Persian literary sources of mediaeval India reflect the spirit of the age. Comment?

Persian literature gained prominence during the Delhi Sultanate primarily during the mediaeval era around 12th AD. The writings of Fariq-i-Firuz Shahi, Akbarnama and many more explored the socio-political conditions of that period. The Persian literature reflects the spirit of the age in the following ways:

1. Political structure of Mediaeval India:

a). Ziauddin Barani’s Tahrik-i- Firoz Shahi about Firoz Shah Tughlaq.

b). Akbar Nama by Abu Fazl.

c). Both described the Political unit at centre, provincial and state level along with the type of administration during Delhi and Mughal dynasties.

2. Social Aspects: Amir Khusro reflected that:

a). Brahmins were the dominant sections among the Hindus.

b). He also mentions the exploitative nature of the Jizya Tax.

c). He reflected the Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb.

3. Religious Aspect:

a). Religious tolerance towards others.

b). Important festivals as means of entertainment.

c). Tuzuq-i-Jahagiri, Rihala are a few of the important sources.

Overall, these Persian sources not only talk about the Indian condition but also popularized Indian culture worldwide. For example, Dara Shikoh translated Gita and Mahabharata into Persian. 

They also bring different ideas to the sub-continent. The development of Hindavi and Urdu is very much influenced by the work of Amir 

Khusro. 

Value Addition

Amir Khusro.

● Abul Hasan Yamin al-Din Khusro, known as Ameer Khusro Dehlawi is an iconic figure in the cultural history of India. He was a musician, scholar and poet, a Sufi Mystic and Spiritual disciple of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya of Delhi.

● He enriched Hindustani classical music with Persian and Arabic elements, from which originated various styles in Hindustan 

Classical music, such as Khayal, Tarana, Savela, Chaturang, Tirvat, Sadrah. Talan. Tilenana, Qaul, Qalbana, Naqsh O-sul. Naqsh-o-nigaar, Rang, Mandha, Dhamal, Sawan aeet. etc.

● The invention of the Tabla is also traditionally attributed to Amir Khusro. He wrote his poetic expressions in Hindavi.

● The traditional, authentic and real Sufi music based on Amir Khusro’s poetry is a rare treasure of Dilli Gharana. Some compositions of Ameer Khusro also find popular expression in the form of sawan geet.