Who is the author of Tarikh-i-Alai ?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 2:

The author of the historical work *Tarikh-i-Alai* is the celebrated Indo-Persian poet and scholar, Amir Khusrau (1253–1325 CE). This text, also known as *Khazain-ul-Futuh* (Treasures of Victories), is a significant historical source covering the reign and military campaigns of the Delhi Sultanate ruler Alauddin Khilji (1296–1316 CE). Khusrau was a court poet under several sultans, including Alauddin Khilji, and his work provides a first-hand, though often highly flattering, account of the sultan's conquests, administrative policies, and life. Khusrau's literary legacy is immense; he is often regarded as the "Father of Qawwali" and credited with inventing the sitar. His historical writings like *Tarikh-i-Alai* are invaluable for understanding the cultural and political life of the Khilji dynasty.

The incorrect option is 1 (Fazal Mohammed): Fazal Mohammed is not recognized as a major historical chronicler of the Delhi Sultanate period, and there is no record of him authoring *Tarikh-i-Alai*.

The incorrect option is 3 (Badayuni): Abdul Qadir Badayuni (16th century) was a prominent historian during the Mughal period, notably in Akbar's court, and wrote the *Muntakhab-ut-Tawarikh*. He lived centuries after the Delhi Sultanate period covered by *Tarikh-i-Alai*.

The incorrect option is 4 (Nizamuddin Ahmed): Nizamuddin Ahmed (16th century) was another Mughal-era historian who served under Akbar and authored the *Tabaqat-i-Akbari*. Like Badayuni, he belonged to a much later period of Indian history than the author of *Tarikh-i-Alai*.