Persian Epic Tradition

Who wrote the Shahnama? Firdausi's Masterpiece

The 'Shahnama', the national epic of the Persian-speaking world, was written by the poet Firdausi.

Primary Reference: Standard Educational Reference

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Who was the author of 'Shahnama'?

[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2015]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept


The Shahnama is one of the world's longest epic poems, serving as the cultural cornerstone of the Persian-speaking world and influencing Indo-Persian culture.

Authentic Source Evidence


Firdausi authored the Shahnama (Book of Kings) between 977 and 1010 CE. He dedicated the work to Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni.

Analytical Breakdown


  • Option B is Correct: The poem contains 50,000 rhyming couplets chronicling the mythical and historical past of Persia.

  • Impact: It was instrumental in reviving the Persian language after the Arab conquests.
  • Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

    "What is the subject of the Shahnama?"

    The mythical and historical history of the Persian Empire from the dawn of time to the Islamic conquest.

    Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

    "The Shahnama's preservation of pre-Islamic Persian identity made it a beloved text in the courts of medieval Indian Sultans and Mughals."

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