UPPCS (Mains) 2003

Medieval 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. Hasan Nizami B. Khwandamir C. Muhammad Qazim D. Bhim Sen **List-II** 1. Alamgir Nama 2. Nushkha-i-Dilkusha 3. Humayun Nama 4. Tazul Maasir

Solution & Analysis

Answer: A

Concept Historical documentation in medieval India was a specialized craft used to record dynastic achievements, from the early Sultanate to the late Mughal era.

Explanation
Hasan Nizami: Authored *Tazul Maasir*, the first official history of the Delhi Sultanate.
Khwandamir: Wrote a version of *Humayun Nama* describing Mughal institutions.
Mirza Muhammad Kazim: Commissioned by Aurangzeb to write *Alamgir Nama*.
Bhimsen: A Mughal officer who wrote the memoir *Nuskha-i-Dilkusha*.

Logical Breakup
A-4: Hasan Nizami's work is critical for understanding the Qutb-ud-din Aibak period.
B-3: Khwandamir transitionally connected Timurid and Mughal historiography.
C-1: Muhammad Kazim recorded the first ten years of Aurangzeb's reign before the Emperor discouraged official chronicles.
D-2: Bhimsen provided a unique soldier's view of the Deccan campaigns.

Active Recall

Question

Why did Aurangzeb stop the writing of the Alamgir Nama?

Answer

Aurangzeb eventually discouraged official histories due to personal religious austerity and a preference for financial records over courtly praise.

Core Insight

The shift from Sultanate Turkish prose to late Mughal Persian memoirs like Bhimsen's highlights the localization of the historical narrative.