UPSC CSE Pre. 1994

Mughal Literature and Women

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Who among the following wrote historical records in the Mughal period?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: A

Concept Mughal literature includes not only court chronicles by men but also intimate, historical memoirs written by royal women.

Explanation Gulbadan Begum, daughter of Babur, was requested by Akbar to record her memories of the reigns of Babur and Humayun to assist Abul Fazl.

Logical Breakup
Option A is Correct: Her work 'Humayun Nama' provides a rare 'domestic' view of the Mughal household and political struggles.
Others: Nur Jahan was a political powerhouse but didn't write a history; Jahanara wrote a biography of a Sufi saint; Zebunnisa was a renowned poet but not a historian.

Active Recall

Question

What makes Humayun Nama unique compared to Akbarnama?

Answer

It offers an insider's perspective on the personal lives, tensions, and ceremonies within the Mughal family.

Core Insight

Gulbadan Begum’s contribution proves that Mughal royal women were highly literate and played a role in preserving the empire's memory.