Mughal Rulers News System Analysis

The question asks about the functions of different types of news writers and the reporting system under the Mughal rulers in India. Understanding the administrative structure, including how information was gathered and disseminated, is key to evaluating the given statements. Let's analyze each statement:

Statement (i): 'Vaquia-navis' as Public News Writers

The term 'Vaquia-navis' (also spelled Waqia-navis) refers to official court reporters or chroniclers in the Mughal Empire. Their primary duty was to record the important events, proceedings, and happenings within the empire. They acted as public record-keepers, ensuring that significant developments were documented officially. Therefore, statement (i) is true.

Statement (ii): 'Confia-navis' as Secret News Writers

While 'Vaquia-navis' handled public records, the Mughal administration also required mechanisms for gathering intelligence and sensitive information. The term 'Confia-navis' might be used here to represent secret reporters or spies (sometimes referred to as 'Sawanih-navis') who were tasked with observing and reporting on matters discreetly. These individuals provided information on potentially sensitive issues, ensuring the rulers were aware of undercurrents within the empire or beyond. Thus, statement (ii) is considered true in the context of the Mughal intelligence and information network.

Statement (iii): Ministers Reading Newsletters to the King

News and reports were indeed presented to the Mughal emperor. However, the specific process described in statement (iii) – that ministers read these newsletters to the king *every evening* – is a very specific claim that may not accurately represent the standard practice. While reports were submitted and reviewed, the exact method varied. Often, important news was conveyed directly by designated officials (like the head of the news department or the Diwan) or summaries were presented. The rigid structure of ministers reading all newsletters every evening is not consistently supported by historical accounts as the sole or primary method of information delivery. Therefore, statement (iii) is likely false.

Conclusion on Mughal Ruler Statements

Based on the analysis:

• Statement (i) is true: 'Vaquia-navis' served as public news writers.
• Statement (ii) is true: 'Confia-navis' represented secret news writers or intelligence gatherers.
• Statement (iii) is false: The description of daily evening readings by ministers is not accurate.

Therefore, the statements that are true about Mughal rulers' news systems are (i) and (ii) only.