Sources of Medieval Indian History

The sources of medieval Indian history can be categorized into several types., The primary sources include literary texts and archaeological findings that have survived and been reclaimed from various places such as private collections, libraries, and excavation sites.

Literary Sources

Literary sources are further divided into religious and non-religious (secular) categories.

Religious Sources:

Religious texts were authored by scholars of various contemporary religions, including Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Christianity, with Islam and Hinduism being the most prominent. These sources also include important Sufi and Bhakti poetry, which resonated widely across the subcontinent through the teachings of saints and ascetics.

Secular Sources:

Secular literary sources consist of biographies, literary works, foreign travellers’ accounts, royal orders, and letters. These documents provide invaluable inputs into the social, political, and cultural life of the medieval period.

Selected Works on the Lives and Teachings of Sufi Saints

The lives of Sufi saints were highly revered during the medieval period. Several authors devoted significant attention to documenting their mystic practices and daily lives. Important works in this genre include:

• Fawadul Fawayad by Amir Hasan Siziji
• Khair-ul-Mazlis by Hamid Kalandar
• Akhbar-ul-Akhiyar by Abdul Haq Dehalvi
• Gulzar-i-Awrar by Mohd Ghausi

Selected Secular Literary Sources

Notable secular literary sources include:

• Chachnama (Fatehnama): The oldest chronicle of Sindh, which details the Arab invasion and the reign of Raja Dahir, the last Hindu ruler of Sindh.
• Rajtarangini by Kalhana: A history of Kashmir.
• Kitab-ul-Hind by Alberuni: An extensive account of India.
• Tabkaat-i-Nasiri by Minhaz-us-Shiraz: Details the early Turkish empire.
• Tarikh-i-Firozshahi and other works by Ziyauddin Barni: Cover the Khilji and Tughlaq dynasties.
• Padmavat by Malik Mohd Jayasi: Describes the interactions between Aladdin Khilji and the Rana of Chittor.
• Taz-ul-Masir by Hasan Nizami: Explores the life of Qutubuddin Aibak.
• Tuzuk-i-Babari: An autobiography by Babur.
• Humayunama by Gulbadan Begam: Documents Humayun’s campaigns and challenges.
• Akbarnama and Ain-i-Akbari by Abul Fazal: Comprehensive accounts of Emperor Akbar’s reign.
• Muntakhab-ut-Tawarikh by Badayuni: A critical account of Akbar.
• Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri: An autobiographical account of Emperor Jahangir.
• Tarikh-i-Shershahi by Abbas Khan Sherwani: Chronicles the reign of Sher Shah Suri.

Regional Accounts

Regional histories are also well-documented in medieval texts:

• Tarik-i-Bahadur Shahi and Tarikh-i-Tahiri: Histories of Sindh.
• Riyaz-us-Salatin: A history of Bengal.
• Tarikh-i-Rashidi and Tarikh-i-Kashmir: Accounts of Kashmir.

Non-Muslim Literary Texts

Although fewer in number, non-Muslim texts are equally important:

• Prithviraj Raso by Chandbardai: Once considered an authentic source, though recent research suggests otherwise.
• Prithviraj-Vijay-Kavya and Hammir Mahakavya: Offer more reliable accounts of the Chauhan era.
• Jain texts like Puratan Prabandh Sangrah and Kavya Sangrah: Important for understanding medieval history.

Administrative Treatises

Administrative history is illuminated by texts such as:

• Ahkamus Sultania and Siyasatnama by Al-Mawardi: Discuss the administrative systems of the Abbasids and Seljuk rulers.
• Adabul Hab, Fatwa-i-Jahandari, and Fatwa-i-Alamgiri: Key texts on medieval administration.

Medieval Literary Works

Several texts and poetic compositions, though not focused on historical events, provide information of the society and culture of medieval India. Examples include:

• Jawami-ul-Hikayat by Mohd Aufi: A collection of stories from Iltutmish’s time.
• Purush Pariksha by Vidyapati Thakur and Padmavat by Malik Mohd Jayasi: Narratives shedding light on historical contexts.

Vernacular Literary Works

Vernacular writings hold significant importance:

• Bengal writings by Mukundram and Chandidas
• Lalla of Kashmir
• Guru Nanak of Punjab
• Kabir of Uttar Pradesh
• Vidyapati Thakur of Bihar
• Chaitanya Mahaprabhu of Bengal

Experimental Writings

Some texts focused on specific aspects of medieval life:

• Kitab-i-Nimatkhana-i-Nasirshahi: Discusses medieval cuisine and perfumes.
• Hidayatullah-ur-Rami: Focuses on archery.
• Fik-i-Firozshahi: Another example of experimental literature.

Foreign Travelers’ Accounts

Foreign travellers provide a unique perspective on medieval India:

• Al-Biruni’s Kitab-ul-Hind: Discusses 11th-century social life and developments.
• Marco Polo: A Chinese traveler who detailed South India in the 13th century.
• Ibn Batuta: A Moroccan traveler who served as Qazi of Delhi and wrote Kitab-ul-Rihala.
• Nicolo Conti and Abdul Rajak: Provided valuable accounts of the Vijayanagar empire.

Administrative Correspondence

Administrative correspondence, including letters between rulers and officials, are crucial for understanding medieval Indian history. The Mahmud Gawan collection of correspondences provides much information.

Archaeological Evidence

Archaeological sources, such as coins, inscriptions, edicts, and architectural evidence, form a significant part of medieval history. Works like Epigraphica Indica and Epigraphica Karnatika are invaluable for historical research.

Numismatic studies, such as Chronicles of the Pathan Kings by Edward Thomas, offer detailed surveys of the medieval period.