Concept notes: Tawarikh refers to historical works written in medieval India, often by court historians. These works were typically commissioned by rulers and reflected the social and political norms of the time, including the preservation of an "ideal" social order based on birthright and gender.
Explanation: Tawarikh refers to historical works written in medieval India, primarily in Persian, which were often commissioned by rulers to document their reigns and achievements. These works were not only historical records but also served as a means of legitimizing the rule of the monarchs and preserving their legacy. The authors of tawarikh were typically court historians who lived in urban centers and were part of the court culture. They were often well-educated scholars who had access to the ruling class and the resources necessary to write and preserve their works.
The authors of tawarikh often wrote their histories for Sultans and other rulers in the hope of receiving rich rewards and patronage. This practice was common in medieval India, where historians were often employed by the ruling class to document their achievements and maintain their legacy. The works of tawarikh were not just historical records but also served as a means of legitimizing the rule of the monarchs and preserving their legacy.
These authors also advised rulers on the need to preserve an "ideal" social order based on birthright and gender distinctions. This reflects the hierarchical and patriarchal nature of medieval Indian society, where social status was often determined by one's birth and gender. The authors of tawarikh were part of the court culture and lived in urban centers, not in villages. This misconception might arise from the assumption that all historical authors were rural scholars, which is not the case for tawarikh authors.
In summary, the authors of tawarikh were court historians who lived in urban centers and were part of the court culture. They wrote their histories for rulers in the hope of rich rewards and advised rulers on the need to preserve an "ideal" social order based on birthright and gender distinctions. Therefore, the statement that the authors of tawarikh lived in villages is not true.