Which Mughal emperor commissioned the translation and illustration of revered Sanskrit texts into Persian?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Akbar
Option (1) Shah Jahan — Incorrect. Shah Jahan’s atelier preferred idealisation and stylisation. Its great project was the Padshahnama, the chronicle of the king.
Option (2) Akbar — Correct. Akbar envisioned cultural integration and had Sanskrit texts translated and illustrated in Persian, such as the Mahabharata as the Razm Nama.
Option (3) Jahangir — Incorrect. Jahangir encouraged delicate observation and fine detail, and scientific accuracy in painting flora and fauna.
Option (4) Babur — Incorrect. Babur wrote the Baburnama, his autobiography, and began the tradition of keeping memoirs.
NCERT (2026-27): “Akbar envisioned cultural integration and commissioned translation of several revered Hindu texts. He commissioned translation and illustration of revered Sanskrit texts into Persian. The Persian translation and illustrated version of the Hindu epic Mahabharata done this period came to be known as Razm Nama. This was completed in 1589 under the supervision of master artist Daswant.” |