Question:medium

Which of the following is not true about the Ain-i Akbari?

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The name of the text itself, \textit{Ain-i Akbari} (The Institutes of Akbar), directly links it to Emperor Akbar. Any association of its creation or completion with a later Mughal emperor like Shah Jahan should be immediately recognized as an anachronism.
Updated On: Feb 16, 2026
  • It was completed in 1598.
  • This is a view of the regions from the centre.
  • It provides quantitative information of various provinces.
  • Undertaken at the order of Emperor Akbar and completed at the time of Shah Jahan.
Show Solution

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Identify the Task: The objective is to pinpoint the inaccurate statement concerning the *Ain-i Akbari*, a significant administrative and gazetteer compilation from the Mughal Empire. Step 2: Analyze Each Statement:
Statement 1: The *Ain-i Akbari*, the third part of Abul Fazl's *Akbarnama*, was finished in Akbar's 42nd regnal year, which equates to 1598. This statement is accurate.
Statement 2: The *Ain-i Akbari* was an imperial initiative, ordered by Akbar to document his empire comprehensively. Consequently, it presents an imperial, or central, viewpoint of the provinces. This statement is accurate.
Statement 3: A defining characteristic of the *Ain-i Akbari* is its extensive quantitative and statistical information. The section dedicated to the twelve provinces (*subas*) includes data on revenue, administrative divisions, local customs, and other details. This statement is accurate.
Statement 4: While the project was indeed initiated by Emperor Akbar and penned by his court historian, Abul Fazl, its completion occurred during Akbar's reign (1598). Shah Jahan's rule followed much later (1628-1658). Therefore, the assertion that it was completed during Shah Jahan's reign is factually incorrect. This statement is inaccurate.
Step 3: Conclusion: The erroneous statement asserts that the *Ain-i Akbari* was completed during the reign of Shah Jahan.
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