Farr-i-Izadi: The Divine Light of Mughal Kingship
Farr-i-Izadi, meaning 'Divine Light,' was first developed by the Sufi philosopher Shihabuddin Suhrawardi. It later became the cornerstone of the Mughal theory of kingship.
Primary Reference: NCERT Class XII - Themes in Indian History Part II
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Exam Year
2018
Evidence Source
Link ↗The idea of 'Farr-i-Izadi', on which the Mughal kingship was based, was first developed by which one of the following Sufi saints?
[CDS 2018 (I)]
Detailed Solution & Historical Context
Concept
'Farr-i-Izadi' (Divine Effulgence or Light) was the philosophical justification for the Mughal Emperor's absolute and sacred authority.
Authentic Source Evidence
The concept was first formulated by the famous Iranian Sufi philosopher Shihabuddin Suhrawardi (the master of Illuminationism). Abul Fazl later adapted this idea for Akbar, suggesting that the Emperor receives light directly from God.
Analytical Breakdown
Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic
"How did the Mughals use the idea of Farr-i-Izadi?"
Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip
"Farr-i-Izadi allowed the Mughals to justify an inclusive, absolute monarchy by suggesting the King's authority was granted by God, not by any specific religious community."
Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)
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