Akbar, written by veteran journalist Shazi Zaman, is a result of two decades of research on the life of the emperor. The writer was in conversation with historian Mukul Kesavan at the launch of the book recently. Team Viva reports
Akbar, the historical novel written by veteran journalist Shazi Zaman, has interesting little known details about the ruler; he had dyslexia and used to recite poetry in Braj Bhasha. Based on the life and times of the Mughal Dynasty’s iconic ruler, it’s the result of two decades of unparalleled research. The book, published by Rajkamal Prakashan in Hindi, also draws from some of the exemplary works on Akbar such as Akbarnama Muntakhab-ut-Tawarikh, Baburnama, Humanyunnama and Tazkirat-ul-waqiat.
When asked why he termed the book a work of fiction or what if somebody says that it dramatises historyIJ, the author said: “After reading history I feel that it records the events and the facts. But there is a certain place which is empty. Historians, sometimes, do not focus. I believe that if you are writing historical prose with authenticity, it can’t be tampered, without facts or events.”
He added: “The novel begins on May 3, 1578 in the moonlight in Jhelum. Akbar was a ruler who can not be considered abusive and objectionable. But he felt the weight of many issues. He was someone who wondered why there was rift between Hindus and Muslims. It was very important for him that the two major religions, Hinduism and Islam and other religions like Jainism and Christianity exist harmoniously.”
“Akbar was also aware that it won’t be easy to develop harmony among all religions and to bring together all the streams. like this there are many such things about his life about which he was really concerned.”
The author kept himself away from films, television serials and even some books on Akbar so that his research is not affected by the materials provided by them. His idea was to reach primary sources of information. He read a lot including the literature which was written by authors who were considered close to Akbar. He resorted to regional sources including letters written by Christian priests.
Shazi was asked what if someone would try to analyse the ruler today, now that they know he had dyslexia. He said he was not sure that any doctor today would reveal it. He added : “In Akbar’s case I would say that he had a different kind of thinking. There is also a belief that Akbar was illiterate, but this is wrong. His writings available in the Khuda Baksh library in Patna reveal his noteworthy knowledge. Remember, this happened at the age in which Khushti, calligraphy, was given much importance. The art to write beautifully was taught to every Mughal prince and every child born in the empire. Akbar also made sure that every child got to learn this.” The author said that it were a research of two decades that finally made the book happen. He researched material on the ruler from Kolkata’s Indian Museum. He also studied Akbar’s drawings or those made by artists at the beckoning of the emperor. The monuments and buildings on the period was also a subject of research for the author.
What inspired him to write the book, what was on his mind when he started writingIJ “This book is dedicated to Mr Amin, who was my teacher. He explained things to me. I can’t claim that I am a historian, but a journalist. But from time to time I got valuable information from Mr. Amin. Hence I was filled with a passion to watch the Mughal miniatures again and again. Then I began to travel to collect materials,” he concluded.