The literature of the Delhi Sultanate emerged with the rise of Persian-speaking rulers in India. Persian became the official language of the Sultanate, leading to the creation of literary works in this language. Initially, these works focused on themes familiar to Persian culture. However, as more Indians learned Persian, the literature began to reflect Indian themes and experiences.
Amir Khusrau
Amir Khusrau, a prominent figure of the era, is celebrated as a pioneer in Persian literature concerning Indian events. His writings drew inspiration from the socio-political landscape around him. Khusrau’s works were widely appreciated, and he became a court poet, blending Persian and Indian cultural elements. His poetry and prose are crucial for understanding the period’s literary evolution.
Development of Urdu Literature
Urdu, a language that emerged from the interactions during the Muslim invasions of the 11th century, began to flourish in the 14th century. The language reflects a unique blend of Sanskrit-derived Prakrit and Arabo-Persian vocabulary. This amalgamation was a result of the cultural influences of Turkic and Afghan rulers, who patronised the arts and literature, encouraging the growth of Urdu literature.
The Role of Sanskrit
Sanskrit remained during the Delhi Sultanate, despite the rising prominence of Persian. It continued to be the language of choice for many established poets. A centre for Sanskrit learning at Mithila played a vital role in preserving classical literature. However, the language faced challenges in maintaining its status as patrons shifted towards Persian.
Flourishing Regional Languages
Alongside Persian and Sanskrit, regional languages began to thrive. Many people did not understand Sanskrit or Persian, leading to the growth of literature in local dialects. This period saw a rich diversity of literary expressions across different regions, reflecting the socio-cultural dynamics of the time.
Influence of Central Asian Traditions
The Delhi Sultanate marked the beginning of the Medieval Age in India, characterised by changes in administration, society, and culture. The Turkish Sultans adopted Persian as the official language, which became central to learning and communication. This led to the emergence of Delhi as a hub for Persian literature and scholarship, attracting poets and scholars from Central Asia.
Emergence of Emigrant Scholars
The establishment of the Sultanate attracted many scholars from Central Asia. These emigrant intellectuals contributed to Persian literature in India. Notably, Sadid Ud Din Muhammad Awfi, an influential scholar, produced works that enriched the cultural landscape of the Sultanate.
Awfi’s Contributions
Awfi’s notable works include “Lubab-ul-Albab,” an anthology of Persian poets, and “Jawami-ul-Hikayat,” which discusses Islamic history and culture. His writings provided a valuable historical perspective on the early Delhi Sultanate and its socio-political environment. Awfi’s literary style combined eloquence with rich content, making his works important references.
Persian Translations of Arabic Classics
The 13th century saw a surge in the translation of Arabic classics into Persian. This was crucial for the development of Persian as a language of science and philosophy in India. Scholars like Ali bin Hamid bin Abu Bakr Kufi translated works, such as “Chachnama,” which documented the Arab conquest of Sind. These translations helped disseminate knowledge and encourageed a reading culture in Persian.
Historical Dimensions of Persian Literature
The translations from Arabic to Persian during the Sultanate were not merely linguistic exercises. They played a vital role in shaping the intellectual landscape of the period. The works produced reflected the socio-political realities of the time and contributed to the understanding of Indo-Muslim culture.
13th Century Persian Diwans
The Persian poets of the 13th century, including Jamal-ud-din Hansawi and Siraj Khurasani, were instrumental in enriching Persian literature. Their diwans, though few have survived, provide vital information about the cultural and social dynamics of the era. These poets enjoyed patronage from rulers and nobles, which allowed them to flourish creatively.
Amir Khusrau’s Impact on Literature
Amir Khusrau’s literary genius transcended traditional boundaries. He is known for his contributions to both Persian and Hindavi poetry. His works reflect the cultural synthesis of the time, celebrating the unity of diverse traditions. Khusrau’s poetry often contained elements of mysticism and social commentary, making him a representative of Indo-Muslim culture.
Khusrau’s Contributions to Music
In addition to poetry, Khusrau played a very important role in the development of Indian music. He is credited with creating new raagas and incorporating local musical traditions into his compositions. His contributions helped bridge the gap between Persian and Indian musical forms, enriching the cultural tapestry of the region.
Khusrau’s Linguistic Innovations
Khusrau’s mastery of language allowed him to experiment with various dialects. He is often regarded as the architect of Khari Boli, a precursor to modern Hindi. His poetry, written in a mixed language, aimed to unite Hindus and Muslims through a common linguistic medium.
Political Thought in the Delhi Sultanate
The political landscape of the Delhi Sultanate was influenced by scholars like Ziauddin Barani. His works, such as “Fatwa-i-Jahandari,” provided guidance on governance and the implementation of Islamic principles. Barani’s writings emphasised the importance of a ruler’s character and the need for a just administration.
Isami’s Narrative of Delhi’s History
Isami’s “Futuh-us Salatin” offers a historical account of the Muslim rulers from Mahmud of Ghazna to the Bahmani Sultanate. His narrative, while based on popular legends, provides valuable vital information about the socio-economic conditions of the time. Isami’s account complements Barani’s historical analysis, adding depth to our understanding of the period.
