The Mughal Empire ruled much of South Asia, founded in 1526 by Babur after his victory at the First Battle of Panipat. Under Akbar, the empire built an imperial structure that lasted until 1720, and its land tax, often over half a peasant's output, was paid in a regulated silver currency. That currency let peasants and artisans trade in larger markets and tied distant regions into one economy. Its peak extent came under Aurangzeb, and its patronage of painting, textiles and architecture produced landmarks such as the Taj Mahal. The empire was formally dissolved by the British after the 1857 rebellion.

Israeli reports also say the cabinet directed the military to prepare for a possible new attack on Iran.

Angkor, near Siem Reap in northern Cambodia, was the capital of the Khmer Empire, which ruled much of mainland Southeast Asia between roughly the 9th and 15th centuries. At its height the city spread across about 3,000 square kilometres, making it the largest pre-industrial city on Earth by area. Its growth depended on water: huge reservoirs called barays, along with canals and embankments, stored monsoon rain and carried it to rice fields. That system let farmers harvest more than once a year and fed a very large population through the dry season. The temple complex of Angkor Wat, built in the early 12th century, is the best-known monument and still stands at the heart of the park.