Explanations:The Delhi Sultanate, which ruled parts of the Indian subcontinent from the early 13th to the early 16th century, was a period marked by significant cultural and administrative changes. One of the key aspects of this period was the use of Persian as the official language of the administration and court. Persian was not only the language of the ruling class but also the language of literature, poetry, and historical records.
Tawarikh, which means "chronicles" or "historical records" in Persian, were written by learned men and scholars during the Delhi Sultanate period. These chronicles provided detailed accounts of the political, social, and cultural life of the time. The use of Persian for these records was a reflection of the cultural and administrative influence of Persian-speaking rulers and scholars.
Persian was chosen as the language of administration and historical records for several reasons. Firstly, it was the language of the ruling class, which included the sultans and their courtiers. Secondly, Persian was a language of high culture and literature, and it was widely used in the Islamic world for scholarly and administrative purposes. This made it a natural choice for the Delhi Sultanate, which was influenced by Islamic traditions and practices.
It is important to note that while Persian was the language of official records and administration, the vernacular languages of the region, such as Hindi and various Prakrit languages, were still spoken by the general population. However, these languages were not used for formal documentation or historical records during the Delhi Sultanate period.
Understanding the language of historical records is crucial for historians and students of history. It helps in interpreting the sources accurately and gaining insights into the administrative and cultural practices of the time. The use of Persian for tawarikh is a significant aspect of the Delhi Sultanate period and reflects the cultural and linguistic influences of the time.