Understanding the Ain-i-Akbari and Mughal Administration

The question asks us to identify the statement that is *not* correct regarding the Ain-i-Akbari. Let's examine each statement based on historical facts about this important historical text.

Analyzing Statements about Ain-i-Akbari

• Statement 1: It was written by Abu'l Fazl.

  This statement is correct. The Ain-i-Akbari, a detailed document on the administration of the Mughal Empire under Emperor Akbar, was indeed authored by his court historian, Abu'l Fazl ibn Mubarak.

• Statement 2: It is a part of a larger work called Akbar Nama.

  This statement is also correct. The Ain-i-Akbari is the third and final volume of the much larger historical work, the Akbar Nama (Book of Akbar), which chronicles the reign of Emperor Akbar.

• Statement 3: It describes the Mughal Empire as having a diverse population and a composite culture.

  This statement is generally considered correct. The Ain-i-Akbari provides extensive data on various aspects of the empire, including land records, revenues, castes, religious groups, and social customs across different regions. This detailed information inherently reflects the diverse nature of the Mughal population and the composite culture that developed during Akbar's reign.

• Statement 4: It was later revised by Sadullah Khan on the orders of Shah Jahan.

  This statement is incorrect. The Ain-i-Akbari was completed during Akbar's reign by Abu'l Fazl. While historical texts are often copied, summarized, or studied in later periods, the primary text of the Ain-i-Akbari itself was not revised by Sadullah Khan (a prominent Wazir or Prime Minister under Emperor Shah Jahan) on Shah Jahan's orders. Sadullah Khan was involved in revenue administration and other matters during Shah Jahan's rule, but his work did not involve revising the original Ain-i-Akbari text.

Conclusion on the Incorrect Statement

Based on the analysis of each statement, the statement that is not correct about the Ain-i-Akbari is that it was later revised by Sadullah Khan on the orders of Shah Jahan. The text was a product of Akbar's era, authored by Abu'l Fazl, and while its information might have been used or referred to later, the original work was not revised by officials from Shah Jahan's court.

Therefore, the incorrect statement is: It was later revised by Sadullah Khan on the orders of Shah Jahan.

Revision Table: Key Facts about Ain-i-Akbari

Additional Information on Ain-i-Akbari and its Significance

The Ain-i-Akbari is an invaluable source for understanding the Mughal Empire, particularly the reign of Akbar. It is divided into five books:

• The first book deals with the imperial household.
• The second book covers the regulations for the court and military.
• The third book discusses the imperial government and revenue system.
• The fourth book describes Hindu philosophy, science, social customs, and religious beliefs.
• The fifth book contains the sayings of Akbar and an account of Abu'l Fazl's ancestry.

The level of detail in the Ain-i-Akbari provides historians with crucial data on demographics, economic conditions, administrative structures, and social norms of the period, highlighting the organized nature of the Mughal state under Akbar and reflecting the empire's diverse character.