Lesson: 3
Characteristics of Akbar – extract written by Father Antonio Monserrate
Filing Cabinet (source files)
Akbar
Description C
- Who was Father Antonio Monserrate?
- What is it about this source that convinces us that this is a fair description of Akbar?
- What would have motivated this writer to make this account? Would this influence the content of his report?
- Pull out at least one quotation within the text which is subjective or opinionated in its content.
- Describe and explain three aspects of Akbar’s personality, providing textual evidence.
Characteristics of Akbar – extract written by Father Antonio Monserrate
Filing Cabinet (source files)
Akbar
Description C
(easier translation)
When people write about history, we cannot always assume that they are telling the truth. This account written by Father Antonio Monserrate seems to be trustworthy. Put the statements below in order of their importance. Put a number 1 by the one you think that is the most important, down to number 5, for the statement you think is the least important.
It gives lots of details
It seems as though the person he is describing is real and not made up
It is believable
He seems like a nice man who wouldn’t tell a lie
He really met Akbar
When we look at writings from history, it is important that we thing about what is fact, and what is simply the writer’s opinion. The phrases below have been taken from Father Antonio’s account. Put an ‘F’ by those phrases you think are likely to be FACT, and an
‘O’ by those which are the writer’s opinion only.
‘Akbar looks the part for royalty, so much so, that you can tell he's the King at first glance.’
‘His head leans to the right and his forehead is broad.’
‘He has bright, flashing eyes…’
‘Between the left nostril and upper lip there is a mole.’
‘When the priests first met Akbar, he was 38 years old.’
Characteristics of Akbar – extracts written by Father Antonio Monserrate and Jahangir, Akbar’s son.
Filing Cabinet (source files)
Akbar
Description C
Description D
- Compare Descriptions C and D in the Akbar file, against each other. Pair up those descriptions that are the same, and pull out those that contradict.
- Does the comparison reassure you of the reliability of Akbar’s description – or do you find contradictions?
Description C / Description D