Syed Ali Atiq, IX, The Blossoms School, Aligarh

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   Mansa Musa, also known as Musa I, was born in Mali in the year 280 CE. was the tenth sultan of the Mali Empire and belonged to the Keiti dynasty. Musa is said to be the richest individual to have ever lived on this earth with an estimated worth in today's value of INR 26 trillion (USD 400 billion). In 1312, the emperor Abubakra Keiti II left on an expenditure to explore the Atlantic Ocean, leaving Musa as his deputy. Abubakra never returned. So Musa become the king and was given the title of ‘Mansa’ which means ‘Emperor’. Musa I conquered many cities and his empire stretched over 2000 miles covering parts of present day Mali, Ghana, Nigeria, Mauritania, Ethiopian, Chad and Gambia. His wealth was due to the resources found in Mali and other parts of Africa, especially gold. Musa was a pious man and in 1324, he set out for a holy pilgrimage for Mecca. It was after this pilgrimage that his wealth was known to the world. He moved with a large caravan of 60,000 men and women including 12,000 slaves who were laden with gold and other precious items. The wealth was distributed to the poor in the Arabian cities as he passed through on his way to the holy city. It is said that he build mosques in every city that he stopped on a Friday. On his way back, he brought scholars and architects to his country. He also build many beautiful mosques which still stand today. Mansa Musa died in 1337 at the age of 57 years, after ruling for 25 years. His elder son, Maghan Musa ascended the throne after him.

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