The Akbarnama

by Abu al-Fazal ibn Mubarak, Henry Beveridge (Translator)

The Akburnama is the official record of the rule of Akbar, third Mughal Emperor, written at his behest by court historian Abul Fazl. Beginning with a history of the Timur Dynasty, the three-volume history goes on to chronicle in vivid detail the events of Akbar's reign, including an overview of Hindu culture, religion, and philosophy for the edification of his Muslim readers. Henry Beveridge's English translation was completed in 1921, more than two decade after he began.

Genres: History, India, Biography, Nonfiction

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1596

About the author

Shaikh Abu al-Fazal ibn Mubarak (Persian, Urdu : ابو الفضل‎‎) also spelled as Abu'l-Fazl, Abu'l Fadl and Abu'l-Fadl 'Allami was the Grand vizier of the Mughal emperor Akbar, and author of the Akbarnama, the official history of Akbar's reign in three volumes, (the third volume is known as the Ain-i-Akbari) and a Persian translation of the Bible. He was also one of the Nine Jewels (Hindi: Navaratna) of Akbar's royal court and the brother of Faizi; the poet laureate of emperor Akbar.

Reviews

[Bryn Hammond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely searchable digital text at:
http://persian.packhum.org/persian/ma...

A. Azfar Moin in The Millennial Sovereign: Sacred Kingship and Sainthood in Islam says of the Akbar Nama: "This strenuous and collective endeavour was not merely or even primarily an exercise in public relations or imperial propaganda. Rather, it is better understood as an effort at making whole the meaning of a long and turbulent life... that experienced an inordinate amount of violence, strife and criticism. This introspectiveness and self-reflexivity has to be kept in mind..."

I enjoy Abul Fazl's ornate Persian style, in the Beveridge translation (Rather, he restrained his heart and tongue from uttering his disgust, and did not allow the dust of chagrin to settle on the skirt of his soul.). There's a recent (part?) translation by Wheeler Thackston, who tends to be colloquial; it may gain in accuracy, but the Beveridge is quite graceful. Abul Fazl is besotted with Akbar -- sincerely, not as a 'flatterer'; which isn't a negative, for this too conveys to us Akbar's charisma and his style of kingship.

I have only read excerpts (and shall continue to) but this huge history is an amazing work.

[Mamta Bhatt · Rating 3 out of 5]

an interesting read, people interested in histroy will enjoy it more! only wish the fonts were a bit easier on the eyes.

[Sonam Sona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Must read...

[Arya Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gzb

[Mdshahid Ali]

Good book

[Shambhavi]

Anyone can tell how to read this

[Punniyaa]

Best book

[Shyam]

Good

[Aliza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the book

[Ayyan Karar · Rating 5 out of 5]

a very good book of akbar good educational

[Wajeeha Jabbar]

Very nice

[Goo Kaa]

nice book

[Prayag Sehrawat]

i hope it will be a nice book

[Nisha]

how l read to akbernama

[Izzat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hope it will be good

[Vani]

I am going to read this book