Extension Activities Crowded India Sanjeet's Day The Magnificent Mughals Access Asia | India | WWW Links | Bibliography | Into India | Raining Surprises and Exploring India | Into India Extension Activities | Raining Surprises and Exploring India Extension Activities | Access Asia Lesson Plans THE MAGNIFICENT MUGHALS Key Learning Area: The Arts, Studies of Society and Environment, Mathematics In 'The Magnificent Mughals' (Exploring India, pp. 30-36), students have the opportunity to develop an understanding of the way the Taj Mahal was built in a particular cultural and historical context. They also have the opportunity to create their own art works using Mughal designs as stimulus. To explore additional ideas and resources for using this chapter of Into India, click on one of the following: Teaching and Learning Activities | WWW Links | Annotated Bibliography Teaching and Learning Activities It is recommended that students have access to pictures of the Taj Mahal, including details of its decoration, before attempting this work. Preliminary Reading and Discussion Read with students the section of Raining Surprises (pp. 29-31) in which Henry visits the Taj Mahal. Draw students' attention to the photographs, especially the one on p. 30 in which pietra dura is visible. Also provide students with copies of 'As beautiful as she was beautiful' (Exploring India, pp. 34-36) and read it with them. It sets some of the context for the building of the Taj Mahal and provides an explanation of pietra dura. Then ask students, in small groups, to research the designs and semi-precious stones used in the pietra dura work of the Taj Mahal. There are many reference books available, such as Tillotson, 1991, or students could use the Internet. Ask each group to prepare a report which contains: Details of which semi-precious stones were used. The colours of the stones. The methods used to cut and fix the stones. Photocopies or drawings of some of the designs used. Making Pietra Dura Designs Ask each student to choose one pietra dura design from the Taj Mahal and use tracing paper or some other method to copy it onto drawing paper. If no other examples are available, some Mughal patterns can be found on p. 33 of Exploring India. Provide a variety of materials (paints, coloured pencils, cellophane, coloured paper) which can be used to create a coloured copy of the design. Ask students to attempt to replicate the original colours in their designs. Finished work can be displayed in the classroom. To make a frieze for the wall of the classroom, start by choosing one of the repetitive, 'running' patterns of flowers. Identify its basic element and provide students with copies of it. When each student has completed a section, the frieze can be made by joining all the work together. Students can then develop their own designs, based on those of the Taj Mahal. WWW Links India Profile http://www.meadev.nic.in/info/info.htm Extensive information about India's culture, economy, sports, social issues and media, as well as useful further links. Discover India on eWorld http://www.indonet.com/DiscoverIndiaoneWorld.html Has the 'India File' of facts and figures, charts, graphs and tables, together with a variety of articles and essays about Indian art, culture, history, geography and society. Also the Discussion Board of questions and answers. India WWW Virtual Library http://webhead.com/WWWVL/India/india2.html Another multi-disciplinary site, particularly strong in state and regional information. Includes a variety of pictures of Indian monuments and cities. Lonely Planet World Guide - Destination India http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/indian_subcontinent/india/ The well-known travel guide publisher. Includes useful cultural information about India as well as travel information. More India WWW links. Bibliography Student Materials Harcourt, L. & Govil, R. 1994 'Eyes on India', Pursuit, Issue 2, 1994, Marayanga Publications, pp. 2-5. An account of Leah and Radha's trip to India, along a route similar to that taken by Henry in Raining Surprises. Includes a range of colour photographs. This issue of Pursuit focuses on Asia. Published by Marayanga Publications, PO Box 258, Prahran, Victoria 3181. Reference Materials Tillotson, G. H. R. 1991, Mughal India, Penguin, London. A comprehensive guide to Mughal architecture. Includes a chapter about Agra and the Taj Mahal. Access Asia | India | WWW Links | Bibliography | Into India | Raining Surprises and Exploring India | Into India Extension Activities | Raining Surprises and Exploring India Extension Activities | Access Asia Lesson Plans  Curriculum Corporation and the University of Melbourne