', which includes not only Islamic empires but also others like the Mughals, Ottomans, and Manchus.
  • 🌍 The Tokugawa Shogunate in Japan, despite being an island, is considered a land-based empire due to its focus on internal governance and the policy of 'Sekoku' or 'locked country'.
  • 🎯 The Mughal Empire's success in taking over the Delhi Sultanate was largely due to their superior use of gunpowder.
  • 🕌 The Mughal ruler Akbar the Great is known for his exceptional religious tolerance, which was key to the empire's stability and prosperity.
  • 🏛️ The Mughal Empire is also remembered for its architectural marvels, such as the Taj Mahal, and its unique tax collection system involving local elites known as zamindars.
  • 📉 The Mughal Empire began to decline under Aurangzeb, who was less tolerant than his predecessors, leading to a rebellion by the Hindu Marathas.
  • 🤴 The Tokugawa Shogunate was characterized by a military shogun ruling Japan with the emperor as a symbolic figurehead.
  • 🚢 Despite the policy of 'Sekoku', the Japanese still engaged in trade with the Chinese, Koreans, and the Dutch on a man-made island called Dejima in Nagasaki.
  • 📚 The Dutch influence on Japan during the period of 'Sekoku' was significant, with the Japanese referring to knowledge from the outside world as 'Dutch learning'.
  • 🔄 The isolationist policy of 'Sekoku' ended in the 1850s when the arrival of American 'black ships' forced Japan to open up and learn about modern military technology.
Q & A

  • Who were the Mughal Empire's predecessors in India?

    -The Mughal Empire's predecessors in India were the Delhi Sultanate. The Mughals overthrew the Delhi Sultanate and took control of the region.

  • What is the significance of gunpowder in the rise of the Mughal Empire?

    -Gunpowder played a crucial role in the rise of the Mughal Empire, as it was a key factor in their military dominance, allowing them to overthrow the Delhi Sultanate and maintain control over their territories.

  • How did the Mughal Empire's approach to religion differ from other empires of the time?

    -The Mughal Empire, particularly under Akbar the Great, was known for its religious tolerance. Unlike other empires that might have enforced a single religious belief, the Mughals allowed for the coexistence and practice of various religions within their empire.

  • What is the Taj Mahal and why is it associated with the Mughal Empire?

    -The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife. It is associated with the Mughal Empire as an example of their architectural achievements and is one of the most iconic structures from that period.

  • What was the unique tax collection style of the Mughal Empire?

    -The Mughal Empire had a unique tax collection system where existing elites, known as zamindars, were appointed to collect taxes on behalf of the empire. This system is sometimes referred to as tax farming.

  • Who was the last competent ruler of the Mughal Empire and what was his main flaw?

    -The last competent ruler of the Mughal Empire was Aurangzeb. His main flaw was his lack of tolerance, which led to the rise of the Hindu Marathas and the beginning of the empire's decline.

  • What is the Tokugawa Shogunate and how does it fit into the category of land-based empires?

    -The Tokugawa Shogunate was a period in Japanese history where a military government, led by a shogun, ruled the country. Despite being an island nation, it is considered a land-based empire due to its focus on controlling and consolidating power within its own territories rather than expanding overseas.

  • What was the policy of 'Sekoku' implemented by the Tokugawa Shogunate?

    -The policy of 'Sekoku' or 'locked country' was a isolationist policy implemented by the Tokugawa Shogunate, which restricted foreign interaction and trade, allowing only limited contact with China, Korea, and the Dutch.

  • How did the Tokugawa Shogunate learn about the outside world despite their isolationist policies?

    -Despite the isolationist policies of the Tokugawa Shogunate, they learned about the outside world through trade and interaction with the Dutch on the man-made island of Dejima in Nagasaki. This knowledge was referred to as 'Dutch Learning' or 'Rangaku'.

  • What event led to the end of the 'Sekoku' policy?

    -The 'Sekoku' policy ended in the 1850s when the United States arrived in Japan with black ships, steamships armed with guns, forcing Japan to open up to foreign trade and influence.

  • What were the key characteristics of the land-based empires discussed in the script?

    -The key characteristics of the land-based empires discussed in the script include military dominance through the use of gunpowder, the establishment of a ruling class or elite, the implementation of unique governance and tax systems, and the development of distinct cultural and architectural achievements.

Outlines
00:00
🏰 The Rise and Governance of the Mughal Empire

This paragraph discusses the Mughal Empire, one of the wealthiest land-based empires, and their succession from the Delhi Sultanate through conquest. The importance of gunpowder in the rise of these empires is emphasized, highlighting how it was a key factor in their ability to seize power. The paragraph also touches on the unique religious tolerance of the Mughals, particularly under the rule of Akbar the Great, whose name itself signifies greatness and embodies the spirit of the era's tolerance. The architectural marvels of the Mughals, like the Taj Mahal, and their innovative tax collection system through zamindars are also mentioned. The empire's decline begins under Aurangzeb, who lacked tolerance and faced rebellions from the Hindu Marathas.

🌊 The Tokugawa Shogunate and its Isolationist Policies

This section focuses on the Tokugawa Shogunate, a land-based empire in Japan that implemented isolationist policies, known as 'Sekoku' or 'locked country', to maintain control and prevent foreign influence, particularly from Europeans converting the Japanese to Christianity. Despite this, they maintained trade with China, Korea, and the Dutch on a man-made island off Nagasaki, known as Tashima. The Dutch became the primary source of knowledge about the outside world for the Japanese, termed as 'Dutch learning'. This policy persisted until the arrival of the Americans in the 1850s, which marked the end of this isolationist period and the beginning of Japan's exposure to Western military technology.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Mughals
The Mughals were a powerful empire in the Indian subcontinent, known as the inheritors of the Delhi Sultanate. They rose to power through military conquests and are considered a gunpowder empire due to their use of gunpowder in warfare. The Mughals are also noted for their architectural achievements, such as the Taj Mahal, and their unique tax collection system involving zamindars. The empire's most famous ruler, Akbar the Great, exemplified religious tolerance, which was crucial for the Mughal's rule over a diverse population.
💡Tokugawa Shogunate
The Tokugawa Shogunate was the final military government in Japan, ruling from 1603 to 1868. Despite being an island nation, it is considered a land-based empire due to its focus on internal governance and military power. The shogunate is known for its policy of seclusion, or 'sakoku', which restricted foreign trade and interaction, allowing only limited contact with China, Korea, and the Dutch. This period also saw the development of a distinct Japanese culture and the isolation that eventually led to the country's modernization after the arrival of American ships in the 1850s.
💡Gunpowder Empires
The term 'gunpowder empires' refers to states or empires that rose to power and maintained control through the use of gunpowder weapons. These empires, including the Mughals, Ottomans, Safavids, and others, leveraged the military advantages provided by gunpowder to conquer territories and suppress opposition. The use of gunpowder was a defining characteristic of the early modern period, and these empires played a significant role in shaping global politics and military tactics.
💡Religious Tolerance
Religious tolerance refers to the acceptance and respect for different religious beliefs and practices within a society or empire. In the context of the Mughals, it is exemplified by Akbar the Great's policies, which promoted harmony among the empire's diverse religious population. This form of tolerance was not just about allowing religious practices but also about understanding and valuing different belief systems, which was crucial for the Mughals' rule over a majority Hindu population.
💡Akbar the Great
Akbar the Great was the third Mughal Emperor, known for his military prowess, cultural achievements, and most notably, his policy of religious tolerance. His reign is considered the golden age of the Mughal Empire, where he expanded the empire's territories and fostered an environment of mutual respect among different religious groups. Akbar's name itself means 'great,' symbolizing his impact on the empire and his legacy as one of the greatest rulers of all time.
💡Zamindars
Zamindars were landowners who played a significant role in the Mughal Empire's tax collection system. They were responsible for collecting taxes from the peasants and transferring the revenue to the Mughal state. This system, often compared to tax farming, allowed the Mughals to maintain control over their vast territories without direct intervention in local governance. The zamindars had considerable power and were essential in maintaining the Mughal's economic stability.
💡Land-Based Empires
Land-based empires refer to large, centralized states or empires that expand and maintain their power primarily through the control of land and the peoples within their territories. These empires, such as the Mughals and the Tokugawa Shogunate, rely on military might, administrative efficiency, and sometimes religious or cultural influence to sustain their rule. They differ from maritime empires, which rely on naval power and control of sea routes for expansion and trade.
💡Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum located in Agra, India, and is one of the most famous examples of Mughal architecture. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, it stands as a symbol of love and a testament to the architectural and artistic achievements of the Mughal era. The Taj Mahal is renowned for its intricate design, symmetrical beauty, and the use of precious stones, making it a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist destination.
💡Arungzeb
Arungzeb was the sixth Mughal Emperor, whose reign marked a period of both territorial expansion and the beginning of the empire's decline. Known for his strict adherence to orthodox Islam, his lack of tolerance towards other religions, particularly Hinduism, led to increased tensions and resistance within the empire. His rule saw the empire reach its largest geographical extent, but also the rise of the Maratha Empire, which would eventually contribute to the Mughal's decline.
💡Sekoku (Locked Country)
Sekoku, or 'sakoku', was the isolationist policy implemented by the Tokugawa Shogunate in Japan, which restricted foreign trade and interaction to a minimum. This policy allowed Japan to maintain its cultural and political independence, but also led to a lack of engagement with the rest of the world. The Dutch were the only Europeans permitted to trade with Japan, and their presence on the island of Tashima facilitated the exchange of knowledge between Japan and the outside world.
💡Dutch Learning
Dutch Learning refers to the period in Japanese history when the country was in a state of isolation, or 'sakoku', but still allowed limited trade and knowledge exchange with the Dutch on the island of Tashima. This exchange of knowledge, particularly in the fields of science, medicine, and technology, played a crucial role in Japan's eventual modernization and its ability to catch up with Western advancements. The term 'Dutch Learning' reflects the importance of the Dutch as a source of knowledge during this period.
Highlights

The Mughal Empire is considered the inheritors of the Delhi Sultanate, having taken over through invasion.

The Mugals, like the Ottomans, are examples of gunpowder empires, rising to power through the use of gunpowder.

The importance of gunpowder in the early modern period is underscored, with its role in the rise and maintenance of various empires.

The Songhai Empire's downfall was due to the superior gunpowder of the Moroccans.

The Mugals' use of gunpowder enabled them to conquer the larger Delhi Sultanate.

Akbar the Great is noted as the epitome of religious tolerance in the Mughal Empire, and his name 'Akbar' means 'great'.

Akbar the Great's approach to tolerance involved understanding and respecting other belief systems, not just tolerating them.

The Mughal Empire is associated with architectural marvels such as the Taj Mahal and a unique tax collection system involving zamindars.

The empire began to crumble under Aurangzeb, who was less tolerant than his predecessors, leading to the rise of the Hindu Marathas.

The Tokugawa Shogunate, despite being an island, is considered a land-based empire due to its focus on internal governance and military rule.

The Tokugawa Shogunate implemented a policy of 'Sekoku' or 'locked country', restricting foreign influence and trade.

Despite the policy of Sekoku, the Japanese still engaged in trade with the Chinese, Koreans, and the Dutch on Tashima island.

The Dutch had a significant influence on Japan during the period of isolation, with the Japanese referring to foreign knowledge as 'Dutch learning'.

The policy of isolation was eventually broken in the 1850s when the United States arrived with black ships, pressuring Japan to learn about naval power and gun technology.

The lecture will continue to discuss the belief systems of land-based empires in the following session.

Transcripts

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