UPPCS (Mains) 2017

Later Mughal Historiography

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Match list-I with list-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: **List-I** A. Bhimsen Kayestha B. Chandrabhan Brahman C. Ishwardas Nagar D. Sujanrai Bhandari **List-II** 1. Chahar Chaman 2. Futuhat-i-Alamgiri 3. Khulasat-ut-Tawarikh 4. Tarikh-i-Dilkusha

Solution & Analysis

Answer: D

Concept The reign of Aurangzeb, despite his personal austerity, saw the production of vital Persian historical records by non-Muslim officers.

Explanation Key works: Bhimsen's 'Tarikh-i-Dilkusha' (memoirs of Deccan wars) and Ishwardas Nagar's 'Futuhat-i-Alamgiri' (events up to 1698).

Logical Breakup
A-4: Bhimsen wrote Tarikh-i-Dilkusha, providing a soldier’s perspective on the Deccan campaigns.
B-1: Chandrabhan Brahman authored Chahar Chaman, reflecting a blend of Sufism and historical prose.
C-2: Ishwardas Nagar wrote Futuhat-i-Alamgiri, covering administration in Malwa and Rajputana.
D-3: Sujan Rai Bhandari wrote Khulasat-ut-Tawarikh, a comprehensive history ending with Aurangzeb’s accession.

Active Recall

Question

Who translated Bhimsen's Tarikh-i-Dilkusha into English?

Answer

The famous historian Sir Jadunath Sarkar translated it.

Core Insight

The fact that these primary records of a conservative emperor were written by Hindus highlights the deep bureaucratic integration in the Mughal state.