1. Jeong Hyun Min Option A- Mongol Empire
During the Middle Ages, the fast-rising Mongol Empire began to emerge. It started in the Central Asian Steppes and lasted during the 13th and 14th centuries.
The Empire extended through modern-day China, Mongolia, Siberia, parts of Burma, Ukraine, Central Asia, amongst others. The kingdom unified the Turkic tribes and nomadic Mongols under one leader, Genghis Khan. The empire grew extensively under his rule and that of his descendants due to invasions and its ability to connect the west and the east by allowing the exchange of goods, ideologies, technologies, and trade. This essay explores the rise and expansion of the Mongol Empire, as well as its significance in Asian History.
The Mongol Empire arose from a group of nomadic Mongols who were not perceived as a threat by the rest of the Chinese communities because of their low population and lack of organization. They also lived in Central Asia, a region where rainfall was too low to support permanent settlement and wide-spread agriculture (Mongols: Semi-Migratory Peoples of Central Asia 0:11).
Despite these barriers, the Mongols managed to rise under one leader and led invasions into neighbouring communities to extend their rule. They had superior military skills and weapons and Genghis Khan was a strategic ruler who was both ruthless and responsive to factors that improved his kingdom, such as trade activities (Mongols: Semi-Migratory Peoples of Central Asia 8:39).
The Mongol invasion is essential in Asian history because it resulted in a lot of destruction and loss of life (Barbarians - The Mongols 12:45). The population in North China greatly reduced.
The Mongols also eliminated primary Chinese institutions, such as the civil service examinations and widespread Confucianism. However, the Mongol invasion also had positive implications. For instance, there was relative political stability under one main ruler.
They also did not force people to give up their cultural and religious practices. The Mongols created a strong army that weathered invasions and attacks. They also facilitated international trade through one of the most influential commerce routes in the globe, the Silk Road.
Conclusively, the Mongol Empire arose from a group of nomadic Mongol tribes who were underestimated, but they utilized their strengths and the prevailing political disarray in the neighbouring regions to expand their rule. The invasion is an essential part of the Asian history because it is by far one of the greatest kingdoms ever encountered in the continent and the world.
It also facilitated the growth of international trade, major technologies and discoveries in banking, paper-making, astronomy, and mathematics, inspired famous explorers like Marco Polo, amongst others.
2. Esmeralda Ochoa Option ACOLLAPSE
The founding of the Mughal Empire dates back to 1526 by Babur, descendent of Genghis Khan and Tamerlaine. These two descendants are known as one of history's most famous people.
The Mughal Empire is known for its music, art, literature, and most importantly architecture. The birth of the Mughal Empire began when Babur defeated the large army of the Lodis with the use of artillery at Panipat which is located near Belhi.
The Mughal Empire was known as India's Golden Era. The Mughals successfully established a strong economy and succeeded within trade. Although Babur was the founder of this empire he was not the one to truly establish Mughal rule.
Neither was his son, Humayun, who had lost the empire for almost fifteen years, but luckily regained it through the from the Shah of Persia.
Not until Akbar, the third emperor was the Mughal Empire success and took place into becoming one of the greatest empires known to rule India. Akbar is well known for being a powerful ruler and his tolerance for religious beliefs.
Instead of appointing officials based on religion, instead they were based off of merit. Akbar married Rajput (Hindu) Princess Harka Bai. Although Akbar is most importantly celebrated for his policy of giving honor to the Hindus and helping to unite them with the Muslims.
The Mughal empire had only some far distant relations to the rules of the Mongol empire. First, Emperor Babur was a distant descendent of Sikander (Alexander) the Great.
Also, Babur was also a descendant of Timur, who was a descendant of Genghis Khan through his son Chagatai Khan.
The development of the Mughal empire has significantly impacted the development within India overall and with its people. Many forms of art and architectures of the Mughals were introduced to India and are continued to be shown within India as of today.
Some including the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Red Fort, and Jama Masjid. It has also brought smaller kingdoms together through the centralizing of the government.
Also through the use of government, it has help bring a respect for human rights throughout India. The Mughals choice of food including deserts also has an impact on the life of India.
With the Mughals successfully establishing their emperor though warfare, they introduced the equipment and techniques to India.
Specifically, the Mughals introduced daggers that were made of alloy and also gun fire within battles. The Mughal Empire has had an influential effect towards the country of India tremendously.
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