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Book No. – 8 (Political Science)
Book Name – Indian Political Thought (Himanshu Roy/ M.P. Singh)
What’s Inside the Chapter? (After Subscription)
1. Introduction
2. Methodology
3. Governance and Sovereignty
3.1. Divine Theory of Padshahat (Badshahat) and the Concept of Royalty
3.2. Sovereignty in Badshahat
3.3. Toleration and Sulh-I-Kul- Doctrines of Peace
3.4. Division of Society
3.5. Akbar as an Ideal King
3.6. Justice
4. Abul Fazl’s Views on Administration
5. Land Revenue and Army Structure
6. Religious Views
7. Conclusion
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LANGUAGE
Abul Fazl: Governance and Administration
Chapter – 11
Table of Contents
Introduction
- Sheikh Abul Fazl (1551–1602) was an eminent historian in Medieval India, known for his intellectual writings and appeal to reason over religious and cultural traditions.
- His historical interpretation was closely linked to the political, social, economic, and religious realities of the period.
- Mughal India began with political instability due to small kingdoms, ending with Babar’s victory over Ibrahim Lodi, leading to the establishment of the Mughal Empire.
- The Mughal Empire had a hierarchical administrative structure, strong monetary policies, centralized governance, and new methods of military organization.
- A new, integrated culture emerged, combining elements of Hindu and Muslim thoughts, particularly through Bhaktiand Sufi movements, promoting the idea of religious equality and unity.
- Islamic political ideas have roots in pre-Islamic sources and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, advocating equality, the rule of divine law (Shariat), and the unity of the Islamic community.
- However, Islamic politics also held the belief that some are born to rule, and others to obey, similar to the Greek idea of superiority and inferiority.
- The three basic principles in Islamic political thought were:
- (a) divine law (Shariat)
- (b) historical traditions of early Islam
- (c) community solidarity.
- Abul Fazl was a courtier, historian, and friend of Akbar, completing his monumental work, the Akbar Nama and Ain-i-Akbari, by the late 16th century.
- Akbar Nama marks a significant shift in historiography, positioning Akbar as the heir of Adam rather than Muhammad, promoting a universal history where Akbar is a ruler of all humanity.
- This redefined the concept of a powerful sovereign and a centralized state structure.
- Akbar Nama consists of three parts:
- The first part traces Akbar’s lineage back to Adam.
- The second part chronicles Akbar’s reign until his 46th year.
- The third part, Ain-i-Akbari, details the administrative system, government structure, empire’s resources, and includes descriptions of Hindu religious and philosophical systems.
- Ain-i-Akbari is a detailed record of the empire’s wealth, industry, population, and social customs, making it the most comprehensive account of Mughal administration.
- Abul Fazl greatly expanded the scope of history, offering a thorough record of Mughal state structure and governance, unparalleled by earlier medieval historians.
Methodology
- Abul Fazl had a rational and secular approach to history.
- He applied a new methodology for collecting facts and organizing them through critical investigation.
- His writings are marked by careful selection of facts and a clear, systematic presentation.
- Scope of history was broadened by including facts on political, social, economic, and cultural life, as well as administrative regulations, procedures, and topographical accounts.
- He emphasized critical investigation to evaluate sources and accepted them only when they met the principles he formulated.
- Philosophy of history is evident in his work, establishing a concept about its nature, purpose, principles for interpretation, and methods for collecting facts.
- Original sources were highly valued by Abul Fazl; he did not rely on a single account but sought multiple versions of an event.
- These versions were critically examined before being accepted.
- He created a set of questions to be asked of event reporters to ensure accuracy.
- His source material included eye-witness accounts, reports, memoranda, minutes, imperial Farmans, and other records.