Imperial Ways of Knowing: Mughals and Ottomans

Undergraduate / Graduate

This course explores the interplay between knowledge, history, and power by focusing on two non-Western empires: the Mughals and the Ottomans. The course will proceed thematically, and touch on a range of topics, such as, science, archives, religion, economy, food, textiles, and military affairs. How were knowledge and empire mutually dependent in the Middle East and South Asia? What did imperial powers want to know, what kinds of knowledges did they produce, and to what ends? How was knowledge transmitted, distributed, and received? As historical knowledge, how do we come to know what we know about these empires? We will also consider the divergent histories of each empire's interaction with European powers. Students will thereby critically reflect on our own ways of knowing and claims to knowledge about the past in historical imperial contexts. No prior knowledge of Middle Eastern or South Asian history is required for the course. This course meets the Knowledge Formation MAPSS certificate requirement.