Mughal India [Studies in Polity, Ideas, Society, and Culture]

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MUGHAL INDIA
STUDIES IN POLITY, IDEAS, SOCIETY, AND CULTURE

M. Athar Ali was one of the leading historians of medieval India and his writings have inspired and influenced much of the subsequent work on the Mughal Empire. Bringing together for the first time, his collection of essays, Mughal India is a tribute to Athar Ali's historical acumen and analytical depth. They reflect his rigorous rationality, critical faculties, and straightforwardness in taking positions

Organized thematically, this volume collects some of his best essays on a wide range of topics from the realm of ideas, religion, to polity, administration, society, and culture. Some are interpretative, others represent detailed research, while most reflect both these dimensions. It also includes a critique of 'revisionist' approaches in the study of the Mughal polity, and an important section on sources. What unites the essays is the author's clear thinking, lucid prose, and consistency of approach.

These essays were collected and arranged by Athar Ali himself. After his death, his friend and colleague, Irfan Habib provided some of the editing that still needed to be carried out. In his preface, Habib discusses Athar Ali's approach to history and the changing contours of his scholarship. He also gives an account of the personal and professional worlds of the distinguished historian. Lucidly written, this classic collection will be essential reading for students, scholars, and teachers of history, particularly medieval India.

About the Author:

M. Athar Ali was Professor, Aligarh Muslim University, as well as UGC National Professor; Visiting Professor at the Center for South Asian Studies, University of Virginia, Charlottesville; and at the Center d'etudes del'Inde et del' Asie du Sud, Paris. He was also chosen as National Fellow, Indian Council of Historical Research; Smutts Fellow at the School of Oriental and African Studies, London; and Wilson Fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, Washington DC. He was elected Secretary of the Indian History Congress (1977-80), and subsequently its General President (1989-90).

Irfan Habib worked as Professor of History, Aligarh Muslim University, and served as Chairman, Indian Council of Historical Research.