Indian scholars
Many writers produced great works of literature during the medieval period. They depict the life and conditions of the people of the body. They constitute the most important source material for study of the period of Delhi Sultans the Mughal emperors. About a few of such scholars is mentioned below:-
1) Amir Khusrau: Amir Khusrau was a poet in the courts of many Delhi Sultans. He wrote many books of which the Tarikh-I Ali was the most important. It deals with the events of the region of Alauddin Khilji for the first sixteen years and the conquest of south India by his general Malik Kaffur.
2) Minhaz – Uj- Sarji: Minhaz –Uj- Siraj lived in India in the 13th century. He wrote a book called Tabaqat-I Nasiri. It depicts the festivals, fairs and administrative methods of the 13 century sultanate.
3) Ziauddin Barani: Ziauddin Barani lived during the time of the sultanate. He wrote a book entitled Tarikh –I Firuz Shahi. It deals with the events from the reign of Balban to the reign of Muhammad bin Tughluq and the first six years of sultan Firuz Shah Tughluq.
4) Shams –I Siraj –Afif: Shams –I Siraj- Afif lived during the reign of Firuz Shah Tughluq. He wrote a book called Tarikh –I Firuz Shahi. It contains information about the administrative policies of Firuz Shah Tughluq, the rise of Ulemas and Amirs, military weakness, lull in administration and matters relating to slaves and bureaucrats.
5) Chand Bardai: Chand Bardi lived in the 12 century A.D. he wrote the book Prithviraj Raso. In this book he paid rich tributes to the military exploits of Prithviraj Chauhan of Delhi and the love between Prithviraj and Samyukta.
6) Abul Fazl: Abul Fazl lived in the court of Akbar. He was a Persian scholar and author of Ain- I Akbar and Akbarnama. These books throw a light on the life and administration of Akbar.
7) Badauni: Badauni was a scholar who lived during the reign of Akbar. His work was Muntakkab –ut Tawarikh. In this book Badauni criticize the religious policy of Akbar.
8) Babur: Babur, who founded the Mughal Empire, was a great scholar. He wrote his autobiography entitled Tuzuk –i – Babari or Babarnama in Turkish language. In this book Babur dealt with the conditions of Hindustan on the eve of this conquest and the customs and tradition of the people.
9) Gulabadan Begum: Gulabadan Begum was the daughter of Humayun. She wrote a book ``Humayun Nana’’ dealing with the life of her father Humayun.