A beautiful mausoleum (tomb) in Agra, India, built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan (completed in 1649) in memory of his favorite wife. It illustrates a syncretic blend between Indian and Arabic architectural styles.

Mughal emperor of India (1556-1605) who conquered most of northern India and exercised religious tolerance.

A class of warriors in feudal Japan who pledged loyalty to a noble in return for land.

A system of government in which most important decisions are made by HIRED state officials rather than by elected officials.

A significant Safavid ruler of Persia (modern-day Iran) who strengthened the empire through military reforms, territorial expansion, and cultural flourishing.

A tax system of the Mughal Empire where decentralized lords collected tribute for the emperor.

Elite Ottoman guards (trained as foot soldiers or administrators) recruited from the Christian population through the devshirme system, who often converted to Islam.

title of a Russian nobleman/lord

The system by which boys from Christian communities were taken by the Ottoman state to serve as Janissaries.

Japanese feudal lord who commanded a private army of samurai; owed allegiance to the shogun.

Member of one of the two major branches of Islam, the branch that consists of the majority of Muslims. They regard their denomination as the mainstream and traditionalist branch of Islam.

A system used by the Ottomans whereby subjects were divided into religious communities, with each "******" or nation enjoying autonomous self-government under its religious leaders; a unique way to manage a diverse empire.

The hereditary military governor of Japan who, although officially appointed by the emperor, held the real power during the feudal period.

the system of public works of a country, state, or region (roads, communication systems, etc...)

To generate money for territorial expansion, Ottoman rulers used this tax collection system. Under this system, the government hires private individuals to collect taxes for them.

Ruler of a Muslim country, especially the Ottomans.

The last imperial dynasty of China; it formed the territorial base for the modern Chinese state. Founded in 1644 by the Manchus, it ruled China for more than 260 years, until 1912. The borders to include Taiwan, Tibet, Chinese Central Asia, and Mongolia.

Founder of the Mughal Empire.

The title of a king or ruler in the Safavid Dynasty.