Explanation: Tawarikh are historical chronicles that were written by learned men during the Delhi Sultanate period, which lasted from the early 13th century to the mid-16th century. These chronicles are invaluable sources for historians studying the political, social, and economic conditions of the Delhi Sultanate. The language in which these tawarikh were written is crucial for understanding the context and content of these records.
The Delhi Sultanate was a period of significant cultural and linguistic influence from the Persian-speaking world. Persian, also known as Farsi, was the language of the court, administration, and literature during this time. It was adopted by the ruling elite as a means of communication and record-keeping, reflecting the cultural and political ties between the Delhi Sultanate and the Persian-speaking regions of Central Asia and Iran.
The use of Persian in tawarikh was not merely a matter of preference but a practical necessity. Persian was the lingua franca of the region, facilitating communication between the ruling class and the various administrative and military officials. It was also the language of the literati and scholars, who were responsible for compiling and writing these historical records.
The choice of Persian over other languages like Sanskrit, Prakrit, or even Hindi (which was not a standardized language at the time) was influenced by several factors. Firstly, Persian was the language of the ruling class and the court, making it the natural choice for official records. Secondly, Persian had a rich literary tradition and was well-suited for the detailed and often poetic style of historical writing. Lastly, the use of Persian helped to establish a cultural and administrative continuity with the Persian-speaking regions, which was important for the legitimacy and stability of the Delhi Sultanate.
In summary, the tawarikh were written in Persian because it was the language of the court, administration, and scholarly community during the Delhi Sultanate. This choice of language reflects the cultural and political context of the period and provides historians with a rich source of information about the administration and society of the Delhi Sultanate.