[Solved] Firuz Tughluq's Translation Dept | Sanskrit to Persian

Which Sultan of Delhi established a 'Translation Department' to help both communities to understand each other's ideas better:

[U.P.P.C.S. Special Mains 2004]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

Firuz Shah Tughluq sought to foster intellectual harmony by translating ancient Indian knowledge into the administrative language of the court, Persian.

Authentic Source Evidence

He established a Translation Department to convert Sanskrit works on religion, science, and philosophy into Persian and Arabic, allowing the Turko-Afghan elite to access Indic wisdom.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: This was a cultural bridge-building exercise. After his conquest of Nagarkot, he found 1,300 Sanskrit books and ordered their translation.

Logic 2: One such translated work on medicine and philosophy was named Dala'il-i-Firoz Shahi.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"What was the result of translating these Sanskrit works?"

It enriched the Persian literary tradition with Indian scientific and astronomical concepts, creating a hybrid intellectual culture.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"Despite his religious orthodoxy, Firuz Shah recognized the practical value of traditional Indian science and literature for his administration."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Persian Literature 7

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