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Dr. Mohammad Mehdi Tavassoli 1ournal of Subcontinent Researches

Assitant proIessor oI Archaeology Department University of Sistan and Baluchestan
University oI Sistan and Baluchestan, Iran Vol. 2, No.4, Autumn 2010
Persian Historiography In Sindh During Muslim Period
Abstract
India during Timurids (932-1274 AH) was Ilowrished and reached to its
very high level in cultural and literary activities. The corts oI Timurids
rulers were the place to gather the writers and poets Irom Sub-continent
and outside. During the noble rulers oI this dynasty such as Humayoon
(937-947 and 962-963 AH), King Akbar (963-1014 AH), Jehangir (1014-
1037AH) and Shahjehan (1037-1067), India extended and got more
powerIul and glorious so that all cities became the saIe place Ior growing
culture and literature. Very soon, these saIe places attracted artists, writers,
poets, architetures, scientists as well as suIists and ulamas to migrate to
India Irom Iran and other neighboure countries and Irom all parts oI Indian
sub-continent. They were accepted with warm and got good jobs.
Especially during the last and greatest emperor oI this dynasty who was
known as patronized oI literature and arts, means Ourangzib(1067-1118
AH), India reached to its highest glory.
One oI the most remarkable techniques at the time oI Timurids was
historiography. It was prevailing hobby at the courts oI kings and princes.
Persian language and literature extended in Sub-continent because oI social
attendings and gradually developed. Kings and their ministers were Iound
oI the Iranian literary prose and loved it as well as historiography.
ThereIore historians began their great job to write History. On the other
side, during medieval period, many renowned historiographers Irom
western part oI sub-continent, Sindh region, wrote a lot oI historical texts
in Persian. Some oI those manuscripts edited and printed by scholars in the
recent years. These are the most important sources Ior better understanding
not only Sub-continent history during the Islamic period but also social and
*
Email: tavasoli54yahoo.com
receipt: 10-5-2009 Acceptance:19-12-2009
Persian Historiography In Sindh During Muslim Period
118
cultural status in the same period. Hence, very soon the best historic
sources were prepared and written by the noble historiogrphers, Indian or
Iranian, in Persian.
This article tries to disscuss on 17 oI these main and real sources and
highlightes their potential and preIerence.
Key words: India, Timurids,Persian Historiography, Sindh, Iran
Introduction
Historiography in Indian Sub-continent was considered by Indian courts,
especially during medieval period and even in 12th. And 13th. Centuries.
Muslim rulers patronized historians and some oI them directly engaged
themselves in that work.
(Humanyu's Tomb)
The court oI Indian Timurids (932-1274 AH) was the place to gather the
writers and poets Irom Sub-continent and outside. During the rulers oI this
dynasty such as Humayoon (937-947 and 962-963 AH), King Akbar (963-
1014 AH), Jehangir (1014-1037 AH) and Shahjehan (1037-1067) India
extended and got more powerIul and glorious. Especially during the last
and greatest emperor oI this dynasty who was known as patronized oI
1ournal of Subcontinent Researches
119
literature and arts, means Ourangzib (1067-1118 AH) India reached to its
highest glory (Tavassoli 1381: 102-104).
Historiography at the time oI Timurids was prevailing hobby at the
courts oI kings and princes. Persian language and literature extended in
Sub-continent because oI social attendings and gradually developed. As the
kings and their ministers were Iound oI the Iranian literary prose and loved
it, this developed throughout Sub-continent (Tavassoli 1381: 102-104). It
was also in this period which their courts became the main place Ior
gathering poets, writers, and artists so that the Iranian names such as
Jehandar, Shahriar, Farokhseiyar and etc. selected to name princes (AItab
Asghar 1364: 148-155).
During Timurids dynasty and the years aIter, the main historical sources
on Indian Sub-continent were written. Renowned oI Persian
historiographers have leIt behind themselves many works which today are
considered as the main remarkable sources Ior studies the Indo-Persian
history and literature.
Here, as my article to this seminar, I name some oI those Iamouse
historiographers in the western part oI Indian Sub-continent, e.i. Sindh
region, and introduce at least one oI their most remarkable works as well.
Sindh heritage
Persian Historiography In Sindh During Muslim Period
120
During medieval period, many renowned historiographers Irom western
part oI sub-continent, Sindh region, wrote a lot oI historical texts in
Persian. Some oI those manuscripts edited and printed by scholars in the
recent years. These are the most important sources Ior better understanding
not only Sub-continent history during the Islamic period but also social and
cultural status in the same period. Among these historians, it must be
reIerred to at least 17 eminant writers, in brieI.
1. Mir Masoom Bhakri
His Iamouse book is Tarikh-e-Masoomi. His knowledge on Indian Sub-
continent was excellent. In his book, he has mentioned historical events
during Omavid and Abbasid in Sindh, as well as biography oI Sindhi rulers
and then other rulers such as Arghoons and Tarkhans and such events aIter
Akbar,s expedition. This book has been translated into English and Sindhi,
and is one oI the most important sources on Saljuqid dynasty (Tavassoli
2009: 42-46).
2. Edraki Biglari
He is the author oI Biglar Nameh, and written in 1001 A.H. Biglari
belonged to Arghoon tribe and wroten his book to record the events and
situations concerning to Sindh. He also wrote Masnavi Cheniser Nameh
(AIIan Seljuq 2008: 191).
3. Mir Tahir Muhammad Nisyani Thattavi
He worte Tarikh-e Taheri in 1030 A.H. on Sindh history. It is still as
manuscript and kept in Karachi Museum (AIIan Seljuq 2008: 191).
4. Mirak Yousof ibn-e Mir Abulqasim Namkin
The Short history oI Shah Jahani, is written by him. This book has two
major parts, part one consists the code reIerences oI World keeping,
Country politics, managing manners oI Government according to the
contemporary history oI elaborating in writer,s period (AIIan Seljuq 2008:
192). Also it has explained in detail about the political, oIIicial,
economical, geographical and social situation and the events oI Iour
diIIerent regions oI the Sindh means Bhakr, Seywi, Thatta, Seywistan.
5. Seyed Muhammad bin Seyed 1alal Thattavi
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121
His works is Tarkhan Nameh, the history oI Arghoon and Tarkhan
dynasty on the order oI Mirza Saleh in the year 1065 AH. This book
describes Arghoon and Tarkhan history in detail.
Pir Hussamuddin Rashidi, the contemporary Sindhi Iamouse scholar has
made critical point oI wiew correction oI the two manuscripts texts which
are in Britain and also he has written a very detail and eruditely
introduction in Persian.
This book published in 1965 under cooperation oI Sindhi Adabi Board,
Hyderabad, Pakistan (Tavassoli 2009: 42-46).
6. Shaikh Farid ibn-e Shaikh Maaroof Sadr-e Bhakri
His Iamouse work is Zakhiratul Khavanin, written in 1060 AH (AIIan
Seljuq 2008: 192). He wrote the biography oI Iamouse scientists, poets,
literarians, artists and writers Irom Sindh region. Dr. MoeinulHaq
corrected this book and published in 1970-74 by the Historical Society oI
Pakistan, Krachi (Tavassoli 2009: 42-46).
7. Vaez ibn- e Sayed Muhmud Shah
He was originally Irom Sindh and has written History oI Sindh in 13th
century. The biography oI eminent masters oI Sindh are written there
( AIIan Seljuq 2008: 194).
UnIortunately, it has not been corrected and published yet.
8. Baaq Ali Khaef
His Iamouse book is Nameh Naqz, written in 1155 AH, on Kalhora
dynasty, in prose and emitated Irom Shah Nameh and Sikandar Nameh, in
1624 verses.
This book is a valuable source Ior Kalhora period. It has not been
published yet (AIIan Seljuq 2008: 195).
9. Monshi Abdul Raouf Seywistani (died in 1180 AH)
Goldasta Nouras-e Bahar was written by him. This book is Iull oI
historical corresponding concerning oI two Iamouse rulers oI Kalhora
dynasty, Mian Muhammad and Mian Noor Muhammad ( AIIan Seljuq
2008: 195).
10. Mian Noor Muhammad Abbas, the ruler of Kalhora
He was not only a ruler but also a good historian. He was the Governer
oI Sindh and was known as Khoda Yar Khan. He wrote Manshoor-ul-
Wasi,at and Dastoor-ul-Hukumat. He wrote it Ior his children as a will.
Persian Historiography In Sindh During Muslim Period
122
This book is consist oI short advices under various topic i.e. religion,
morality and politics (Rashdi, Edt. 1964: 5-25 and Tavassoli 2009: 42-46).
Pir Hussamuddin Rashidi has made correction oI the book and written a
scholarly research introduction in Sindhi language. The book has been
published in 1964 by the Sindhi Ababi Board, Hyderabad.
11. Mir Ali Sheer Qane,e Thattavi
He was the Iamouse historians and writers in Sindh and wrote many
books which two oI them are introducing here.
1) Makli Nameh, is one oI the masterwork oI him, written in Persian.
It was written in 1174 AH and Irom the viewpoint oI its subject, it includes
the biography oI important historical heritage Makli graveyard in Sindh.
Pir Hussamuddin Rashidi has made correction oI this valuable
masterwork and wrote a research introduction in Sindhi language. This
book was printed in1967 by Sindhi Adabi Board.
2)The next and more important oI Mir Ali Sheer,s work is TohIat-ul-
Karaam, in three volumes. The third volume is on Sindh history. TohIat-ul-
Karaam is also a masterpiece oI Mir Ali Sheer which is recorded in year
1181 AHm though up to year 1188 AH matters were increased in it
(Tavassoli 2009: 43). This valuable book is consisting three volumes and
each volume has been narrated as under:
Volume 1: In this part, it covers the recital situation oI prophets,
executors oI God, theologians, royals, Muslim caliphs and the sultans oI
Islam.
Volume 2: It covers the recital situation oI theologians, Rich &
patricians, Saints and Sadaat, scholars and popular arts related personalities
oI the cities.
Volume 3: It is in recital history and the situation oI the Supremes
personalities oI the Sindh, Irom the period beIore Islam up to Kalhora
period (1181-AH) and also covers the great theologians and personalities
oI the cities, towns, capital city Thatta and the graveyard oI Makli
( Thattavi 1979: 17). So, the scholarly corrector, has mentioned that,
(Thattavi 1979: 19) this valuable manuscript was entrusted to the writer`s
grandson Late Seyed Hussain Ali Shah and he has sold it in 1935 to Late
Molana Mohammed ShaIi Lahori and now this script is holding with his
son Ahmed Rabbani. Gentleman has paid the all obeisance and provides
the copy and the original manuscript to the correction maker, through this
and also with the help oI the copy in Britain Museum (No. Add21589),
(This derivation copy has been provided by the order oI Mir Murad Ali
1ournal of Subcontinent Researches
123
Khan Talpour, the ruler oI Sindh in 1240 AH through the calligrapher
Mehr Ali Hussaini Irom the original manuscript) and copy in correction
maker`s personal library ( This copy has been written in Rajab 1267 AH)
and copy belongs to the writer 'Lobb-e-tarikh-e-Sindh, Khodadad Khan
( This copy has been Iinished in Karachi in 12 Rabi-ul-awal 1288 by Abdul
Karim Kashmiri on the instruction oI Khuda-dad Khan).
Printed matter oI this book has a detail margin notes and pedigrees,
which consist 478 pages. A complete list with detail oI issuances and
reIerences in alphabetical Iorm and also more than hundred pictures oI the
manuscripts belongs to epigraphs and the tombs and the other historical
heritage and starting phase oI the Arab and Fars (Persia) has been
mentioned and provided in the end oI this book.
This book was printed in the year 1971 and published by the Sindhi
Adabi Board in Hyderabad.
12. Muhammad Azam Thattavi
He wrote his book, TohIat-ul-Taherin, in 1194 AH, on Ulamas and
Fozalas oI Thatta.It is Iull oI historical knowledge about the historical city
oI Thatta and its eminent nobles (AIIan Seljuq 2008: 198).
13. Muhammad Azimuddin Tatavi
He wrote Fath Nameh, in 1209 AH. It is on descriptions oI battles
between two powerIul governors oI Sindh, Kalhoras and Talpoorans.
Although it is written in the Iorm oI verses, it is very Iamouse among
public. It was published in 1926 by Ghulam MostIa Khan Irom Karachi
(AIIan Seljuq 2008: 193).
14. Muhammad Hossein Qaderi Seywestani
He has written the book oI Fehrest-e Tarikh-e Sindh. It is a short history
on Sindh rulers, but not published yet (AIIan Seljuq 2008: 201-202).
15. Khan Bahador Khodadad Khan Bhakri
He is one oI the Iamouse historiographers oI Sindh. His masterwork,
Lobb-e-tarikh-e-Sindh, (This copy has been Iinished in Karachi in 12 Rabi-
ul-awal 1288 by Abdul Karim Kashmiri on the
instruction oI Khuda-dad Khan) written in 1318 AH, is one oI the best
sources on Sindh History in Persian.
16. Khanzaman Khan Ghulam Hossein Khan
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124
His Iamouse book is Gulzar-e AseIiya, written in 12th century aIter
Hijra, in Persian. It consists oI biography oI rulers, ministers, governors,
tribes, during the rulers oI AsaIiye in Deccan. This book was published in
shape oI "stone-printed" in about 200 years ago, and in 1977, reprinted by
Dr.Muhammad Mehdi Tavassoli as Tarikh-e AsaIjahian, with scholarly
introduction and some appendix, in Pakistan (Tavassoli, Edt.1377:
intro.41).
17. Muhammad Nizamuddin Heravi
He was the Minister oI Akbar Shah, and was with him in his many
expenditures. He wrote one the best historical sources on Indian sub-
continant history covers Irom Ghanavid dynasty to the 37th oI Akbar reign
under the title oI Tabaghat-e Akbari, in three volumes. He wrote this book
in 1001-1002 AH and unIortunately beIore he Iinished this huge work, he
passed away. His book consists oI three volumes and one time was simply
corrected by Hedayat Hosseini and published between 1913-1931 in
Calcutta, India (Tavassoli 1381: 104). Dr. Muhammad Mehdi Tavassoli,
has critically and scientiIically has corrected it according to 4 others
manuscripts and stone-printed which will be published very soon (Heravi,
manuscript).
Conclusion
Mediaval period in Indian Sub-continent, even during Muslim period
which is started Irom Mahmud Qznavid till the end oI Indian Greater
Timurids, emerged many eminent historiographers in this region. They
wrote many valuable books bunder Indian patronized, which they are still
the best and only sources Ior studying history, culture and society oI Sub-
continent Ior more than 6 centuries.
No doubt, without these main sources, it is very diIIicult to have a right
judge in Indian history, even in region history, in general. Each
interpretation and conclusion without reIerring to those sources, is still
incomplete.
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Persian Historiography In Sindh During Muslim Period
126
References
Heravi Khawja Nizamuddin Ahmed. 1abaghat-e Akbari.
(manuscript/ Punjab University Library- Lahore).
Khan, Khodadad(1959) Lobbe 1arikh-e Sindh, Edited by Dr.Nabi
Bakhsh Khan Baluch, Sindhi Adabi Board, Hyderabad.
Khan Zaman Khan, Khawja Ghulam Hossein(1377) 1arikh-e
Asafjahian, Ed. by Muhammad Mehdi Tavassoli, Islamabad.
Mian, Noor Mohammad(1964) Manshoor-ul Jasiyat va Dastoor-ul
Hokoomat, Edited by Pir Hussamuddin Rashdi, Sindhi Adabi Board,
Hyderabad.
Mirak,YusuI (1962)1arikhe Mazhar-e Shahjahani, Edited by Pir
Hussamuddin Rashdi, Sindhi Adabi Board, Hyderabad.
Rashdi, Pir Hussamuddin(2002) Maghalate Rashdi, Edited by
Gholam Mohammad Lakho, Karachi University, Karachi.
Seljuq, AIIan(2008) Iran Nameh, Edited by Dr.Mohammad Mehdi
Tavassoli, Pakistan Academy oI Letters, Karachi.
TaIhimi S.( 2007)" Services of Pir Hussamuddin Rashdi to Persian
Language, Literature & Culture", Danish, Ouarterly Journal, Iran-Pak
Institute oI Persian Studies, Islamabad, No.90, Autumn.
Tasbihi,Mohammad Hussain(2005) Alphabetical Catalogue of 1he
Manuscripts in 1he Canjbakhsh Library,Iran-Pak Institute oI Persian
Studies, Islamabad.
Tavassoli, Muhammad Mehdi(2009) "Contribution of Pir
Hussamuddin Rashidi on Historiography of Sindh after 1947", in
Sindh:Glimpses Into Modern History 1843-1999. Department oI General
History, University oI Sindh, Jamshoro, Pakistan.pp.42-46.
Tavassoli, Muhammad Mehdi(1381) "1abaghat-e Akbari-1he
History of Sub-continent", Ayena Miras, Nos.2&3,pp.102-104.
Tatavi, Mir Ali Shair Qane`e(1979) 1ohfat-ul-Karaam ,Edited by Pir
Hussamuddin Rashdi, Sindhi Adabi Board Hyderabad.
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Board, Hyderabad.
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