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Medieval Historiography

Matching Medieval Historians to Official Chronicles

Hasan Nizami wrote Tazul Maasir, Khwandamir wrote Humayun Nama, Muhammad Kazim authored Alamgir Nama, and Bhim Sen wrote Nushkha-i-Dilkusha.

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

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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

[UPPCS (Mains) 2003]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept


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

Authentic Source Evidence


  • 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.

    • Analytical Breakdown


  • 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.

    • Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

    "Why did Aurangzeb stop the writing of the Alamgir Nama?"

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

    Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

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

    Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

    Delhi Sultanate 10Deccan Campaigns 2

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