UPSC Prelims 2006 Q76: Medieval History – Medieval Culture & Historiography
In Indian history, who was Abdul Hamid Lahori?
- (a) An important military commander during Akbar’s reign
- (b) An official historian of the reign of Shah Jahan
- (c) An important noble and confidant of Aurangzeb
- (d) A chronicler and poet during the reign of Muhammad Shah
Answer: (b) An official historian of the reign of Shah Jahan
Explanation
Abdul Hamid Lahori
| Option | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Military commander under Akbar | No |
| Official historian of the reign of Shah Jahan | Yes — author of the *Badshahnama* |
| Noble and confidant of Aurangzeb | No |
| Chronicler and poet under Muhammad Shah | No |
Abdul Hamid Lahori was the official court historian of Shah Jahan and wrote the Badshahnama, the chronicle of his reign.
Answer: (b) An official historian of the reign of Shah Jahan.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. He was a historian, not a military commander of Akbar.
- (b) CORRECT. Abdul Hamid Lahori was Shah Jahan's official chronicler and author of the Badshahnama.
- (c) Incorrect. He served Shah Jahan, not Aurangzeb as a noble confidant.
- (d) Incorrect. He was not a poet-chronicler of Muhammad Shah's reign.
Key point
Abdul Hamid Lahori was the official historian of Shah Jahan's reign and wrote the Badshahnama.
Remember
Abdul Hamid Lahori: Shah Jahan's historian, Badshahnama.
Common mistakes
- Mixing him with Abul Fazl, Akbar's chronicler.
- Confusing the Badshahnama with the Akbarnama.
- Placing him in Aurangzeb's court.
Exam tip
Abul Fazl = Akbarnama (Akbar); Abdul Hamid Lahori = Badshahnama (Shah Jahan).
Sources
- Abdul Hamid Lahori — Badshahnama (history of the reign of Shah Jahan)
- NCERT Class XII History — Themes in Indian History Part II — Kings and Chronicles: The Mughal Courts