Persian Historiographical Contributions to Medieval Indian History: An Analysis of Isami's Futuh-U Salatin

The simplest definition of history could be that it is a collection of records and chronicles of past events.Knowledge of these past events is crucial for any civilized society, as it helps us familiarize ourselves with the past and chaperones to enhance and accentuate our present and future.Early history writings were mere records of events and happenings, but with the advancement of knowledge, the art of history writing became organized, systematic, and sophisticated.New rules were formed, and the historian was supposed to be the most knowledgeable person about a particular event.We can also call 'history' a dialogue between the past and the present.According to E.H. Carr, not every event holds historical significance; instead, the interpretation of that event bestows significance.Carr argues that interpretation is the lifeblood of history.In exploring the question, "What is history?"Carr asserts that history is a continuous interaction between historians and their facts, an unending dialogue between the present and the past (Carr, 1962).Historiography is known as ilm-al-tarikh in Arabic.The account of all activities of the human race is called history.It is the study of history and methodology of the discipline of history.In ancient India, no fixed and specific methods were followed regarding the preservation and compilation of historical events.Moreover, it was preserved through the oral system.This system helps preserve religious rules and regulations, restrictions, and other social rules.However, it is not sufficient to establish a permanent system of preserving all historical data and events, especially those related to India's dynastic rule.By the end of a dynasty, all glorious achievements and contributions of that dynasty were also going to end (Absar, 2014).The sources of medieval Indian history writing are vast and varied, providing a wealth of material for historians and general readers alike.The source material is rich and diverse, from malfuzat literature to political chronicles, maktubat and general treatises.The fact that many of these resources exist in the Persian language is a further testament to the breadth of the topic.Taj-u'l-Ma'asir by Sadr-u'd-Din Hasan Nizami, Tabaqat-i-Nasiri by Minhaj-u's-Siraj Jurjni, Jami u'l-Tawareekh by Rashid-u'd-Din