The Institutes of Akbar 2.7.5

2.7.5

It is almost useless to add to this encomium bestowed on Abul Fazl’s style. ’Abdullah, king of Bukhárá, said that he was more afraid of Abul Fazl’s pen than of Akbar’s arrow. Everywhere in India he is known as ‘the great Munshí.’ His letters are studied in all Madrasahs, and though a beginner may find them difficult and perplexing, they are perfect models. But a great familiarity, not only with the Persian language, but also with Abul Fazl’s style, is required to make the reading of any of his works a pleasure. His composition stands unique, and though everywhere studied, he cannot be, and has not been, imitated. The writers after him write in the style of the Padishahnamah, the ’Alamara-i Sikandari, or in the still more turgid manner of the ’Alamgirnamah, the Ruq’at Bedil, and other standard works on Insha. A praiseworthy feature of Abul Fazl’s works lies in the purity of their contents. Those who are acquainted with Eastern literature will know what this means. I have come across no passage where woman is lightly spoken of, or where immorality is passed over with indifference. Of his love of truth and the nobility of his sentiments I have spoken in the Preface.