Understanding the Author of Tughluqnama

The question asks about the author of the historical work known as Tughluqnama. Identifying the correct author requires knowledge of medieval Indian history and literature, specifically the works produced during the Delhi Sultanate period.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at the scholars and historians mentioned in the options:

• Amir Khusrau: A renowned poet, scholar, and musician who served several sultans of the Delhi Sultanate, including those from the Khilji and Tughluq dynasties. He is known for his vast literary output in Persian and Hindavi.
• Amir Hasan Dehlwi: A prominent Indo-Persian poet and contemporary of Amir Khusrau. He is known for his ghazals and prose work 'Fawa'id al-Fu'ad', which records the conversations of Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya.
• Al Beruni: A polymath from the Khwarazmian Empire, known for his work on India, 'Kitab-ul-Hind'. He visited India with Mahmud of Ghazni.
• Minhaj-us-Siraj: A 13th-century Persian historian who wrote the 'Tabaqat-i Nasiri', a general history of the Islamic world, including the early Delhi Sultanate.

Identifying the Author of Tughluqnama

The Tughluqnama is a historical masnavi (a long narrative poem) that recounts the events leading to the rise of Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq to the throne of the Delhi Sultanate. This work specifically details the defeat of Khusrau Khan and the subsequent enthronement of Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq.

Historical sources consistently attribute the Tughluqnama to Amir Khusrau. He was a court poet during the reign of Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq and composed this work to celebrate the Sultan's victory and accession.

Comparing Authors and Works

To further clarify, let's look at some key works by these authors:

Based on this comparison, Amir Khusrau is the author credited with writing the Tughluqnama.

Conclusion

The Tughluqnama is a significant historical poem from the Delhi Sultanate period. Its authorship is widely attributed to the famous poet and historian, Amir Khusrau. His detailed account provides valuable insights into the political events of the time.

Therefore, the author of Tughluqnama is Amir Khusrau.

Revision Table: Delhi Sultanate Historians & Authors

Additional Information: Amir Khusrau's Significance

Amir Khusrau (1253–1325 AD) was a multifaceted personality often called the "Parrot of India" (Tuti-e-Hind). His contributions span literature, music, and history.

• He was a spiritual disciple of Nizamuddin Auliya.
• He is credited with composing numerous ghazals, masnavis, qasidas, and rubais.
• His historical works like Tughluqnama, Qiran us Sa'dain, and Nuh Sipihr provide contemporary accounts of the reigns of various sultans.
• He played a significant role in the development of Indo-Persian literature and the early forms of Hindustani music.
• His language incorporated words from local dialects, contributing to the development of Hindavi (early Hindi/Urdu).