Analyze the importance and limitations of Ain-i-Akbari as a source of Akbar’s reign.

Question 11:Analyze the importance and limitations of Ain-i-Akbari as a source of Akbar’s reign.

The correct answer is -IMPORTANCE i. The Ain gives detailed accounts of the organization of the Mughals ii. It included court, administration and army, the sources of revenue and the physical layout of the provinces of Akbar’s empire iii. It included the literary, cultural and religious traditions of the people iv. It mentioned descriptions of provinces (subas) of the empire v. Ain gives us intricate quantitative information of Mughal provinces. vi. Description of diverse customs and practices prevailing across extensive territories. vii. The Ain is therefore a mine of information about Akbar’s reign. vii.Any other relevant point

LIMITATIONS i. Numerous errors in totaling have been detected ii. Ain is the somewhat skewed nature of the quantitative data iii. While the fiscal data from the subas is remarkable for its richness, some equally vital parameters such as prices and wages from these same areas are not as well documented. iv. The detailed list of prices and wages is mainly derived from data pertaining to areas in or around the imperial capital of Agra v. Ain is therefore of limited relevance vi. Any other relevant point Any four points from each section.