Description
If you’re serious about understanding Mughal India, this is the book that brings Aurangzeb’s era to life—from the horse’s mouth. Maasir-i-Alamgiri is a contemporary chronicle by Saqi Mustad Khan, a court official who witnessed the reign firsthand. Unlike modern retellings, this is a primary source: raw, detailed accounts of military campaigns, administrative decisions, and the complex politics of the Mughal empire during its most turbulent period (1658–1707). It’s invaluable for history students, researchers, and anyone fascinated by how empires function. This New Bharatiya edition (362 pages, hardcover) makes a significant historical text accessible at an affordable price. Perfect for university libraries, school history projects, and serious history buffs who want authentic period perspectives.
- Publisher : New Bharatiya Book Corporation; Second edition (1 January 2024); 9015408664
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 362 pages
- ISBN-10 : 8183155650
- ISBN-13 : 978-8183155656
- Reading age : 15 years and up
- Item Weight : 800 g
- Dimensions : 24 x 14 x 3 cm
- Country of Origin : India
- Packer : NBBC Publishers & Distributors
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Maasir-i-Alamgiri?
Maasir-i-Alamgiri is a 17th-century chronicle written by Saqi Mustad Khan, a contemporary of Emperor Aurangzeb. It provides a first-hand account of Aurangzeb’s 49-year reign (1658–1707), covering military campaigns, governance, and court life during the late Mughal period.
Is Maasir-i-Alamgiri a primary source?
Yes, it is a primary historical source written during Aurangzeb’s lifetime by a court official. This makes it an invaluable document for understanding the Mughal empire from an eyewitness perspective, though scholars recommend reading it alongside other contemporary accounts for balanced interpretation.
Who is Saqi Mustad Khan and why did he write this book?
Saqi Mustad Khan was a high-ranking Mughal court official and historian. He wrote Maasir-i-Alamgiri as an official chronicle to document the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb, providing detailed records of political, military, and administrative events of the period.
Is this book suitable for students and researchers?
Absolutely. This book is ideal for history honours students, researchers studying Mughal India, and anyone pursuing academic work on 17th-century South Asian history. It’s a standard reference text in university history programmes across India and internationally.
What are the key topics covered in Maasir-i-Alamgiri?
The book covers Aurangzeb’s military campaigns, administrative policies, court intrigue, succession issues, religious policies, interactions with regional kingdoms, and day-to-day governance of the Mughal empire during a transformative period of Indian history.
