In the Mirror of Persian Kings: The Origins of Perso-Islamic Courts and Empires in India

Perso-Islamic kingship was a dominant social and cultural paradigm in Indian political life for nearly eight hundred years, combining Persian values of justice, military heroics, and honor with pre-Islamic Persian past and forms of kingship. Blain Auer's book demonstrates how Persian kingship was a transcultural phenomenon, influencing the political history of Islamicate societies and India, particularly with the establishment of Delhi as a capital of Muslim rulers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 06 May 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

For nearly eight centuries, the Perso-Islamic kingship held sway over the dominant social and cultural frameworks that shaped Indian political life. In the medieval world of South Asia, Persian kingship emerged as a hybridized and adaptable political expression, blending elements of pre-Islamic Persian traditions with local customs and practices. The Persian king, revered for his values of justice, military heroism, and honor, held a prominent place in the hearts and minds of people across the region, transcending historical and cultural boundaries. However, the full impact of the pre-Islamic Persian past and Persian forms of kingship on the political history of Islamicate societies, including India, has yet to be fully acknowledged.

In his groundbreaking book, Blain Auer delves into the intricate tapestry of Persian kingship as a transcultural phenomenon. Through meticulous research and analysis, Auer uncovers the profound contributions made by kings, poets, historians, political and moral philosophers, and other influential figures who played a crucial role in shaping the image and legacy of the Persian king. By tracing the historical thread of this influence from the Samanid, Ghaznavid, and Ghurid empires, Auer demonstrates how the legacy of Persian kingship had a profound impact on the establishment of Delhi as the capital of Muslim rulers who claimed a rich symbolic and ideological inheritance from the legendary Persian kings of old.

The book explores the multifaceted ways in which Persian kingship influenced the political, social, and cultural landscape of Islamicate societies. It examines the role of kings as patrons of art, literature, and philosophy, fostering a vibrant intellectual and artistic culture that resonated throughout the region. The Persian kings were also known for their military prowess, conquering vast territories and establishing powerful empires that left a lasting imprint on the history of South Asia.

Furthermore, the book sheds light on the complex interplay between the Persian kings and the local ruling elites, as well as the broader Muslim community. It explores how the Persian kings sought to consolidate their power and influence, while also accommodating and incorporating local customs and traditions into their rule. This dynamic led to the development of a unique blend of Persian and local cultures, which continued to shape the region's identity and heritage for centuries to come.

In conclusion, Blain Auer's book is a seminal work that provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of Persian kingship as a transcultural phenomenon. Through his meticulous research and analysis, Auer sheds light on the profound impact of Persian kingship on the political history of Islamicate societies, including India. The book serves as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in understanding the complex and multifaceted relationship between the Persian Empire and South Asia.

Weight: 516g
Dimension: 159 x 235 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108832311