ABUL FAZL

ABUL FAZL (1551-1602), principal secretary-cum-minister to Akbar, the Mughal emperor. He was an accomplished man of learning and was the author of two celebrated works, A`ini Akbari and Akbar-nama, the former being a description of Akbar`s administrative system and the latter a chronicle of the events of his reign. Like his father, Shaikh Mubarak, and brother, Faizi, Abul Fazl had Sufi leanings, and all three of them were a major influence in moulding the religious policy of the emperor. Born at Akbarabad on 14 January 1551, Abul Fazl took up service at the royal court in 1574, and through his uncommon wisdom and learning soon rose to become Akbar`s most trusted adviser.

He accompanied the emperor on his visit to Goindval on 24 November 1598 to see Guru Arjan. The meeting is recorded in Abul Fazl`s Akbarnama. Abul Fazl was assassinated by Bir Singh Bundela on 12 August 1602 at the behest of Prince Salim, later Emperor Jahangir, who harboured a dislike for him for being his father`s favourite.

References :

1. Smith, Vincent A., The Oxford History of India. Oxford, 1958
2. Mujeeb, M., The Indian Muslims. London, 1967
3. Gian Singh, Giani, Twarikh Guru Khalsa. Patiala, 1970