The discussion room at Fatehpur Sikri
In 1575, emperor Akbar the Great of the Mughal Empire wanted to end fighting between the many religions of India. He invited representatives from each of the religions to his capital at Fatehpur Sikri. He gave each of them the task of finding common ground among their different religious beliefs so the people of India could live together peacefully.
For this assignment, students will imagine they are an adviser to Akbar the Great at Fatehpur Sikri. They will write a letter to Akbar describing similarities they have found between the religions we have studied this year and explain a plan for peace.
Assignment due Thursday, April 22
Finding Common Ground Letter to Akbar (pdf)
- Periods 1, 2, 3 and 6 need to write about two similarities.
- Period 4 students need to write about three similarities.
- The challenge is optional for all students.
More Information from The Story of India
We watched the following clips from the PBS documentary The Story of India to introduce the assignment:
- Overview of Akbar the Great.
- Discussions at Fatehpur Sikri.