4.8.1. Moistening the rose garden of fortune

In this extract Abu’l Fazl gives a vivid account of how and from whom he collected his information:

... to Abu’l Fazl, son of Mubarak … this sublime mandate was given.

“Write with the pen of sincerity the account of the glorious events and of our dominion-conquering victories … Assuredly, I spent much labour and research in collecting the records and narratives of His Majesty’s actions and I was a long time interrogating the servants of the State and the old members of the illustrious family. I examined both prudent, truth-speaking old men and active-minded, right-actioned young ones and reduced their statements to writing.

Abu’l Fazl, tasked by Emperor Akbar, undertook extensive research to compile a history. He approached various individuals, including experienced and wise older members of society as well as energetic young people, to gather diverse perspectives. His method involved asking questions and recording their responses meticulously, highlighting the thoroughness of his investigation.

Think about how researchers conduct interviews for documentaries. They speak with different people, asking open-ended questions to capture a comprehensive view of events. Just like a filmmaker gathers stories from various perspectives, Abu’l Fazl sought the views of a wide range of people to create an accurate historical account.

The Royal commands were issued to the provinces, that those who from old service remembered, with certainty or with adminicle of doubt, the events of the past, should copy out the notes and memoranda and transit them to the court.

This part discusses how Abu’l Fazl was instructed to collect records from various provinces. These records, as collected by long-serving officials, formed the basis of an accurate historical narrative. By requesting detailed notes from people with firsthand knowledge, Abu’l Fazl ensured that the historical account was not just based on hearsay but on documented memories.

Imagine a family reunion where older relatives share stories from the past. If a family member takes notes during these discussions, later compiling them into a family history book, it mirrors the process Abu’l Fazl followed—gathering firsthand accounts to create a reliable account of history.

Being relieved by this royal order – the interpreter of the Divine ordinance – from the secret anxiety of my heart, I proceeded to reduce into writing the rough draughts (drafts) which were void of the grace of arrangement and style.

Once instructed by the royal mandate, Abu’l Fazl began drafting the sections of the document. He acknowledges that his first drafts lacked refinement and style, indicating that he prioritized getting the information down before focusing on how it would be presented later. This shows the importance of accumulating information before polishing it.

Consider a student writing an essay. The first draft is often a rough version where ideas are poured onto the page without concern for grammar or style. It's only after the first draft that the writer revises for clarity and presentation, much like Abu’l Fazl planned to refine his work after laying the foundation.

I obtained the chronicle of events beginning at the Nineteenth Year of the Divine Era, when the Record Office was established by the enlightened intellect of His Majesty, and from its rich pages, I gathered the accounts of many events.

Abu’l Fazl refers to utilizing the records from the official Record Office initiated during Akbar's reign. This indicates he had access to a wealth of previously documented information that helped him piece together a comprehensive history. It emphasizes the systematic archival effort by the state to preserve its history for future reference.

Think of a historian researching a particular period using a library's archives. By accessing old newspapers, letters, and government documents, they can construct an accurate narrative of past events, similar to how Abu’l Fazl accessed the Record Office to gather data.

Great pains too, were taken to procure the originals or copies of most of the orders which had been issued to the provinces from the Accession up to the present-day … I also took much trouble to incorporate many of the reports which ministers and high officials had submitted, about the affairs of the empire and the events of foreign countries.

Abu’l Fazl worked diligently to ensure the authenticity of his sources by obtaining original documents and copies of official orders. Incorporating reports from ministers substantiates his work with varying viewpoints, enhancing reliability and factual accuracy, crucial in historical writing.

In investigative journalism, reporters ensure their stories are credible by verifying facts through multiple sources and documents. Similarly, Abu’l Fazl’s commitment to integrating diverse reports echoes the integrity needed in journalism to maintain trustworthiness.

By these means, I constructed a reservoir for irrigating and moistening the rose garden of fortune (the Akbar Nama).

In this metaphor, Abu’l Fazl compares his collected knowledge to a reservoir that nourishes the 'rose garden of fortune.' Here, the rose garden symbolizes the flourishing empire under Akbar, suggesting that knowledge and understanding of past events are essential for the growth and success of the empire.

Think of a community garden that thrives because of consistent care and resources. Just as the garden flourishes with water and nutrients, the empire thrived by being well-informed and educated about its history and governance through documentation and study.

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