Mughal Empire's Secret News Network Revealed

Centuries before Europe developed newspapers, the Mughal Empire maintained an extensive news network. From the late 16th century, scribes and agents compiled 'akhbarat'—brief news reports detailing court intrigue, military actions, appointments, and daily gossip.

These Persian-language reports were vital for governing an empire that spanned much of the Indian subcontinent. Hundreds, possibly thousands, circulated daily between imperial and provincial courts, disseminating information and connecting disparate regions.

Historian Munis D Faruqui dedicated nearly two decades to studying the 'Akhbarat-i Darbar-i Mualla' collection. His research offers a new perspective on Emperor Aurangzeb and the late 17th-century Mughal Empire.

The surviving 'akhbarat' provide a rare glimpse into the empire's administrative and political machinery. They reveal details about court life, political influence within the imperial harem, and less emphasis on religious conversions than previously assumed.

Faruqui's work highlights the sophisticated information ecosystem of the Mughal state, challenging previous assumptions and uncovering overlooked figures like Aurangzeb's influential daughter, Zinat-un-Nisa.

The vastness and complexity of these archives explain why they have been underutilized. However, Faruqui's research demonstrates their immense value for understanding early-modern empires and their governance.