[Solved] Faizi's Translation of Lilavati into Persian

Which one of the following scholars of Akbar's court translated Bhaskaracharya's Lilavati into Persian ?

[CDS 2021(I)]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

Akbar’s 'Maktab Khana' (Translation Bureau) was not limited to religious epics but included technical and scientific Sanskrit works to enhance Mughal intellectual capacity.

Authentic Source Evidence

Faizi, the poet laureate and brother of Abul Fazl, was commissioned to translate Bhaskaracharya’s Lilavati (a treatise on arithmetic/algebra) into Persian.

Analytical Breakdown

Option B is Correct: Faizi completed the translation to make Indian mathematical breakthroughs accessible to the Persian-speaking world.

Logic: This project was part of Akbar's wider 'Persianisation' of Indian technical knowledge, alongside the translation of the Mahabharata and Ramayana.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"What is the subject of the original Lilavati?"

It is a foundational Sanskrit text on arithmetic and algebra, written by Bhaskara II in the 12th century.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The translation of Lilavati proves that the Mughal interest in Indian heritage was academic and pragmatic, extending far beyond simple literature."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Maktab Khana 8

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