Stimulus Practice 2

"In the Delhi Sultanate, I observed people from all corners of the world—Muslims, Hindus, Africans, and Turks—all engaging in trade and sharing knowledge. The Sultan, while devoutly Muslim, allowed local traditions to thrive. Religious scholars debated openly in the streets, and the cultural life of the capital was vibrant, influenced by the many travelers and merchants who passed through."

Which broader trend does Ibn Battuta’s observation about the Delhi Sultanate illustrate?

• The widespread rejection of Islam in South Asia

• The influence of trade networks on the spread of Islam and the mixing of cultures

• The rise of Hindu dominance in India during the Delhi Sultanate

• The isolation of South Asia from the broader Muslim world

"In the Delhi Sultanate, I observed people from all corners of the world—Muslims, Hindus, Africans, and Turks—all engaging in trade and sharing knowledge. The Sultan, while devoutly Muslim, allowed local traditions to thrive. Religious scholars debated openly in the streets, and the cultural life of the capital was vibrant, influenced by the many travelers and merchants who passed through."

What does Ibn Battuta’s description reveal about the role of trade in South Asia during the 14th century?

• Trade was restricted to local regions, with minimal interaction with distant lands.

• Long-distance trade was dominated by Chinese merchants with little foreign influence.

• South Asia was a hub of intercultural exchange, with goods and knowledge flowing between Africa, China, and the Islamic world.

• Trade was controlled exclusively by the sultan and his officials, limiting its scope.

"In the Delhi Sultanate, I observed people from all corners of the world—Muslims, Hindus, Africans, and Turks—all engaging in trade and sharing knowledge. The Sultan, while devoutly Muslim, allowed local traditions to thrive. Religious scholars debated openly in the streets, and the cultural life of the capital was vibrant, influenced by the many travelers and merchants who passed through."

What factor most likely facilitated the spread of Islam in the Delhi Sultanate while allowing local customs to persist?

• The Mongol invasions, which forced religious uniformity

• The region’s established agricultural systems, which insulated local populations

• The religious tolerance of the Delhi Sultanate’s rulers, who integrated Islam with local traditions

• The dominance of Islamic scholars, who suppressed any local traditions

"Under the Mongols, the roads from China to Persia were safe for all travelers. The Pax Mongolica, as it was called, allowed merchants to move goods freely across Asia, from silk and spices to precious metals and artworks. The Mongols did not interfere in the trade itself but provided protection, which made long-distance trade more feasible than ever before."

What role did the Mongols play in the success of trade along the Silk Roads?

• They destroyed key trading cities along the routes to reduce competition.

• They taxed merchants heavily, discouraging long-distance trade.

• They provided security across vast distances, facilitating the flow of goods and ideas.

• They restricted trade to their empire, preventing merchants from entering foreign lands.

"Under the Mongols, the roads from China to Persia were safe for all travelers. The Pax Mongolica, as it was called, allowed merchants to move goods freely across Asia, from silk and spices to precious metals and artworks. The Mongols did not interfere in the trade itself but provided protection, which made long-distance trade more feasible than ever before."

What was one major cultural consequence of the increased trade along the Silk Roads under Mongol rule?

• The spread of Confucianism to Europe and the Middle East

• The growth of Buddhist influence in the Islamic world

• The diffusion of technologies like gunpowder and paper-making to Europe

• The isolation of China from outside influences

"Under the Mongols, the roads from China to Persia were safe for all travelers. The Pax Mongolica, as it was called, allowed merchants to move goods freely across Asia, from silk and spices to precious metals and artworks. The Mongols did not interfere in the trade itself but provided protection, which made long-distance trade more feasible than ever before."

Which of the following best explains the economic impact of Mongol rule on trade routes like the Silk Roads?

• The Silk Roads became less important due to the rise of maritime trade routes.

• The Mongols ensured the safety of merchants, which stimulated economic activity across Eurasia.

• The Mongols controlled trade but did not engage in it themselves, resulting in a stagnant economy.

• Trade collapsed as the Mongol Empire focused on conquest rather than commerce.

"To the most powerful and honorable Khan of the Tartars: In the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, we entreat you to accept the path of the true faith and to join with us, the Christian people, in opposing the forces of Islam. We are prepared to offer our friendship and support should you agree to convert to Christianity and to form an alliance with us against our common enemies."

Pope Innocent IV’s letter reveals which of the following about European perceptions of the Mongol Empire?

• Europeans saw the Mongols as potential allies in their conflicts with the Muslim world.

• Europeans recognized the military power of the Mongols but sought to convert them to Christianity.

• Europeans viewed the Mongols as a minor threat and largely ignored their expansion.

• Europeans sought to establish economic ties with the Mongols to boost trade.

"To the most powerful and honorable Khan of the Tartars: In the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, we entreat you to accept the path of the true faith and to join with us, the Christian people, in opposing the forces of Islam. We are prepared to offer our friendship and support should you agree to convert to Christianity and to form an alliance with us against our common enemies."

What was the Mongol response to religious differences within their empire?

• They enforced strict religious uniformity, favoring Buddhism above other faiths.

• They tolerated a wide range of religious practices, allowing various groups to maintain their beliefs.

• They promoted Christianity as the official religion across their empire.

• They banned all foreign religious practices, enforcing Mongol spiritual traditions.

"To the most powerful and honorable Khan of the Tartars: In the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, we entreat you to accept the path of the true faith and to join with us, the Christian people, in opposing the forces of Islam. We are prepared to offer our friendship and support should you agree to convert to Christianity and to form an alliance with us against our common enemies."

The interaction between Pope Innocent IV and the Mongol Khan is an example of which broader trend during this period?

• Diplomatic efforts between empires to foster trade and religious conversion

• The decline of European political influence in the global arena

• The Mongols’ interest in adopting European cultural practices

• The spread of Christianity through military conquest across Eurasia

Which of the following factors most contributed to the success of the Indian Ocean Trade Network during this period?

• The development of extensive overland roads across Southeast Asia

• The predictable patterns of the monsoon winds, which facilitated maritime travel

• The dominance of European merchants, who controlled key ports across the region

• The construction of vast fleets by the African kingdoms, which controlled the seas