History of the Khaljis, A.D. 1290–1320 c26.s1.1

c26.s1.1

*Ziyāuddīn Baranī*:—Of the contemporary historical works of our period the greatest value is attached to Maulānā Ziyāuddīn Baranī's *Tarīkh-i-Fīroz Shāhī*. It was completed in 1359, about forty years after the death of Mubārak Khaljī. Born in 1285 Baranī was about five years when Jalāluddīn ascended the throne and thirty-five when Mubārak Khaljī died. Thus he was an eye witness to the events of the reigns of all the Khaljī sultans, especially of 'Alāuddīn and Mubārak in whose time he had quite passed the age of adolescence. Baranī received his education at Delhi where great scholars and teachers flocked from all parts of Asia, and his *Tarīkh* bears the imprint of his great scholarship. In a lengthy introduction to his book Ziyāuddīn dilates upon the uses of history, its method of writing, its place in man's education. He considers the study of history in no way less important than the study of *Hadīs*, Fiqah and hagiological literature.¹ Like Bacon he thought history made men wise and they learnt from the experience of the past. A historian, says he, should be truthful, honest and fearless. If for one reason or another he was unable to write the facts openly, he should try to convey his ideas through implications and suggestions.² On more than one occasion he asserts that whatever he wrote was all true,³ but that is exaggerated self-estimation. Ziyāuddin died at a ripe age after experiencing both the "bitter and sweet" of life. Born and brought up in rich surroundings and patronized by sultan Muhammad bin Tughluq, Barani's last days were miserable; he died poverty-stricken and destitute.