Written in the original Persian, this account of the reign of the Mughal emperor Aurangzib-Alamgir (reigned 1658-1707) is a standard resource for the this final great ruler of the empire. The chronicles of the emperors of this period in India are in general a blend of biography and history, but in the case of Aurangzib, the emperor is portrayed in terms of unstinting praise. Known for enlarging the Mughal Empire and enforcing Islamic law throughout his realm, Aurangzib was engaged in constant wars that left the country falling his reign susceptible to threats from both within and without. Comprising both official sources, such as court circulars and letters, and personal recollections, the work was initiated by Mirza Muhammad Kazim, put aside until after the Emperor’s death, and completed in 1710 by Saqi Must`ad Khan. A fascinating blend of history and tradition, as well as a linguistic exercise, this Persian edition will provide hours of reading for the historian of India as well as the Mughal Empire.

Saqi Must`ad Khan was a court-news writer of the emperor Aurangzib. He also served as the keeper of the emperor’s prayer carpet, the overseer of household servants, and eventually the secretary of finance after Aurangzib’s death.