Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 263

Akbarnama was written by

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the historical context and the role of court historians.

Correct Answer: C) Abul Fazl.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Civil Services, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The Akbarnama is a significant historical text that provides a detailed account of the reign of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. It is one of the most important sources for understanding the Mughal Empire and its administration. The Akbarnama was written by Abul Fazl, who was a prominent court historian and a close confidant of Akbar. Abul Fazl was not only a historian but also a scholar and a statesman, and he played a crucial role in the administration of the Mughal Empire.

Abul Fazl was commissioned by Akbar to write the Akbarnama, which is divided into three volumes. The first volume covers the history of the Mughal Empire from the time of Timur to the end of Akbar's reign. The second volume, known as the Ain-i-Akbari, provides a detailed description of the administrative system of the Mughal Empire. The third volume, the Akbarnama, focuses on the life and reign of Akbar himself.

It is important to distinguish between the different roles of the historical figures mentioned in the options. Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, wrote the Baburnama, which is an autobiography and a historical account of his life and conquests. Akbar, while the subject of the Akbarnama, did not write it himself. He was the patron and the emperor whose reign was chronicled by Abul Fazl. Amir Khursrau, on the other hand, was a renowned poet and musician who lived during the Delhi Sultanate period, long before the Mughal Empire.

Understanding the authorship of historical texts is crucial for students of history, especially those preparing for competitive examinations. The Akbarnama is a primary source that provides valuable insights into the Mughal Empire, and knowing its author, Abul Fazl, is essential for comprehending the historical context and the reliability of the information presented in the text.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Babur is the founder of the Mughal Empire and wrote the Baburnama, not the Akbarnama. This option is incorrect because Babur did not write the Akbarnama.
  • Option B: Akbar was the emperor for whom the Akbarnama was written, but he did not write it himself. This option is incorrect because Akbar was the subject of the Akbarnama, not its author.
  • Option C: Abul Fazl was a court historian and the author of the Akbarnama, which details the reign of Akbar. This option is correct because Abul Fazl was commissioned by Akbar to write the Akbarnama.
  • Option D: Amir Khursrau was a famous poet and musician in the court of the Delhi Sultanate, not a historian of the Mughal Empire. This option is incorrect because Amir Khursrau did not write the Akbarnama.

Mnemonic: A for Akbarnama, A for Abul Fazl

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