Medieval Indian History: There are few historical sources available to learn about medieval India. The main reason for this is that ancient texts were not available or were not available at all.

Muslim sultans and Ulemas were very important .to write history .Sultan and his Indian victories have been detailed by many Muslim historians. In addition to literary sources, sufficient information is also available from travelogues of foreign travelers, autobiographies of educated sultans in medieval India, victory pillars, victory memorials established after victory campaigns, etc. Ancient Indian history has less historical material than medieval Indian history

Medieval Indian History:

Persian and Arabic books were composed during the Sultanate period. Although these writings and authors are not classified as scientific historians, as they were confined only to the activities of the immediate rulers, but these works give enough information about Sultanate history and chronology. We can mainly divide the sources related to knowing medieval Indian history into the following three categories-

• Sultanate Historical Sources
• Mughal Historical Sources
• Document Source

Major Historical Sources of the Mughal Period

There are various historical sources for the study of the history of the Mughal period, which also have diversity. Almost all categories of Sultanate sources are also available in the Mughal period. Many types of works are available, such as the works of court historians, works related to regional history, etc. from which we get important information. An entirely new category is that of European traveler’s accounts. The tradition of Mughal history writing is also different from that of the Sultanate period. The following are the main sources of information about Mughal history.

scientific theory

• Many literary evidences are available in the Mughal period, which provide very important information regarding the history of this period. Important and brief details of them are as follows-

1. Tuzuk e Babri / Baburnama
2. Tuzuk-e-Babri / Baburnama is the autobiography of Babur. Babur composed this work in Turkish language.
3. In this article, Babur has mentioned 5 Muslim states-Delhi, Bahmani, Bengal, Gujarat and Malwa and two Hindu states-Vijayanagar Shva Mewar.
4. Since, Babur was nature lover, he also describes the climate of India in ‘Baburnama’, but says that there is nothing here except rivers and mountains.
5. Lanpool has written about ‘Baburnama’, “His autobiography is one of the most valuable articles that have been valuable in all ages.”
6. There is a line in ‘Baburnama’ – “There is a lack of charm in the Indian society. people are not beautiful and social classes

Tarikh-e-Farishta

• It details the reign of Babur and Humayun, and mentions the society at that time. It was composed by Muhammad Qasim Firishta. This important composition gives good information about the reign of Babur and Humayun.
• It has also been written about the geographical location and climate of India. The description given in this book is balanced and accurate. Boring Road, Patna

Akbarnama

• Akbarnama is the work of Abul Fazl. This is an important work of Mughal India composed in Persian language. In this, along with the immediate circumstances, the means of entertainment, living, dress, food, religion etc. are described. Its first part describes the reign of Babur and Humayun, the second part describes the first 46 years of Akbar’s reign, while the third part is called ‘Ain-e-Akbari’, which is an invaluable heritage of its time.
• This is the most important and fundamental work to know about the reign of Akbar. Tuzuk e-Jahangiri
  This is the autobiography of Jahangir. Mutamid Khan and Bakshi also had cooperation in completing this composition. In Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri, Jahangir also wrote about the rebellion of his eldest son Khusrau. In Tuzuk-i-Jahangir, the contemporary social condition and culture has been vividly described. Jahangir wrote about the routine of his daily life, justice, ceremonies held at court, his dealings with Rajputs and Hindus, his travels, his military campaigns, and his marriage to Nur Jahan.

List of medieval historical works and their authors

• creations
• creator
• Kitab-ul-Hind
• Alberuni
• Rajatarangini
• Godwow
• Kalhan
• eloquence
• Tabaqat-e-Nasiri
• Minhaj Us Siraj
• Tarikh-e-Firozshahi
• Ziauddin Barani
• khazayn-ul-futuh
• Amir Khusro
• Ziauddin Barani
• Tughlaqnama
• Fatwa-e-Jahanda Ert’s
• Kitab-ul-Rehla
• Akbarnama
• Prithviraj Raso
• Ibn Battuta (Moroccan African)
• abul fazal
• Chandbardai

Archaeological evidence

Important information about Mughal history is also available from archaeological sources. Architecture and painting flourished during this period. Many forts, monuments, palaces and tombs etc. were built during this period. Major buildings of this period include Sher Shah’s Tomb, Humayun’s Tomb, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri Fort, Etmadudaulah’s Tomb, Taj Mahal, Red Fort of Delhi, Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, Sheesh Mahal, Moti Masjid, Jama Masjid etc. are prominent.

Description of Mughal European Travelers

European travelers throw light on many political events, economic condition of the country, luxurious life of the Mughal court, trade commerce etc.

• Hawkins and Thomas Roe were two famous European travelers who visited India during the period of Jahangir.
• Jahangir made Hawkins a mansabdar in his court. In his travelogue, Hawkins has given a very beautiful depiction of the emperor’s lifestyle, courtly traditions and immediate social life.
• The second European traveler was Sir Thomas Roe. The purpose of his coming to India was to establish trade relations with Jahangir. He depicted the splendor of the Mughal Empire in his travelogue.