Explanations:Tawarikh refers to historical works written in Persian during the medieval period in India. These works were often commissioned by rulers and were written by scholars who were part of the urban elite. The authors of tawarikh were typically well-educated and lived in cities, not villages. They were often part of the courtly culture and served as advisors to rulers, which required them to be in close proximity to the centers of power.
The social and professional context of tawarikh authors is crucial to understanding their works. These authors were often part of the literate and educated class, which was concentrated in urban areas. They were well-versed in Persian literature and historiography, and their works were often written in a style that was influenced by Persian literary traditions. The authors of tawarikh were not only historians but also served as advisors to rulers, providing them with guidance on governance and social order.
One of the key roles of tawarikh authors was to advise rulers on the need to preserve an "ideal" social order based on birthright and gender distinctions. This reflects the prevailing social norms of the time, which emphasized the importance of maintaining a hierarchical social structure. The authors often wrote their histories for Sultans in the hope of rich rewards, as patronage from rulers was a significant source of income and prestige for these scholars.
It is important to note that the authors of tawarikh were not isolated from the broader social and political context of their time. They were part of a complex network of scholars, administrators, and rulers who were all engaged in the production and dissemination of knowledge. The works of tawarikh authors were not only historical records but also served as a means of legitimizing the rule of the Sultans and reinforcing the social order of the time.
Therefore, the statement that the authors of tawarikh lived in villages is not true. They were typically urban scholars who lived in cities and were part of the educated elite. This misconception might arise from a lack of understanding of the social and professional context of these authors, who were deeply embedded in the urban and courtly culture of medieval India.