Discuss Ain-i-Akbari as a historical work and its used by the historians to reconstruct Indian history.

Ain-i-Akbari is a part of Abul Fazl’s Akbamama. In simple words we can say Ain-i-Akbari was written by a prominent historian of Akbar’s court.

There are three parts of Akbamama. The third part of Akbamama is Ain-i-Akbari which is called the soul (or real life of Akbarnama).

Historical Importance of Ain-i-Akbari : Ain-i-Akbari describes very clearly about the administrative system of Akbar. But the ornamental style of writing of Abul Fazl, using this style he had made efforts to give spiritual effects of the administrative system of Akbar on the mind of the reader, definitely make the book difficult and boring.

The writer of Ain-i-Akbari has tried to consult some Sanskrit scholars to give a more simple form as far as language of the book is concerned. He has referred Hindu as very liberal in their religious outlook and providing respect to their guests. He had lived to respect, seriousness, honesty and innocency in very direct and open manner. Like Al-Biruni he also excepts Hindus monotheist.

Abul Fazl has mention many causing of arising differences among the followers of different religions in India. For example he excepts one of the cause was diversity in languages. He says due to different languages people are sometime unable to understand the religious themes, rituals and traditions of the people of other religion. Secondly, he says due to incapability of the explanation of the religions also creat differences amongst the people of different religions. Thirdly, he says there is a lack of zeal among the different people to try to understand the teaching of different religions.

According to Abul Fazl the narrow minded as well as fanatic rulers also responsible because they take anti-people steps and follow anti-people policies against the people of other religion in the name of religion.

It is very clear if we study Akbarnama or Ain-i-Akbari that Abul Fazl has accepted Akbar, Mughal Emperor as his own ‘Hero’. He had praise the secular policy of Akbar. According to writer of Ain-i-Akbari the main aim of Akbar’s defend, conquests was to bring the maximum people under his liberal, tolerant, justice and peaceful administration and control to provide maximum political benefits to maximum people of lndia.