The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c18.123

v4.c18.123

In literature the cultivation of the vernacular, with which Shāh Jahān was familiar, was notable. Persian naturally maintained the chief place and a court laureate named Abu-'l-Tālib, who came from Kāshān in Persia and took the pen-name Kalīm, versified the official chronicle in a simpler style than the ornate poetry of the Indian Muslims. Hājji Muhammad Jān also wrote a chronicle in poetry and a description of the gardens of Kashmīr and the buildings for which Shāh Jahān was responsible. A Brāhman of the Punjab named Chandra Bhān, who was employed by prince Dārā Shukoh, also wrote Persian poetry and prose. Among the writers in vernacular Sundar Dās, a Brāhman of Gwalior, was especially honoured, and received the title of Mahā Kavi Rāi or great poet leader. Writing in the Braj dialect of Hindī he produced a great work on composition, besides a philosophical treatise and translations from the Sanskrit. Chintāmani of Cawnpore district, who composed a version of the Rāmāyana and a treatise on prosody, was also patronised by the emperor. An even more distinguished writer in Hindu estimation was Deb Dat, also a Brāhman, from the present Mainpurī district, who produced many works of religious poetry besides a treatise on prosody and rhetoric and a play.