The Akbar Nama and the Ain-i-Akbari are the two monumental literary works that stand as beacons illuminating the era of Emperor Akbar. During the illustrious reign of Emperor Akbar, the Mughal Empire witnessed a flourishing of art, culture, and administrative innovation.
The Akbar Nama and the Ain-i-Akbari, Commissioned by Akbar himself and penned by the erudite Abul Fazl, these texts offer unparalleled insights into the life, governance, and societal fabric of the Mughal era. Written in Persian, they stand as enduring monuments to Akbar’s enlightened rule and continue to enrich our understanding of this fascinating period in Indian history.
In this article, we will read about Akbar Nama and Ain-i Akbari, their author, volumes, and significance.
What is Akbar Nama and Ain-i-Akbari?
The Akbar Nama, also called the Book of Akbar, is the official chronicle of the reign of Akbar, the third Mughal Emperor. It was commissioned by Akbar himself and written by Abul Fazl, one of the nine navratnas in Akbar’s court. It is written in Persian and gives a detailed account of the life of the Mughal emperor.
The Ain-i-Akbari is the third volume of the Akbar Nama. Abul Fazl also writes it in Persian. The Ain-i-Akbari, also called the Constitution of Akbar talks in great detail about the administrative systems prevalent at that time. It also sheds light on the Hindu philosophy of that time. The Ain-i-Akbari or the Constitution of Akbar, is the third volume of the Akbar Nama. It talks in detail about the administrative systems and Hindu philosophy prevalent at that time.
Abul Fazl – Author of Akbar Nama and Ain-i Akbari
Abul Fazl is the author of the books Akbar Nama and Ain-i-Akbari. He was the court historian and Akbar’s biographer. He was one of the nine jewels or navratnas of Akbar’s court. He was also the grand vizier of the Mughal empire. He penned down both Akbar Nama and Ain-i-Akbari in Persian, the literary language of the Mughals.
What is Akbar Nama?
The Akbar Nama is the official book chronicling the life of the third Mughal emperor, Akbar. It was commissioned by Akbar himself and written by his court historian and biographer, Abul Fazl ibn Mubarak. It is written in Persian. It follows the Baburnama, which was the more personal memoir of Akbar’s grandfather, Babur (founder of the Mughal dynasty).
The original manuscripts contained many miniature paintings supporting the text. These were illustrated between 1592 to 1594 by forty-nine different artists from Akbar’s imperial workshop. These artists were the best from the Mughal school of painting including Basawan.
At present, the Akbar Nama is displayed at the Victoria and Albert Museum. After Akbar’s death, the Akbar Nama remained in the libraries of his son and grandson, Jahangir and Shah Jahan. Later it was bought by the South Kensington Museum from Mrs Frances Clarke in 1896. Her husband had acquired the Akbar Nama upon his retirement after serving as the Commissioner of Oudh.
Volumes of Akbar Nama
The Akbar Nama is divided into three volumes.
- The first volume of the Akbar Nama deals with the birth of Akbar and his upbringing. It gives details about the history of Timur’s family and the reigns of Babur and Humayun. It describes how Humayun prayed for a successor and after nine months his wish was granted with the birth of Akbar.
- The second volume of the Akbar Nama deals with the detailed history of Akbar’s reign till 1602. It is a record of all the events that took place during that time. It also gives details about the Battle of Panipat, in which Akbar along with Bairam Khan defeated Hemu, an Indian warrior.
- The third volume of the Akbar Nama describes the administrative system of the Mughal empire. It also contains the famous “Account of the Hindu Sciences”. It is also called the Ain-i-Akbari.
What is Ain-i-Akbari?
The Ain-i-Akbari, translated as the ‘Administration of Akbar’, is a detailed document on the administration prevalent during Akbar’s reign. It forms the third volume of the Akbar Nama and is written by Abul Fazl. The Ain-i-Akbari contains information in the form of administrative reports, similar to a gazetteer.
Volumes of Ain-i-Akbari
The Ain-i-Akbari is divided into five volumes.
- The first volume called the Manzil-Abadi deals with the imperial household and its maintenance. This volume contains ninety ‘ains’ or regulations that describe the different occupations of that time. It also talks about the imperial mint, the royal seals, the imperial harem and the imperial kitchen with its recipes. It also contains information on the maintenance of the Mughal army during Akbar’s reign.
- The second volume is called the Sipah-Abadi and it deals with the servants of the emperor, military and civil services. It describes the treatment given to them and also talks about the attendants of the court who are geniuses in literature or music.
- The third volume called the Mulk-Abadi deals with the imperial administration. It gives details about the regulations of the judicial and executive departments, establishment of a new and more political era, survey of land and tribal divisions.
- The fourth volume describes the Hindu philosophy. It talks in great detail about the Hindu philosophy, science, social customs and literature. The Hindus formed the bulk of the population and Akbar viewed them as important for the stability of the empire. There is also information about foreign invaders and famous travellers.
- The fifth book contains the sayings of Akbar. It contains his observations, sayings and sentences spoken by Akbar and collected by Abul Fazl.
Significance of the Akbar Nama and Ain-i Akbari
The significance of the Akbar Nama and Ain-i Akbari in the annals of history cannot be overstated. These two seminal works, commissioned during the reign of Emperor Akbar, provide unparalleled insights into the socio-political, cultural, and administrative landscape of the Mughal Empire during one of its most illustrious periods. Here are some key aspects of their significance:
Historical Documentation
The Akbar Nama and Ain-i Akbari serve as comprehensive historical documents that meticulously chronicle the reign of Emperor Akbar. Authored by Abu’l-Fazl, a trusted court historian, these works offer detailed accounts of Akbar’s conquests, administrative reforms, religious policies, and cultural patronage. They provide invaluable primary source material for historians studying the Mughal Empire and the broader socio-political dynamics of medieval India.
Insights into Mughal Governance
Ain-i Akbari, in particular, offers a systematic survey of the administrative structure and governance mechanisms of the Mughal Empire. It provides detailed information about the organization of the imperial bureaucracy, revenue administration, provincial governance, and military apparatus. This insight enables historians to understand the functioning of the Mughal state and the methods employed by Akbar to consolidate and expand his empire.
Cultural Patronage and Synthesis
Both the Akbar Nama and Ain-i Akbari highlight Akbar’s patronage of the arts, literature, and intellectual pursuits. The Mughal court under Akbar was a vibrant center of cultural exchange, where artists, poets, scholars, and thinkers from diverse backgrounds converged. The Ain-i Akbari, in particular, provides vivid descriptions of the opulent lifestyle, courtly rituals, and artistic achievements of the Mughal court, reflecting the grandeur and sophistication of Akbar’s reign.
Religious Policy and Tolerance
The Akbar Nama and Ain-i Akbari shed light on Akbar’s religious policies and his efforts to foster religious tolerance and harmony in the empire. Akbar’s pursuit of Din-i Ilahi, a syncretic spiritual doctrine that sought to reconcile elements of Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, and other faiths, is documented in these works. Through religious debates, interfaith dialogues, and patronage of religious scholars, Akbar promoted a spirit of inclusivity and accommodation, which had a profound impact on the socio-religious fabric of Mughal society.
Artistic and Literary Excellence
Both works are renowned for their literary and artistic excellence. The Akbar Nama is celebrated for its vivid narrative style, rich imagery, and engaging storytelling, while the Ain-i Akbari is revered for its scholarly rigor, systematic organization, and descriptive detail. The inclusion of exquisite illustrations and miniature paintings further enhances their aesthetic appeal and cultural significance, making them prized examples of Mughal artistic expression.
Conclusion – Akbar Nama and Ain-i Akbari
Beyond their historical significance, the Akbar Nama and Ain-i Akbari epitomize the spirit of intellectual inquiry, cultural synthesis, and administrative innovation that characterized the Mughal court under Akbar’s enlightened rule.The Akbar Nama and Ain-i Akbari are pivotal works in Mughal historiography, serving as indispensable resources for scholars, historians, and enthusiasts striving to comprehend the complexities of the Mughal Empire.The Akbar Nama and Ain-i Akbari hold a central position in Mughal historiography, symbolizing Akbar’s enlightened governance. Their significance transcends their historical context, serving as timeless reservoirs of knowledge, inspiration, and cultural heritage for future generations.They stand as enduring monuments to the power of knowledge and scholarship, shedding light on India’s rich and diverse heritage.
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FAQs on Akbar Nama and Ain-i Akbari
What is Akbar Nama?
The Akbar Nama, also called the Book of Akbar, is the official chronicle on the reign of Akbar, the third Mughal Emperor. It was commissioned by Akbar himself and written by Abul Fazl, one of the nine navratnas in Akbar’s court. It is written in Persian and gives a detailed account of the life of the Mughal emperor.
What is Ain-i-Akbari?
The Ain-i-Akbari is the third volume of the Akbar Nama. It is also written by Abul Fazl in Persian. The Ain-i-Akbari, also called the Constitution of Akbar talks in great detail about the administrative systems prevalent at that time. It also sheds light on the Hindu philosophy of that time.
Who wrote Akbar Nama and Ain-i-Akbari?
Abul Fazl wrote Akbar Nama and Ain-i-Akbari. He was the court historian and Akbar’s biographer.
How many volumes are there in Akbar Nama?
The Akbar Nama is divided into three volumes. The first volume of the Akbar Nama deals with the birth of Akbar and his upbringing. The second volume of the Akbar Nama deals with the detailed history of Akbar’s reign till 1602. The third volume of the Akbar Nama, also called the Ain-i-Akbari, describes the administrative system of the Mughal empire.
How many volumes are there in Ain-i-Akbari?
The Ain-i-Akbari is divided into five volumes. The first volume called the Manzil-Abadi deals with the imperial household. The second volume called the Sipah-Abadi deals with the servants of the emperor, military and civil services. The third volume called the Mulk-Abadi deals with the imperial administration. The fourth volume describes the Hindu philosophy. The fifth book contains the sayings of Akbar.
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