The 'Ain-i-Akbari (Vol. 3)

The Ain-i-Akbari, or the “Constitution or Institutes of Akbar” was written by Akbar’s Vizier, Abul-Fazl Allami in the 16th century. It is a detailed document which describes the administration of Akbar’s empire. It is actually the third volume of Akbarnama, which records information regarding Akbar’s reign—to use modern terminology—in the form of administration reports, statistical compilations, or gazetteers.
Vol. 3 is comprised of Book Four and Book Five. Book Four contains segments about of the boundaries of Hindustan and descriptions of its natural beauty, seasons and crops. There are descriptions on diverse areas covering the geography of the earth, including the continents, and terrestrial distances; learning of the Hindus, including the nine schools and sixteen predicaments of the Hindus; the features of Jaina religion; the eighteen sciences, music, politics, administration of justice; the four periods of religious life, worship of deity, incarnations of deity, and rules of fasting; sacred places of pilgrimage, decorative art, festivals, well-known travellers to India, and saints of India. The sayings of His Majesty which comprise Book Five are also part of this volume.
The book makes a highly interesting reading and gives complete information about Akbar’s administration. It will be useful for historians as well as students, teachers, and researchers in Indian History.