Learning and entry into court
Born in Agra in 1551, Abu’l-Fazl was the son of the scholar Mubarak and brother of the poet Faizi. His autobiographical account recalls paternal instruction, doubts about conventional learning and an inclination towards withdrawal. Attacks on his family’s religious positions also shaped his attitude to learned authority.
He first appeared before Akbar in 1574 and subsequently entered court service. Literary skill, argumentative training and imperial confidence made him a secretary and close adviser. He participated in the political world his histories describe.
History and the language of empire
Commissioned around 1590 to write the Akbarnama, he drew on imperial records, memoirs, regional traditions and oral testimony. Its narrative history is complemented by the Ain-i Akbari, which organizes information about the household, offices, army, revenue, regions and intellectual traditions.
Documentation served a political purpose. Drawing on Iranian kingship and Sufi ideas, he portrayed Akbar as an exemplary ruler capable of holding diverse communities together. Eaton emphasizes both his research methods and his construction of imperial legitimacy.
Discussion, Deccan service and death
He took part in court religious discussions and supervised Persian translations from other traditions. His arguments sought shared divine truth across creeds while supporting the emperor’s ability to decide between competing religious interpretations, provoking opposition among some scholars and nobles.
Sent to the Deccan in 1599 for military and political affairs, he was later recalled. Prince Salim considered him an obstacle and arranged his assassination in 1602. His career joined scholarship and government within the conflicts of imperial succession.