Materials

• Timeline and brief history of the Mughal Empire
• Blank outline map of India
• Pictures of the Taj Mahal
• Samples of art from the Mughal Empire
• Samples of Indian textiles
• Text or other reading

Instructional Activities

NOTE: The following Web resources may be helpful in teaching this session:

• Mughal Empire. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/history/mughalempire_1.shtml>.
• Mughal Empire. <http://www.wsu.edu:8080/~dee/MUGHAL/MUGHMAP.HTM>.
• Taj Mahal. <http://www.pbs.org/treasuresoftheworld/a_nav/taj_nav/main_tajfrm.html>.

1. Introduce this unit by writing the term Mughal Empire on the board. Ask students to share what they know about this empire. Write their responses on the board or overhead.
   
   
2. Add to the timeline developed on the Ottoman Empire a brief timeline of the Mughal Empire. Also provide a brief outline of the history of the empire.
   
   
3. Distribute blank outline maps of India. Instruct students to draw the extent of the Mughal Empire on the map.
   
   
4. Direct students to draw a symbol on the map to reflect the spread of Muslim Mughal rulers into northern India.
   
   
5. Display pictures of the Taj Mahal. Provide a brief history of this structure, or instruct students to research the history using available resources and write a brief paragraph on the history of the Taj Mahal.
   
   
6. Provide a period of time for students to research examples of art from the Mughal Empire. Instruct students to provide a list of this artwork. Display samples of the artwork around the classroom.
   
   
7. Explain that Indian textiles influenced the British textile industry. Ensure that students understand what textiles are. Provide examples of this influence. Instruct students to draw symbols of the British flag on the map to reflect this trade.
   
   
8. Explain that Portugal, England, and the Netherlands competed for the Indian Ocean trade by establishing coastal ports on the Indian subcontinent. Instruct students to draw the flags for these countries along the coast of India.
   
   
9. Assign a teacher-selected reading, worksheet, or other reinforcement activity.