Question
List three ways in which Mansa Musa maintained control over the kingdom of Mali. How were the people of West Alrica affected by Islam? Look at Source A. What kind of source is it? Why do you think Mansa Musa liked to be called the 'Lion of Mall'
Ask by Schofield Barker. in South Africa
Feb 24,2025
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Answer
1. **Mansa Musa's Control Over Mali:**
- **Strong Governance:** Mansa Musa set up a well-organized system with trusted leaders in different regions to manage taxes and maintain order.
- **Religious Unity:** By adopting Islam and building mosques, he united his people under a common faith, which helped legitimize his rule.
- **Trade Control:** He managed Mali's valuable trade routes, especially gold and salt, which enriched the kingdom and strengthened his authority.
2. **Impact of Islam on West Africa:**
- **Cultural and Educational Growth:** Islam introduced Arabic language and writing, leading to the establishment of schools and centers of learning.
- **Unified Community:** A shared religion brought together diverse groups, fostering a sense of community and cultural exchange.
- **Economic and Political Connections:** West Africa became part of a vast trade network, enhancing access to goods, ideas, and technologies.
3. **Type of Source A:**
- **Primary Source:** Likely a document like a traveler’s account, chronicle, or inscription that provides direct evidence about Mansa Musa’s reign.
4. **Reason for the Title “Lion of Mali”:**
- **Symbol of Strength:** The lion symbolizes power and leadership, emphasizing Mansa Musa’s authority.
- **Psychological Impact:** The title instilled respect and fear among his subjects and rivals.
- **Legacy Reinforcement:** It highlighted his kingdom’s strength and influence, contributing to his lasting reputation.
These points summarize the key aspects of Mansa Musa’s rule and the broader impact of Islam in West Africa.
Solution
Below are responses to each of your questions:
1. Three ways Mansa Musa maintained control over the kingdom of Mali:
• Strong centralized governance – He established an efficient administrative system by appointing trusted generals and governors to manage different regions of the vast empire, ensuring loyalty and smooth collection of taxes.
• Promotion of Islam and religious unity – By adopting Islam as a state religion, building mosques, and sponsoring Islamic scholars, he connected Mali to the wider Islamic world. This religious affiliation helped legitimize his rule and create a common identity among his subjects.
• Control of trade and economic resources – Mali’s wealth partly came from its gold mines and control of trans-Saharan trade routes (including salt, gold, and other commodities). Mansa Musa’s careful management of trade not only enriched the kingdom but also bolstered his authority and stability.
2. How the people of West Africa were affected by Islam:
• Cultural and educational changes – The spread of Islam led to increased literacy and the adoption of Arabic for trade and scholarship. Madrassas (Islamic schools) and centers of learning were established, contributing to advancements in art, science, and literature.
• Unification through a common religion – Islam provided a shared set of beliefs and practices that helped to unify diverse ethnic groups and peoples within West Africa, fostering a sense of community and cultural exchange.
• Economic and political connections – Islam’s integration into the region linked West Africa to a vast network of trade routes and political alliances across North Africa, the Middle East, and beyond. This improved access to luxury goods, ideas, and technologies that spurred economic and social development.
3. Looking at Source A – What kind of source is it?
• Although the exact content of Source A isn’t provided here, the phrasing “Look at Source A” suggests that it is a primary source document. Primary sources for this period might include traveler’s accounts, chronicles written by contemporaries, or inscriptions that record details of Mansa Musa’s reign. Such a source would offer direct—or near-direct—evidence regarding the events or the culture of the time.
4. Why might Mansa Musa have liked to be called the “Lion of Mali”?
• The title “Lion” is a powerful symbol of strength, majesty, and leadership. Mansa Musa may have embraced it to emphasize his authority and military prowess.
• It served as a psychological tool – the image of a lion could instill respect and even fear among his rivals and subjects alike.
• Additionally, the epithet would have contributed to his legacy as a larger-than-life ruler, reinforcing the idea that his kingdom was strong, majestic, and influential on both a regional and an international stage.
Each of these points is supported by historical accounts of his reign and the significant impact he had on the development of West African civilization.
Answered by UpStudy AI and reviewed by a Professional Tutor
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Mansa Musa, the legendary emperor of the Mali Empire, maintained control through several key strategies. He established a well-organized administration with appointed governors to oversee various regions. Additionally, he utilized a network of trade routes, fostering economic prosperity which helped secure loyalty from local leaders and merchants. Lastly, he promoted Islam as a unifying force, thereby aligning the kingdom with powerful external allies and enhancing his influence. The introduction of Islam significantly transformed the lives of West Africans. It fostered new trade relationships, leading to a cultural exchange that enriched the region. Education flourished with the establishment of madrasas, helping to disseminate Islamic knowledge and promote literacy. Additionally, Islamic jurisprudence influenced local laws and practices, shaping social and political structures in profound ways.
