Jawhar Aftabchi
Jawhar Aftabchi | |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Mughal Empire |
| Occupation(s) | Historian, Servant, Advisor |
| Years active | 16th century |
| Known for | Author of "Tazkirat-ul-Waqiat" |
| Notable work | Tazkirat-ul-Waqiat |
| Title | Mehtar (Honorary title) |
Jawhar Aftabchi (Persian: جوهر آفتابچی) was a aftabah-bearer and servant of the Mughal Emperor Humayun. He also held several official positions during Humayun's reign.[1] He is most well-known for his work Tazkirat-ul-Waqiat.[2]
Biography
[edit]Very little is known about the life of Jawhar, and his personal details are scant, mostly appearing in references within the Tazkirat-ul-Waqiat.[3][2] Apart from this, there are no significant accounts of his life. He was a loyal servant of Nasiruddin Muhammad Humayun and stayed with him during both the periods of his glory and decline. Johar was a trusted confidant and advisor to Humayun, with his counsel being highly valued. As a result, he was given the honorary title of "Mehtar" (chief). Jawhar's journey began as an employee in the royal stable, and he later served Humayun for an extended period in the role of Aftabah (ewer-bearer). In recognition of his service, he was appointed in 962 AH (1554 or 1555 CE) as the revenue officer of the Heibatpur pargana. Later, he was entrusted with the management of villages in the jagīr (land grant) of Tatar Khan Lodhi. During this time, he paid off all the debts borrowed from local Afghans by the government treasury, freeing Afghan women and children who had been pledged as hypothec. Humayun greatly appreciated this ethical and humanitarian action and promoted Jawhar, appointing him as the treasurer for the provinces of Punjab and Multan.[1]
There is no confirmed record of Jawhar Aftabchi's date of death, but it is known that he was alive during the reign of Emperor Akbar (Humayun's son). At Akbar's request, he compiled the Tazkirat-ul-Waqiat in 995 AH (1586 CE). After the death of Humayun, Johar faded into obscurity.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Aftabchi, Jawhar (2015). تذکرۃ الواقعات (in Urdu). writer: Mirza Hussain Beg Hamdani, compiler: Sajida Sherwani. Rampur: Rampur Raza Library. Retrieved 2024-12-18.
- ^ a b Muhammad Shafi, Moulvi (1971). Urdu Daira Maarif Islamiya. Vol. 7 (1st ed.). Lahore: University of the Punjab. p. 529.
- ^ Aftabchi, Jawhar (1955). تذکرۃُ الواقِعات (in Urdu). translator: Syed Moinul Haq (1st ed.). Karachi: Anjuman Press. Retrieved 2024-12-18.