Who among the following Sultans of Kashmir commissioned Mullah Ahmad to translate the Mahabharata into Persian ?
Sultan Zainul Abidin
Sultan of Kashmir Who Commissioned Mahabharata Translation
The question asks about the Sultan of Kashmir who commissioned the translation of the epic Mahabharata into the Persian language. This act of commissioning translations of important texts was a significant cultural and intellectual activity during the rule of certain Kashmir Sultans.
Identifying the Patron Sultan
Historical records indicate that the translation of the Mahabharata into Persian was a notable project undertaken during the reign of Sultan Zainul Abidin of Kashmir. He was known for his broadmindedness, tolerance, and significant patronage of arts, literature, and scholarship. He encouraged the translation of various works from languages like Sanskrit, Arabic, and Kashmiri into Persian and vice-versa.
Mullah Ahmad was the scholar specifically commissioned by Sultan Zainul Abidin for this important task of translating the Mahabharata into Persian.
Sultan Zainul Abidin's Reign and Cultural Contributions
Sultan Zainul Abidin, who ruled Kashmir in the 15th century, is often referred to as the 'Akbar of Kashmir' due to his progressive policies, religious tolerance, and encouragement of various crafts and learning. His reign saw a flourishing of intellectual activities, including:
- Patronage of scholars from different religious and cultural backgrounds.
- Commissioning translations of significant religious and literary texts.
- Revival of traditional crafts and introduction of new ones.
- Establishment of schools and libraries.
The translation of the Mahabharata into Persian under his direction is a prime example of his commitment to making knowledge accessible and fostering cultural exchange.
Analysis of Options
Let's briefly look at the options provided:
- Sultan Qutbuddin: Ruled before Zainul Abidin. While important, he is not primarily associated with this specific translation project.
- Sultan Sikandar: Known as 'Butshikan' (iconoclast), his reign was marked by less tolerance compared to Zainul Abidin. Cultural patronage was different during his time.
- Sultan Zainul Abidin: As discussed, he is well-documented as the ruler who commissioned the translation of the Mahabharata into Persian by Mullah Ahmad.
- Sultan Shihabuddin: Ruled before Sikandar and Zainul Abidin. Not credited with this specific translation project.
Based on historical accounts, Sultan Zainul Abidin is the correct answer.
| Sultan | Commissioned Work (Example) | Translator (for Mahabharata) |
|---|---|---|
| Sultan Zainul Abidin | Translation of Mahabharata into Persian | Mullah Ahmad |
Revision Table: Kashmir Sultans and Patronage
| Sultan | Period | Key Aspect (Relevant to question context) |
|---|---|---|
| Sultan Shihabuddin | Mid-14th Century | Military campaigns |
| Sultan Qutbuddin | Late 14th Century | Early Shah Mir dynasty rule |
| Sultan Sikandar | Late 14th - Early 15th Century | Known for religious intolerance |
| Sultan Zainul Abidin | 15th Century | Patron of arts, literature, tolerance; Commissioned translations |
Additional Information: Cultural Translations in Kashmir
The practice of translating texts between different languages flourished in Kashmir under rulers like Sultan Zainul Abidin. This facilitated the exchange of ideas and knowledge between various cultural and religious groups living in the region. Apart from the Mahabharata, other works were also translated, contributing to the rich intellectual environment of the time. This era highlights the potential for cultural synthesis when rulers support diverse scholarly activities.
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