Niccolao Manucci | History of the Moghuls | A Review
Niccolao Manucci’s ‘History of the Moghuls’-A Review
Niccolao Manucci’s “Storia do Mogor” (History of the Moghuls) is a fascinating travel book that provides invaluable insight into the history, culture, and society of India during the Mughal era. Manucci, an Italian adventurer, arrived in India in 1656 and lived there for more than half a century, during which time he worked as a physician, soldier, merchant, and courtier, and also interacted with some of the most powerful Mughal emperors.
The book is divided into four parts, each of which covers a different period in Mughal history. Part One narrates the reigns of Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan, while Part Two covers the tumultuous reign of Aurangzeb, Part Three describes the decline of the Mughal Empire, and Part Four covers the events that occurred after the death of Aurangzeb.
One of the most impressive aspects of Manucci’s book is its vivid descriptions of the people, places, and events he encountered during his travels. Manucci’s eye for detail and his keen observations enable him to paint a vivid picture of the Mughal era, providing readers with a rich and fascinating insight into the culture, society, and politics of the time. For example, he describes the architecture of the Mughal era, the clothing and jewelry of the nobles, the manners and customs of the people, and the various festivals and ceremonies that he witnessed.
Another strength of the book is its historical value. Manucci’s account is one of the few primary sources available on the Mughal era, and his detailed descriptions of the events he witnessed and the people he interacted with provide invaluable insights into the era’s history. Moreover, his eyewitness accounts of the major events of the era, such as the war of succession after Shah Jahan’s death and the decline of the Mughal Empire, provide a unique and valuable perspective on these events.
One of the book’s weaknesses is the author’s bias and subjectivity. As a foreigner living in India during the Mughal era, Manucci was not immune to the prejudices and biases of his time. As a result, his portrayal of the Mughal rulers and their policies is sometimes colored by his own opinions and beliefs. For instance, he seems to have held a favorable view of Aurangzeb, despite the emperor’s controversial policies towards Hindus.
In conclusion, Niccolao Manucci’s “Storia do Mogor” (History of the Moghuls) is a valuable travel book that provides a unique and fascinating insight into the Mughal era in India. Its vivid descriptions of the people, places, and events of the time make it a compelling read, while its historical value as a primary source on the Mughal era makes it an important resource for scholars and students of Indian history. However, readers should also keep in mind the author’s subjectivity and potential biases when reading this book. 0 0 0.
Niccolao Manucci History of the Moghuls A Review
N.B. The article originally belongs to the book entitled ‘Reviews of Some Iconic Travelogues‘ by Menonim Menonimus.
Books of Literary Criticism by M. Menonimus:
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- Indian English Poetry Criticism
- Indian English Poets and Poetry Chief Features
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