Introduction
The Indo-Persian tradition of history-writing developed in India during the Delhi Sultanate and reached its peak during the Mughal period (16th to 18th century). This tradition combined Persian literary styles with Indian themes and political realities. Historians at the Mughal court wrote detailed accounts of the emperors, their administration, wars, and culture. In this article, we’ll explore the key features of Indo-Persian historiography during the Mughal era.
1. Courtly Patronage
- Mughal emperors, especially Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan, actively supported historians.
- Historians wrote under royal patronage and were often rewarded with high positions or gifts.
- The aim was not just to record history but also to glorify the emperor and the empire.
2. Use of Persian Language
- Persian was the official language of administration and culture during the Mughal period.
- Histories were written in elegant Persian prose, often mixed with poetry and literary references.
3. Influences of Islamic Historiography
- Writers followed Islamic models of history, including emphasis on divine will and moral lessons.
- Events were often interpreted in the context of religion and ethics.
4. Chronicles and Annals
- Mughal historians often wrote in the form of chronicles (called tarikh or tawarikh), describing events year by year.
- These included military campaigns, court events, royal decrees, and natural phenomena.
5. Biographical Style
- Many texts followed a biographical format, focusing on the emperor’s life and character.
- They described personal habits, religious views, justice, and governance.
6. Major Works and Historians
- Abul Fazl: Wrote the Akbarnama and Ain-i-Akbari which give a detailed account of Akbar’s reign and administration.
- Badauni: His Muntakhab-ut-Tawarikh provides a more critical view of Akbar’s religious policies.
- Khafi Khan: Wrote Muntakhab-al Lubab, a key source on Aurangzeb and later Mughals.
- Jahangir: Himself wrote Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri, an autobiography describing his rule and experiences.
7. Blend of History and Literature
- Histories often included poetry, proverbs, and philosophical reflections.
- This literary style made the texts beautiful but sometimes less objective.
8. Administrative and Cultural Documentation
- Histories also served as records of imperial policies, economic data, and cultural achievements.
- Example: Ain-i-Akbari gives detailed information about revenue, military, caste system, and religious festivals.
Conclusion
The Indo-Persian tradition of history-writing during the Mughal period was a blend of political narrative, moral philosophy, and literary elegance. These works not only documented events but also reflected the cultural and ideological values of the time. Today, they are valuable sources for understanding Mughal India and the interaction of Persian and Indian traditions.