Who of the following was awarded with the honour of 'Zari qalam' by King Akbar?
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1995
A. Muhammad Hussain
B. Muqammal Khan
C. Abdussamad
D. Mir Sayyid Ali
Answer: Muhammad Hussain
Option a is the correct answer.
Akbar was a great patron of calligraphy, and he encouraged the development and diversity of this art form in his empire. He established a translation bureau in his new capital at Fatehpur Sikri, where he invited scholars from different religions and regions to translate various Sanskrit texts into Persian, which was the official language of his court. Muhammad Hussain came from Kashmir and was one of the most well-known artists of calligraphy in Akbar's Court. Nastaliq was Akbar's favourite calligraphy style, which was a fluid style having long horizontal strokes. Muhammad Hussain was honored with the title "Zarrin Kalam" or Golden Pen.