Readings for Week 3

We will not be going over this information in week 3 discussion. However, Professor Harlow has
asked that students read this material before lecture on Tuesday. It will help a lot if you have already read it.

Topic 2 Reading Guide

Introduction of Topie 2 Notes (it says Topi 1 Asia in circa 1600 but it is actually Topic 2)
1) How did Jahangir see the Portuguese and the English?
2) What primary activity are Asians and Europeans engaging in together?
3) Were there Asian empires? If so, who ruled who?
4) What changes were taking place that allow us to refer to the 1600’s as part of the “early modern” period in Asia?
5) How was European technology, even when superior, viewed by Asians?

Topic 2. B. 1 ‘The Great Moguls’

1) What was the Mughal (Mogul court) like?
2) What is the Mughal state like?
3) What problems do the Rajahs cause? How does the Great Mogul deal with them?

Topic 2. B. 2 Bahinabai’s Sorrows

1) Why is Bahinabai’s writing significant?
2) Why is her situation so difficult?
3) How is religion a source of conflict between her and her husband?
4) How does religion resolve this conflict?
5) Why does Bahinabai stress service to her husband?

Supplementary Textbook Readings
185-204