Mughal Historiography

Who was Abdul Hamid Lahori? Mughal Historian

Abdul Hamid Lahori was the official court historian for the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and wrote the famous historical text 'Padshahnamah'.

Primary Reference: NCERT Class XII - Themes in Indian History Part II

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In Indian history, who was Abdul Hamid Lahori?

[UPSC CSE Pre. 2006, GS Paper I]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept


The Mughal period saw the rise of 'Official History' (Tarikh) commissioned by emperors to document their reigns.

Authentic Source Evidence


Abdul Hamid Lahori was commissioned by Shah Jahan to write the history of his rule, modeled after the Akbarnama.

Analytical Breakdown


  • Option B is Correct: He is the author of the 'Padshahnamah', a monumental work detailing the first two decades of Shah Jahan's reign.

  • Context: He was a pupil of Abul Fazl's style and focused on the grandeur of the Mughal court and architecture.
  • Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

    "What is the significance of the Padshahnamah manuscripts?"

    They are famous for their exquisite miniature paintings that depict court life, battles, and construction of monuments like the Taj Mahal.

    Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

    "Lahori's work transitioned Mughal history from a mere chronicle to a highly stylized visual and literary propaganda tool."

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