Abdul Latif | Seir Mutaqherin | A Review
Abdul Latif’s ‘Seir Mutaqherin’-A Review
Abdul Latif’s ‘Seir Mutaqherin’ is a historical narrative that chronicles the Mughal Empire from its rise to its fall. It is one of the most significant and popular sources for the study of Mughal history and culture. The book is written in Persian and was first published in 1804. The author, Abdul Latif, was a scholar and historian who lived in the late 18th and early 19th centuries in India.
The book is divided into four volumes and covers the period from the early 16th century, with the arrival of Babur, the first Mughal emperor, to the mid-18th century, with the reign of Muhammad Shah. The author uses a chronological approach to narrate the events, and the narrative is often interspersed with anecdotes, poetry, and cultural descriptions.
One of the most significant features of the book is its detailed descriptions of the lives of the Mughal emperors and their courtiers. Abdul Latif provides a wealth of information on their personality, character, and the intrigues of their courts. He also provides insights into the social and cultural life of the Mughal court, including descriptions of the arts, literature, and architecture of the period.
The author’s account is generally considered to be objective and impartial. He draws upon a range of sources, including official court records, historical accounts, and eyewitness testimonies. His writing style is clear, concise, and informative, and he avoids using overly flowery language or exaggeration. The book’s impartiality is particularly impressive given the political and religious tensions that existed in India during the period of its writing.
However, some critics have argued that Abdul Latif’s work suffers from certain limitations. For example, he is sometimes accused of being too focused on the Mughal emperors and their courtiers and not giving enough attention to the lives of ordinary people. Additionally, his account ends in the mid-18th century, and as such, it does not cover the later period of the Mughal Empire, including its decline and eventual downfall.
In conclusion, ‘Seir Mutaqherin‘ is a significant and influential work of Mughal historiography. It provides a valuable insight into the social, cultural, and political life of the Mughal Empire and its rulers. Although it has certain limitations, it remains a vital source for scholars and enthusiasts of Mughal history and culture. 0 0 0.
Abdul Latif | Seir Mutaqherin | A Review
N.B. The article originally belongs to the book entitled ‘Reviews of Some Iconic Travelogues‘ by Menonim Menonimus.
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