Vada in Theory and Practice: Studies in Debates, Dialogues and Discussions in Indian Intellectual Discourses c5.s14.3

c5.s14.3

There are a few texts in other languages on the theory of *vāda*. Zalāluddin Dāvānī (CE 1426–1502) wrote a text on the theory of debate entitled *Akhlaque Nāsirī*. It is basically a didactic work, but also incorporates general instruction on how to behave during a debate. *Dabistān-e-* *mazahib*,⁷¹ a Persian text by unknown author, presents debates and dialogues between various faiths. It was written in seventeenth century under the patronage of Akbar. It begins with an account of Zoroastrianism and describes various faiths like *Sarvadarśanasaṁgraha*. It has 12 *tālīms* on various faiths including those of Parsis, Christians, Hindus, Muslims and Sufis. It also describes living practices and discussion in the court of Akbar.⁷²