Question

Read the following extract and answer the questions:

For the historians in the Mughal courts, praising the emperors and exhibiting loyalty became more important. The custom of adding suitable poetic quotes and beautiful pictures was also introduced. Babur, the founder of the Mughal empire wrote an autobiography, entitled, 'Tuzuk-i-Baburi'. It contains descriptions of the battles fought by him. Babur also recorded his minute observations of various regions and cities travelled by him including the local economy, customs, and flora. Abul Fazl's 'Akbarnama' is very important from the viewpoint of critical historiography. His method of collecting authentic historical documents and their scrutiny is looked upon as devoid of bias a hence realistic.

1. Which issues got more important in historiography during the Mughal period?
2. Why is 'Tuzuk-i-Baburi' an important source of history?
3. Why is 'Akbarnama' important from a critical point of view?

Answer 1

1. During the Mughal era, historiography began to place more emphasis on praising the rulers and displaying allegiance.
2. The Mughal emperor Babur wrote an autobiography titled Tuzuk-i-Baburi. It provides accounts of the conflicts he engaged in. Babur also kept a journal of his minute observations on the several places and cities he visited. The local economy, traditions, and flora are also included. The book's extensive and varied information collection makes it a crucial historical source.
3. From a critical perspective, Abul Fazl's Akbarnama is significant because it serves as an illustration of an authentic historical text that is free of bias and so realistic.