'Fatwa-i-Jahandari' of Ziauddin Barani is related with (A) Advices for Muslim kings in order to earn religious merit and the gratitude of the subject (B) Advices to all the kings (C) Description of the origin of state (D) Tenets of secularism Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
A Only
Understanding Ziauddin Barani's 'Fatwa-i-Jahandari'
The question asks about the main subject matter of Ziauddin Barani's work, 'Fatwa-i-Jahandari'. To answer this correctly, we need to understand the historical context and the typical content of Barani's writings on governance during the Delhi Sultanate period.
Analyzing the Options
Let's examine each option provided:
- (A) Advices for Muslim kings in order to earn religious merit and the gratitude of the subject: Ziauddin Barani was a historian and political theorist who served in the court of Delhi Sultans like Muhammad bin Tughluq. His work 'Fatwa-i-Jahandari' (literally 'Edicts on World-Governance') is indeed a treatise on kingship and governance, written from an Islamic perspective. It offers detailed advice to rulers on how to govern according to what Barani perceived as righteous principles, emphasizing justice, piety, and the welfare of the Muslim subjects. The advice is aimed at helping the ruler earn religious merit (by following Islamic injunctions) and the gratitude of the people (by ensuring justice and prosperity). This option aligns well with the known nature of Barani's work.
- (B) Advices to all the kings: While principles of good governance might have universal aspects, Barani's work is specifically directed towards Muslim rulers and is heavily influenced by Islamic legal and ethical frameworks prevalent during his time. It is not a general guide for rulers of all faiths or regions without specific reference to the Islamic context. Therefore, stating it gives advice to "all kings" is too broad and inaccurate.
- (C) Description of the origin of state: 'Fatwa-i-Jahandari' is primarily prescriptive, offering advice on *how* to govern, rather than descriptive, explaining the historical or philosophical origins of the state itself. While it might touch upon the need for kingship, its focus is on the functions and responsibilities of a ruler, not the theoretical basis of the state's existence.
- (D) Tenets of secularism: The concept of secularism, involving the separation of state and religion, is a modern one. Barani's work is deeply rooted in medieval Islamic thought and discusses governance within an Islamic framework. Promoting secularism would be entirely contrary to the nature and purpose of 'Fatwa-i-Jahandari'.
Conclusion on 'Fatwa-i-Jahandari' Content
Based on the analysis, option (A) accurately describes the core theme and purpose of Ziauddin Barani's 'Fatwa-i-Jahandari'. It is a manual for Muslim kings, offering guidance informed by religious and ethical considerations to ensure both divine favour and public welfare.
Therefore, the statement (A) is correct, while statements (B), (C), and (D) are not accurate descriptions of Barani's work.
Selecting the Correct Option
The options provided are:
- A and B Only
- A Only
- B and C Only
- C and D Only
Since only statement (A) is correct, the correct option is the one that includes only A.
| Statement | Accuracy regarding 'Fatwa-i-Jahandari' |
|---|---|
| (A) Advices for Muslim kings in order to earn religious merit and the gratitude of the subject | Accurate |
| (B) Advices to all the kings | Inaccurate (too broad, specific to Muslim context) |
| (C) Description of the origin of state | Inaccurate (primarily prescriptive on governance) |
| (D) Tenets of secularism | Grossly Inaccurate (medieval Islamic context) |
Thus, the correct answer is (A) Only.
Revision Table: Key Concepts
| Term | Description | Relevance to 'Fatwa-i-Jahandari' |
|---|---|---|
| Ziauddin Barani | Historian, political theorist, courtier in Delhi Sultanate | Author of the work |
| 'Fatwa-i-Jahandari' | Treatise on governance and kingship | The work in question |
| Muslim Kings | Rulers of the Delhi Sultanate era, primarily Muslims | The intended audience of the 'Advices' |
| Religious Merit | Earning divine favour through righteous actions | A key objective Barani advises kings to pursue |
| Subject's Gratitude | Winning the approval and support of the people | Another objective Barani advises kings to pursue through good governance |
Additional Information: Ziauddin Barani's Philosophy
Ziauddin Barani's writings, including 'Tarikh-i-Firuz Shahi' (History of Firuz Shah) and 'Fatwa-i-Jahandari', provide valuable insights into the political and social thought of the Delhi Sultanate period. In 'Fatwa-i-Jahandari', Barani presents his ideal of kingship. He strongly advocates for the supremacy of the Sharia (Islamic law) in governance, although he acknowledges that political exigencies might sometimes necessitate regulations outside the strict interpretation of Sharia, which he terms 'Zawabit' (state laws). He believed that the primary duty of a king was to protect Islam, enforce its laws, administer justice, and ensure the welfare of his Muslim subjects. He also held controversial views on the treatment of non-Muslims, advocating for policies that were often harsh by modern standards. The work is framed as a set of advices from Prophet Muhammad to a legendary king, providing a divine and historical legitimacy to his recommendations.
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