Mindon Min vs Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi

Mindon Min initiated a series of modernization reforms, including the establishment of a modern mint, the introduction of telegraph and postal systems, the construction of roads and canals, and the reorganization of the army along Western lines. He also invited European advisors to the court.

Mindon Min ascended the throne after overthrowing his half-brother Pagan Min in a palace coup. He immediately sought peace with the British, ending the Second Anglo-Burmese War (which had started in 1852) and accepting the loss of Lower Burma.

Mindon Min founded the new royal capital of Mandalay and constructed the Mandalay Palace, a vast walled complex. The move from Amarapura to Mandalay was part of his efforts to create a modern capital and assert royal authority.

Mindon Min signed a commercial treaty with the British, opening Burma to trade and allowing a British resident in Mandalay. The treaty recognized British control of Lower Burma and established a framework for diplomatic relations, but also increased British influence.

Mindon Min convened the Fifth Buddhist Council in Mandalay, a major religious event attended by thousands of monks. The council aimed to purify and standardize the Pali canon. The text was inscribed on 729 marble slabs at the Kuthodaw Pagoda, the world's largest book.

Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi became the Ruler of Sharjah on January 25, 1972, after the assassination of his cousin, Khalid bin Muhammad Al Qasimi. He is the current ruler and has served as a member of the UAE Supreme Council.

Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, a noted historian, authored several books on Gulf history, including 'The Myth of Arab Piracy in the Gulf' (1986) and 'The Gulf in Historic Maps' (1996). His works challenged Western narratives and promoted regional historiography.

Sultan bin Muhammad launched the Sharjah Biennial in 1993, an international art exhibition that became a major event in the Middle East. He also established the Sharjah Art Foundation and numerous museums, promoting Sharjah as a cultural capital.

Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi founded the University of Sharjah in 1997, a major institution for higher education in the UAE. The university offers a wide range of programs and has become a center for academic and cultural exchange.