International Journal of History

Author(s): Pardeep Kumar and Surender Singh

Abstract: Historiography is the study of the methods of historians in developing history as an academic discipline. Trends and nature of historiography in India during Delhi Sultanate is very approachable. The historical accounts from this period predominantly focused on political events, largely neglecting other aspects and sectors of society. The Delhi Sultanate (1206-1526) was a transformative period in Indian history, marked by the establishment of Indo-Islamic rule in the subcontinent. The historical understanding of this era is significantly shaped by contemporary chroniclers such as HasanNizami, Minhaj-i-Siraj, ZiauddinBarani, Shams-i-SirajAfif, and Ibn Battuta. These historians, many of whom were associated with the royal court, produced detailed narratives that documented political events, administrative practices, cultural developments, and religious ideologies of their time. HasanNizami, author of Taj-ul-Maasir, provided an early Persian account of the Ghurid invasion and the rule of Qutb-ud-din Aibak. Minhaj-i-Siraj, in his Tabaqat-i-Nasiri, chronicled the Mamluk dynasty and offered insights into the socio-political dynamics of the 13^th century. ZiauddinBarani, a court historian under Muhammad bin Tughlaq and Firoz Shah Tughlaq, infused his writings especially the Tarikh-i-FirozShahi with strong moral and religious undertones, advocating for an ideal Islamic state. Shams-i-SirajAfif, another Tughlaq-era chronicler, continued Barani’s narrative with emphasis on administrative reforms and public works. In contrast, Ibn Battuta, the Moroccan traveler, provided a more personal and observational account in his Rihla, offering unique perspectives on the daily life and court culture under Muhammad bin Tughlaq. Together, these historians provide a rich yet complex tapestry of the Delhi Sultanate era. While their works are invaluable as primary sources, they are often shaped by personal biases, religious ideologies, and courtly expectations. A critical reading of their texts allows for a nuanced understanding of the period, balancing their narratives with archaeological and other contemporary evidence.

Pages: 116-119 | Views: 4328 | Downloads: 2719

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