Introduction: The Akbarnama

The Akbarnama is a historical book written by Abu’l-Fazl ibn Mubarak, one of the courtiers of the Mughal emperor Akbar. It is a detailed account of the life and reign of Akbar, covering various aspects of his reign, including his administrative policies, military conquests, and cultural pursuits. The book is considered a significant historical document that provides valuable insights into the political and cultural landscape of medieval India.

History of the Akbarnama manuscript

The Akbarnama manuscript was originally written in Persian by Abu’l-Fazl ibn Mubarak between 1590 and 1596. The book was commissioned by Emperor Akbar himself, who was keen on having a detailed account of his reign. The manuscript was illustrated by various artists, and the final product was a richly-illustrated book that was a testament to the artistic and intellectual achievements of the Mughal court.

Importance of the original manuscript

The original Akbarnama manuscript is a valuable historical document that provides a unique perspective on the reign of Emperor Akbar. It is an important source of information on the political, cultural, and religious developments of medieval India. The book also provides insights into the literary, artistic, and intellectual achievements of the Mughal court, making it a valuable resource for scholars and researchers.

Where was the Akbarnama written?

The Akbarnama manuscript was written at the imperial court of Emperor Akbar, which was located in the city of Fatehpur Sikri, near Agra in present-day India. Fatehpur Sikri was the capital of the Mughal Empire during the reign of Akbar, and it was a hub of artistic and intellectual activity. The manuscript was written in Persian, which was the language of the Mughal court.

The fate of the original manuscript

The original Akbarnama manuscript was lost for several centuries after it was written. The manuscript was taken away from the Mughal court by the Persian invader Nadir Shah in 1739, along with other valuable treasures of the Mughal Empire. The manuscript was later acquired by a French collector named Antoine Polier, who sold it to the East India Company in 1801. The manuscript was then taken to England, where it was housed in the British Library.

The search for the original manuscript

The search for the original Akbarnama manuscript began in the early 20th century, when Indian scholars and historians became interested in the book. Several attempts were made to locate the manuscript, including a search by the Indian historian Nirad C. Chaudhuri in the 1950s. However, these attempts were unsuccessful, and it was believed that the original manuscript was lost forever.

The discovery of the original manuscript

The original Akbarnama manuscript was rediscovered in the British Library in 1892 by the Indian scholar Raja Shivprasad. The manuscript had been cataloged as a different book, and its true identity was not known until Shivprasad recognized it. The manuscript was later authenticated by other scholars, and it was confirmed to be the original manuscript of the Akbarnama.

The condition of the original manuscript

The original Akbarnama manuscript is in a relatively good condition, considering its age and the fact that it has been through several hands over the centuries. However, the manuscript has suffered some damage, including tears, stains, and fading of the colors. The British Library has undertaken several conservation efforts to preserve the manuscript, including digitization, binding, and restoration.

The current location of the original manuscript

The original Akbarnama manuscript is currently housed in the British Library in London, UK. The manuscript is part of the library’s collection of Oriental manuscripts, and it is considered one of the most valuable items in the collection. The manuscript is available for viewing by researchers and scholars, subject to certain restrictions and conditions.

Preservation of the original manuscript

The British Library has taken several measures to preserve the original Akbarnama manuscript, including digitization, binding, and restoration. The manuscript has been scanned and digitized, making it accessible to a wider audience. The binding of the manuscript has been repaired, and the pages have been cleaned and stabilized. The library also takes measures to control the environment and lighting conditions in which the manuscript is stored.

Access to the original Akbarnama manuscript

Access to the original Akbarnama manuscript is restricted, and it is only available for viewing by researchers and scholars who have obtained special permission from the British Library. Researchers are required to fill out an application form and provide proof of their research project and credentials. The manuscript is viewed in a controlled environment, and researchers are not allowed to touch or handle the manuscript.

Conclusion: The significance of the original Akbarnama manuscript

The original Akbarnama manuscript is a valuable historical document that provides a unique perspective on the reign of Emperor Akbar and the Mughal Empire. The manuscript is a testament to the artistic and intellectual achievements of the Mughal court, and it provides valuable insights into the political, cultural, and religious landscape of medieval India. The manuscript is currently housed in the British Library, where it is preserved and made available for viewing by researchers and scholars.