NAME- BHAVNA SINGH

DSC- HISTORY OF INDIA-V

ROLL CODE-222406
SUBMITTED TO- PIYUSH SIR
DATE- 20/09/2024

Q) What are the various sources used for the history writings of Akbar’s period?
What were the specific features of the Persian sources during Akbar’s period with
respect to choosing Persian as the language?
Ans. There are various sources used for history writing of Akbar’s period. Persian
sources is remarked as one of the greatest literary source in the Mughal era.
According to many historian and poets at that time, Muzaffar Alam Persian when
arrived in the Indian subcontinent, it evolved over time inculcating local
characteristics and regional features. Thus, it transformed into Indo Persian which
we can basically say a cultural fusion that took place. K.A. Nizami highlights that
there were diverse perspectives going around those from imperial, or female
viewpoints. Persian was evolving in Islam when Sind was integrated into Safavid
kingdom and when the Ghaznavid Empire was established in Punjab.

During Mughal era, there were basically the religious and literary interests of the
great majority of biographers who provide a complete detail for the religious and
intellectual life of the Muslim community. Persian literature flourished in various
forms: Prose and the other one poetry. Moreover the historical data encompassed
many different backgrounds, it evolved different social strata capturing histories
and lives of both elite and common people. Some of the main Persian sources are
the Akbar-Nama, Ain-i-Akbari, Tabaqat-i-Akbari etc.

Akbar was the first ruler of Indo-Islamic heritage to designate Persian as the
official language for all administrative levels. During this time, Iranians were
prominent in the administration, although they did not hold any special positions.
Notably, this assignment examines the various sources that shed lights on Akbar’s
period with special focus on Persian sources. Let’s delve in the details of the
various sources which were used for the historical writing of Akbar’s reign.

SOURCES FOR HISTORY WRITING

1) Nafa’isu’l-Ma’asir- This was one of the historical work by Mir‘Ala’u’d on
Akbar’s reign. The work is basically biographical which includes biographies of
Akbar, his nobles and other prominent figures. This work is divided into 28
chapters which entitles “Baits” that mainly discusses poets. The intro of this
chapter starts with introductory prose called “matla” and sub-divided into two
sections called misra. The two sections are equally important in this book. One
highlights the origin and evolution of poetry and the other forms of poetry.

Acc. To Rizwi, Akbar was a defender of Sharia law and also a propunder of
“Ulama”. The main feature is that he promotes Islam through conquests. It not only
gives us a glimpse about Akbar’s reign but also provides details of construction of
building at Agra and Fatehpur-Sikri. This work gives us details about
contemporary intellectual and religious mandates.

2) Tarikh i-Akbari or Tarikh i-Arif Qandhari – Arif Qandhari’s historical

account, which incorporates the assimilation and collection of letters, orders and
official documents penned by Alam and many other prominent dignitaries which
provides fascinating glimpse into the reign of Akbar.

STRUCTURE- This work is mainly divided into two prominent sections, which
includes the portion of “Maqta”. This provides insights of Akbar’s reign and
broader achievements of his proficient administration.

The First section which is mainly about Historical legacy of Akbar, it’s divided
into two main section upholding an introduction basically referred as “Fiqra” i.e.
first phrase, and the other one which written in a narrative style titled as Fiqra i-
akhiri i.e. “last phrase”.

Qandhari’s work is considered relatively unbiased historical account which

majorly focuses on military achievements, his role in unifying the diverse regions
of the subcontinent and also his establishment of a political order tht fostered long-
lasting stability. He also delve into the intellectual and cultural flourishes of Akbar
including patronage of his arts and literature.

3) Akbar Nama – Abu’l Fazl, one of the most trusted and talented courtiers as
well as advisors of Emperor Akbar who was more inclined towards chronicles of
his religious movements of the time, wrote a very famous and directive creation of
“Akbar Nama”. During his reign around 1589-90, Akbar himself guided or
instructed Abu’l Fazl to take this formidable as well as monumental task of writing
this source patronizing the history and life of Akbar.
Akbar Nama is one of the most magnificient and standing out as the best
methodical approach to recording history. Abu’l Fazl meticulously did not rely on
second-hand accounts or his own observations and for accuracy and
comprehensiveness he went on to revise his work most of the times. What he
generally relies on was the extensive Arabic and Persian histories to gather a well-
rounded understanding of past happenings.

Abu’l Fazl also compiled a document named “Tarikh i-Alfi”. This was written for
marking or recording millennium of Islamic history. The Akbar Nama is structured
into three volumes, each chronicling different phases of Akbar’s reign. The first
volume delves into Akbar’s early years, including his accession to the throne,
laying the foundation for his rule.

The second volume spans the critical middle years, from the 17 th c. to the 42nd year
of his reign detailing his military and administrative expeditions and influence. The
third volume generally, is not just a continuation of the two volumes but it’s the
milestone on its own. Known as “Ain i-Akbari”. It’s a detailed compilation of the
book based on Mughal administration, providing insight into the empire’s
regulations, bureaucracy, cultural practices etc., which transformed its governance.

4) Waqi’at-i-Mushtaqi – Unique perspective of Shaikh Rizqu’llah Mushtaqi

through anecdotal style of historical narrative highlighting the socio-political
conflicts of the time. His unique approach offers a mystical lens that underscores
the significant impact of Sufism on Persian historiography. His work vividly
portrays the tensions between orthodox Islam and its mystical branches.

The Indo-Persian Historical tradition shaped by influential figures such as Amir

Khosrow Dehlavi and Ziya-al-Din Barani. Amir Khosrow captured the lively
Perso-Islamic culture of North India’s cities in works like “Meftah Al-Fotuh” and
“Tughlaqnama”. Barani often criticized the Sultanate for failing to follow true
Islamic values while also recording the political and social issues of the era.

SPECIAL FEATURES OF PERSIAN AS A LANGUAGE:

The history of Persian literature in India is not just a record of literary output but a
reflection of the deep cultural and intellectual currents that shaped the
subcontinent. Persian, as a language brought with it a refined tradition of poetry,
philosophy, and historiography and the day it entered India, it became a powerful
medium for expressing the complexities of the various social strata’s of societies.
What made Persian particularly special was its ability to connect India with the
broader Islamic world, especially with Iran and Central Asia. By adopting Persian
as the language of the court, rulers like the Mughals were not only establishing a
connection with their ancestral homelands but were also embedding their
administration within a sophisticated and prestigious literary tradition.

One of the very fascinating and unique feature of Persian literature in India is how
it adapted to the local context while maintaining its core identity. The integration
of local vocabulary, concepts, and stories into Persian works- such as the use of
Hindavi words or the translation of classic Indian texts like the Panchatantra. The
deliberate patronage of Persian by the Mughal rulers, especially Akbar. It not only
enhanced the empire’s cultural connection with Iran but also served to elevate
Persian as a distinct Indo-Persian identity.

Akbar’s educational reforms emphasized the learning of the Persian alphabet and
fundamental vocabulary. Unlike previous practices where children spent excessive
time on the alphabet, they were now required to learn the shapes and names of the
letters more efficiently. After this, students memorized Persian couplets or moral
phrases, reflecting the increasing significance of the language. Following this
foundational training, students engaged with a broad curriculum that included
subjects such as ethics (akhlaq), arithmetic (hisab), specific notations for arithmetic
(siyaq), agriculture (falahat), measurement (masahat), geometry, astronomy,
physiognomy, household management (tadbir-i manzil), governance (siyasat-i
mudun), medicine, logic, mathematics (riyazi), as well as both physical and
metaphysical sciences (tabia and ilahi). This comprehensive approach highlights
the growing prominence of Persian in education and administration during Akbar's
reign.

CONCLUSION:

The Mughal Empire, which flourished in the Indian subcontinent from the early
16th to the late 17th centuries, is renowned for its cultural, political, and artistic
achievements. Initially brought to India during early migrations, it evolved over
time, blending with local languages to become a mature and sophisticated literary
form. The works produced during this period reflect the diversity of their authors
and the times in which they were written. Akbar's era was marked by a cultural
flourishing, rich in both variety and depth. His deep interest in history, particularly
Islamic history, was driven by a desire to leave a lasting legacy of his family and
his own contributions.
Under Akbar’s reign, Persian became the lingua franca of the Mughal court and
administration. The historiography of Akbar’s reign, predominantly drawn from
Persian sources, reveals the deep influence of Persian culture on the Mughal
Empire. These historical accounts not only documented the key events of Akbar’s
rule but also helped shape the cultural and political identity of the period,
promoting themes of unity, tolerance, and intellectual dynamism. Persian acted as
a crucial medium that connected various communities across the empire, enabling
a rich exchange of ideas and traditions.

BIBILIOGRAPHY:

*Sayyid Athar Abbas Rizvi -“Religious and intellectual history of the Muslims in Akbar’s
reign".

*Alam Muzaffar- “The culture and Politics of Persian in the pre-colonial Hindustan”

*Class Notes