Who among the following was the author of Humayun Nama?
Gulbadan Begum
Discovering the Author of Humayun Nama
The question asks about the author of the historical work known as 'Humayun Nama'. This is a significant historical text from the Mughal period, providing valuable insights into the reigns of the first two Mughal emperors, Babur and Humayun.
Who Wrote Humayun Nama?
'Humayun Nama' is a famous historical chronicle written during the reign of Emperor Akbar, Humayun's son. The author was commissioned or requested by Akbar to write down her memories of the period, particularly concerning Emperor Humayun.
Let's examine the options provided:
- Roshanara Begum: Roshanara Begum was a daughter of Emperor Shah Jahan, much later than the period covered by 'Humayun Nama'. Therefore, she could not have been its author.
- Ruquaiya Sultan Begum: Ruquaiya Sultan Begum was the chief consort of Emperor Akbar. While a significant figure, she is not credited as the author of 'Humayun Nama'.
- Gulbadan Begum: Gulbadan Begum was a daughter of Emperor Babur and half-sister of Emperor Humayun. She lived through the reigns of Babur, Humayun, and into the early part of Akbar's reign. Akbar requested her to write down her recollections, which became the 'Humayun Nama'. This work is unique as it is one of the few historical chronicles of the Mughal period written by a royal woman, offering a different perspective than official court histories.
- Gauhara Begum: Gauhara Begum was another daughter of Emperor Babur, and Humayun's full sister. While also part of the royal family, the authorship of 'Humayun Nama' is attributed to Gulbadan Begum, not Gauhara Begum.
Based on historical records, the author of 'Humayun Nama' is Gulbadan Begum.
Significance of Humayun Nama
Gulbadan Begum's 'Humayun Nama' is particularly valuable because it offers a personal account of court life, family relations, and events from a woman's perspective within the royal household. It supplements the more formal, politically focused histories written by male courtiers, providing details about the harem, family dynamics, and day-to-day life that are often omitted in other chronicles.
Therefore, the correct answer is Gulbadan Begum.
| Historical Figure | Relation to Humayun | Authorship of Humayun Nama |
|---|---|---|
| Roshanara Begum | Related to Shah Jahan (later generation) | No |
| Ruquaiya Sultan Begum | Akbar's wife (Humayun's daughter-in-law) | No |
| Gulbadan Begum | Humayun's half-sister | Yes |
| Gauhara Begum | Humayun's sister | No |
Revision Table: Mughal Historical Texts
| Work Title | Author | Key Subject(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Baburnama (Tuzuk-i-Baburi) | Babur | Autobiography of Babur, life, conquests, observations |
| Humayun Nama | Gulbadan Begum | Life of Babur and Humayun, court life, family accounts |
| Akbarnama | Abu'l-Fazl ibn Mubarak | Official history of Akbar's reign |
| Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri | Jahangir (with others) | Autobiography of Jahangir, events of his reign |
| Padshahnama | Abdul Hamid Lahori, etc. | History of Shah Jahan's reign |
Additional Information on Gulbadan Begum and Humayun Nama
Gulbadan Begum (c. 1523 – 1603) was born in Kabul. She was the daughter of Emperor Babur by his wife Dildar Begum. She traveled extensively with the royal family, including during Humayun's exile. Her 'Humayun Nama' was written in Persian. While the original manuscript is not fully complete, the surviving text is invaluable for understanding the early Mughal period from a unique viewpoint within the imperial harem. It is particularly noted for its portrayal of family relationships and personal events, often contrasting with the more formal accounts focused on political and military affairs.
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