[Solved] Razmanama: The Persian Translation of the Mahabharata

The Persian translation of Mahabharata, which was done in the 16th century is called-

[R.A.S./R.T.S. Pre 2016]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

Akbar’s 'Maktab Khana' (Translation Bureau) was established to translate Sanskrit classics into Persian. He believed this would bridge the cultural gap between the ruling elite and the Indian masses.

Authentic Source Evidence

The Persian translation of the Mahabharata is called the Razmanama (Book of War). Commissioned by Akbar in 1582, it was translated by a team of scholars including Badauni. It was a massive project that also featured hundreds of world-class Mughal miniature illustrations.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: The name 'Razmanama' specifically captures the epic's central theme of the Kurukshetra war.

Logic 2: Other options like Alamgirnama (Aurangzeb) and Badshahnama (Shah Jahan) are court chronicles, while Hamzanama is a fictional Persian epic.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"Who was the chief translator of the Razmanama?"

While it was a group effort, Abdul Qadir Badauni was the prominent scholar who worked on the text under Akbar's direct orders.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The Razmanama was not just a book; it was a diplomatic and cultural statement that the Mughal Emperor was the inheritor of the entire history of India."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Maktab Khana 8 Badauni 3 Mughal Miniatures 3

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