Ottoman, Safavid and Mughal Empires | World History | Khan Academy

Khan Academy
31 May 201710:28
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TLDRThis script explores the evolution of empires in Asia around the 13th to 17th centuries, focusing on the Yuan Dynasty in China, the Chagatai Khanate in Central Asia, the Golden Horde, the Ilkhanate, the nascent Ottoman Empire, and the Delhi Sultanate in North India. It highlights the fragmentation of the Mongol Empire, the rise of the Ottomans and Mughals, and the cultural and military impacts of the invention of gunpowder. The script also delves into the unique systems of the Ottomans' Janissaries and the Safavids' Ghulams, and the concept of the 'Gunpowder Empires'.

Takeaways
  • 🌏 The study focuses on the evolution of empires in Asia, particularly in North India, Persia, the Middle East, and the Anatolian peninsula around the year 1300.
  • 🏹 The Mongol Empire had fragmented by 1300 into various khanates including the Yuan Dynasty in China, Chagatai Khanate in Central Asia, the Golden Horde in Northwest Asia, and the Ilkhanate in Persia and the Middle East.
  • 👑 The nascent Ottoman Empire was founded by Osman (Uthman or Othman) in modern-day Turkey, emerging as one of the many fragmented kingdoms after the collapse of the Sultanate of Rum.
  • 🛡 The Delhi Sultanate was the first significant Muslim empire in North India and was able to resist Mongol invasions.
  • 🚀 Fast forwarding to the 14th century reveals the Ming Dynasty taking over the Yuan Dynasty in China, and the emergence of Timur who conquered much of the Mongol territories including the Ilkhanate and infamously sacked Delhi.
  • 📈 A century later, the Ottoman Empire continued to grow, expanding its territories and becoming known for its successful use of gunpowder in warfare.
  • 🏰 The Safavid Dynasty in Persia, founded by Shah Ismail in the 16th century, was distinct for its adherence to Twelver Shia Islam and its revival of ancient Persian culture.
  • 🛡️ Both the Ottoman and Safavid empires utilized slave soldiers - the Janissaries and Ghulams respectively - as elite military units, which provided stability and loyalty to the rulers.
  • 🎖 The Mughal Empire was established by Babur, a descendant of both Genghis Khan and Timur, after defeating the Delhi Sultanate with the aid of gunpowder.
  • 🕌 The Mughals, while practicing Sunni Islam, ruled over a Hindu majority and initially showed tolerance towards other religions, though this later changed under rulers like Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb.
  • 🔥 The term 'Gunpowder Empires' has been used to refer to the Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal empires due to their centralized power structures and use of gunpowder, though this concept is now critically examined by historians.
Q & A

  • What were the major changes in Asia around the year 1300?

    -Around the year 1300, Asia saw the fragmentation of Genghis Khan's empire into various khanates, including the Yuan Dynasty in China, Chagatai Khanate in Central Asia, the Golden Horde in Northwest Asia, and the Ilkhanate in Persia and the Middle East.

  • What is the significance of the tiny kingdom founded by Osman in the Anatolian peninsula?

    -The tiny kingdom founded by Osman, also known as Uthman or Othman, in the Anatolian peninsula is significant because it marks the beginning of the Ottoman Empire.

  • How did the Delhi Sultanate differ from other empires during the Mongol invasions?

    -The Delhi Sultanate was notable for being one of the few empires that were able to fend off the Mongols during their invasions.

  • What major shift occurred in the use of gunpowder during the period discussed in the script?

    -During this period, there was a significant shift in the use of gunpowder from primarily fireworks and explosives to being used in guns and particularly artillery, such as cannons.

  • What happened to the Delhi Sultanate after Timur's invasion?

    -After Timur's invasion, the Delhi Sultanate was significantly weakened and brought to its knees, lasting for only about another 100 years.

  • How did the Ottoman Empire expand and what was one of its distinguishing characteristics?

    -The Ottoman Empire expanded significantly, encompassing much of the Middle East. One of its distinguishing characteristics was the Devshirme system, which involved the Sultan having a personal army of Christian boys, known as Janissaries, who were indoctrinated into the Ottoman system.

  • What was unique about the Safavid Dynasty's foundation and religious beliefs?

    -The Safavid Dynasty was founded by Shah Ismail in 1501 and was unique in that it was based on Twelver Shia Islam, making it distinct from the Sunni Islamic Ottoman Empire.

  • What was the role of Ghulams in the Safavid Empire?

    -Ghulams were slave soldiers taken as captives in the Safavid Empire, raised to be an elite military unit, and often gained significant wealth and power over time.

  • Why were slave soldiers like Janissaries and Ghulams given so much power in these empires?

    -Slave soldiers were given power because they were considered the safest to entrust with authority, as they were less likely to have tribal or familial loyalties that could lead to rebellion or assassination attempts against the emperor.

  • How did the Mughal Empire come into existence?

    -The Mughal Empire was founded by Babur, a descendant of Timur and Genghis Khan, who defeated the weakened Delhi Sultanate with the aid of gunpowder.

  • What were the religious practices and tolerance levels of the early Mughal rulers?

    -The early Mughal rulers practiced Sunni Islam but were quite tolerant towards the Hindu majority they ruled over. Akbar the Great even attempted to create a merged religion of Islam, Hinduism, and Christianity.

  • Why is the term 'Gunpowder Empires' sometimes used to refer to the Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal empires?

    -The term 'Gunpowder Empires' is used because these empires were seen as being formed and maintained through the use of gunpowder, particularly in their military might and centralized power structures.

Outlines
00:00
🌏 Evolution of Asian Empires in the 13th and 14th Centuries

This paragraph discusses the evolution of empires in Asia, particularly focusing on North India, Persia, the Middle East, and the Anatolian Peninsula around the year 1300. It highlights the fragmentation of Genghis Khan's empire into various khanates, such as the Yuan Dynasty in China, Chagatai Khanate in Central Asia, the Golden Horde in Northwest Asia, and the Ilkhanate in Persia and the Middle East. The paragraph also introduces the nascent Ottoman Empire founded by Osman and the Delhi Sultanate in North India, which managed to resist Mongol invasions. The narrative then fast forwards by 100 years, discussing changes such as the Ming Dynasty's takeover of the Yuan Dynasty and the rise of Timur, who conquered the Ilkhanate and significantly weakened the Delhi Sultanate. Additionally, it notes the growth of the Ottoman Empire and the introduction of gunpowder for military use, particularly in the form of cannons and artillery.

05:02
🛡️ Unique Military Systems and Cultural Aspects of the Ottoman and Safavid Empires

The second paragraph delves into the distinctive military and cultural characteristics of the Ottoman and Safavid Empires. It describes the Ottoman's Devshirme system, which involved the recruitment of Christian boys to serve as Janissaries, an elite slave soldier class that eventually gained significant power and privileges within the empire. The paragraph also explores the Safavid Dynasty's Ghulams, a similar concept of slave soldiers that became an integral part of their military and political structure. Culturally, the Safavids are noted for reviving Persian culture and establishing Twelver Shia Islam as the state religion, setting them apart from the Sunni Ottoman Empire. The paragraph further discusses the use of gunpowder in warfare by these empires, highlighting the Ottomans' early adoption of artillery and its impact on their military success.

10:04
🏰 Rise of the Mughal Empire and the Concept of Gunpowder Empires

This paragraph focuses on the rise of the Mughal Empire, founded by Babur, a descendant of both Timur and Genghis Khan. It details Babur's use of gunpowder to defeat the Delhi Sultanate and establish a new empire. The paragraph also discusses the religious and cultural practices of the Mughals, who initially practiced tolerance towards the Hindu majority they ruled over. The reigns of different Mughal emperors are highlighted, particularly Akbar the Great's attempt to merge Islam with Hinduism and other religions, and the less tolerant rule of Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb. The concept of 'Gunpowder Empires' is introduced, attributing the formation of these centralized empires to the power of gunpowder. However, the paragraph concludes with a note on the historical skepticism towards categorizing these specific empires as Gunpowder Empires, given the existence of other large empires that formed before the advent of gunpowder.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Evolution of Empires
The term 'Evolution of Empires' refers to the historical development and transformation of large, powerful states in Asia, particularly in regions such as North India, Persia, the Middle East, and the Anatolian Peninsula. In the context of the video, this concept is central to understanding the shifts in power and territorial control that occurred from the 13th to the 17th century, as empires rose and fell, and as political boundaries changed.
💡Genghis Khan
Genghis Khan was the founder and first Great Khan of the Mongol Empire, which became the largest contiguous empire in history after his death. In the video, his conquests are significant as they set the stage for the later fragmentation of the empire into several khanates, such as the Yuan Dynasty in China, the Chagatai Khanate, the Golden Horde, and the Ilkhanate.
💡Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman Empire was a state that lasted from 1299 to 1922, founded by Osman I. It grew to become a vast empire encompassing much of Southeast Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. In the video, the Ottoman Empire's early formation is highlighted, as well as its significant expansion and military innovations, including the use of gunpowder and the development of the Janissary corps.
💡Delhi Sultanate
The Delhi Sultanate was a Muslim kingdom based in Delhi that ruled over large parts of the Indian subcontinent from the 12th to the 16th centuries. It was one of the first significant Muslim empires in North India and notable for being able to fend off Mongol invasions. In the video, the Delhi Sultanate's role as a powerful entity in the region and its eventual decline after being sacked by Timur are discussed.
💡Timur
Timur, also known as Tamerlane, was a Turco-Mongol military leader and the founder of the Timurid Empire in Persia and Central Asia. He is known for his military campaigns and the cultural and artistic achievements of his empire. In the video, Timur's conquests, including the sack of Delhi, are emphasized as pivotal events that reshaped the political landscape of Asia.
💡Mughal Empire
The Mughal Empire was an Islamic empire in South Asia that lasted from 1526 to 1858, founded by Babur, a direct descendant of both Genghis Khan and Timur. The empire is known for its contributions to art, culture, and architecture, as well as its complex religious dynamics, with rulers who practiced tolerance towards different faiths. In the video, the Mughal Empire's establishment by Babur after defeating the Delhi Sultanate and its eventual shift from tolerance to intolerance under later rulers is discussed.
💡Gunpowder
Gunpowder is a chemical mixture used as the explosive component in firearms and artillery. Its invention in China and subsequent spread to the Middle East and Europe revolutionized warfare. In the video, gunpowder's role in the military advancements of the Ottoman, Mughal, and Safavid empires is highlighted, with these empires sometimes being referred to as the 'Gunpowder Empires' due to their effective use of this technology.
💡Safavid Dynasty
The Safavid Dynasty was a significant ruling dynasty in Iran from 1501 to 1736, founded by Shah Ismail I. It is known for establishing Twelver Shia Islam as the official religion of the empire and for its cultural achievements. The Safavids are also noted for their military innovations, including the use of Ghulams, slave soldiers who were raised to form an elite military unit. In the video, the Safavid Dynasty's establishment and its distinct religious and cultural identity are discussed.
💡Devshirme System
The Devshirme system was a practice in the Ottoman Empire where non-Muslim boys, primarily Christians, were taken from their families at a young age, converted to Islam, and trained to serve the state in various capacities, including as part of the elite Janissary military unit. This system was a key aspect of the empire's military and administrative structure, and it played a role in the social integration and upward mobility of non-Muslim subjects.
💡Ghulams
Ghulams were slave soldiers in the Safavid Empire, similar to the Janissaries in the Ottoman Empire. They were captured, often as young boys, and then trained to serve in the military, eventually forming an elite unit. Over time, many Ghulams gained significant wealth and power, and some even rose to high-ranking positions within the empire. The Ghulams system was a strategic move to create a loyal military force that was not tied to the various tribes and factions within the empire.
💡Gunpowder Empires
The term 'Gunpowder Empires' refers to large, centralized states that emerged in the early modern period and were characterized by their effective use of gunpowder weapons, such as cannons and firearms. While the term has been used to describe the Ottoman, Mughal, and Safavid empires, it is now viewed with some skepticism by historians, as there were many other empires that formed before the widespread use of gunpowder.
Highlights

The study focuses on the evolution of empires in Asia, particularly in North India, Persia, the Middle East, and the Anatolian peninsula around the year 1300.

Genghis Khan's empire had fragmented into various khanates by 1300, including the Yuan Dynasty in China, Chagatai Khanate in Central Asia, the Golden Horde in Northwest Asia, and the Ilkhanate in Persia and the Middle East.

The Ottoman Empire's nascent form was founded by Osman (Uthman or Othman) after the collapse of the Sultanate of Rum, marking the beginning of a significant Muslim empire.

The Delhi Sultanate was one of the few empires able to fend off the Mongols and was the first significant Muslim empire in North India.

Fast forwarding to the 14th century reveals the Ming Dynasty taking over the Yuan Dynasty in China, with the Mongols relegated to the Northern Yuan Dynasty.

Timur's conquests included the sack of Delhi, which significantly weakened the Delhi Sultanate and led to its eventual collapse.

The Ottoman Empire, founded by Osman, continued to grow and conquer, becoming a major power in the region.

The invention of gunpowder in Tang China and the early Song dynasty had a significant impact on warfare, with the use of guns and artillery becoming prominent in this period.

By the late 16th and early 17th century, the Ottoman Empire had expanded significantly, encompassing much of the Middle East.

The Timurid Empire fell within a few decades after the death of Timur, leading to the rise of the Safavid Dynasty in Persia in the 16th century.

Babur, Timur's great-grandson's great-grandson, defeated the Delhi Sultanate and established the Mughal Empire, which was a significant Muslim empire in India.

Historians often group the Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal empires together due to their shared characteristics, such as their Muslim dynasties and the use of gunpowder in warfare.

The Ottoman Empire was unique for its Devshirme system, which involved a personal army of Christian boys indoctrinated into the Janissary system, providing stability and loyalty.

The Safavid Dynasty was based on Twelver Shia Islam and brought back much of the culture of Ancient Persia, including the use of the title Shah.

The Mughal Empire, founded by Babur, practiced Sunni Islam but ruled over a Hindu majority, with early rulers showing notable tolerance towards different religions.

The concept of elite slave soldiers, such as the Janissaries in the Ottoman Empire and Ghulams in the Safavid Empire, provided stability by ensuring loyalty to the ruler.

The term 'Gunpowder Empires' refers to the Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal empires, which were major centralized empires thought to have formed with the power of gunpowder.

The idea that gunpowder was the sole factor in the formation of these empires has been met with skepticism by modern historians, as many other large empires formed before the use of gunpowder.

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