Aurangzeb's akhbarat: The empire that ran on news reports
GS1History · Society · Geography· Ancient & medieval India· Mains·
Why in news
Historian Munis D Faruqui's research on 'Akhbarat' (Mughal news reports) reveals a sophisticated 17th-century information network used by Aurangzeb to manage the empire.
Background
The Akhbarat-i Darbar-i Mualla is a collection of brief news reports written in Persian. These reports covered court intrigue, military campaigns, finances, and local gossip, providing a primary source for understanding Mughal administrative functioning.
Facts for Prelims
- FactAkhbarat: Brief news reports used during the Mughal Empire in the 17th century.
- FactLanguage: The Akhbarat reports were primarily written in Persian.
- FactKey Ruler: The reports provide significant insights into the reign of Aurangzeb.
For Mains
Q. How do the 'Akhbarat' reports redefine our understanding of Mughal administrative machinery and information dissemination during the 17th century?
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Administrative connectivity: Use of a centralized reporting system to bridge the gap between the imperial court and distant provinces.
- Information governance: The role of Persian as a lingua franca for bureaucratic intelligence and imperial oversight.
Keywords: Mughal Administration · Information Network · Historiography · Imperial Governance · Persianate Culture
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