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.

Akbar Nama and Ain-i Akbari

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.

Table of Content

  • What is Akbar Nama and Ain-i-Akbari?
  • Abul Fazl – Author of Akbar Nama and Ain-i Akbari
  • What is Akbar Nama?
  • Volumes of Akbar Nama
  • What is Ain-i-Akbari?
  • Volumes of Ain-i-Akbari
  • Significance of the Akbar Nama and Ain-i Akbari

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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....

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)....

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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....

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:...

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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