The correct option is 1 only
Explanation
Abdul Qadir Badauni was a significant historian and scholar during the Mughal period, specifically in the court of Emperor Akbar. He is best known for his work Muntakhab-ut-Tawarikh, which offers a critical and orthodox Sunni perspective on Akbar’s reign, contrasting sharply with the eulogistic accounts of Abul Fazl.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: Badauni was a scholar and a noble in Akbar's court. He was appointed as the Imam for Wednesday prayers and was deeply involved in the literary and translation activities commissioned by the Emperor.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: While Akbar commissioned the translation of various religious texts, Badauni is specifically noted for being assigned the translation of Hindu epics, including the Ramayana and the Mahabharata (known as Razmnama in Persian), into Persian. He performed these tasks reluctantly due to his orthodox beliefs. The translation of the Bible is not the primary assignment attributed to him; it was generally associated with Jesuit missionaries and other scholars under Abul Fazl's supervision.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: Badauni was an orthodox Sunni Muslim who strongly disapproved of Akbar’s religious liberalism and the concept of Din-i-Ilahi (Tauhid-i-Ilahi). He was a rival of Abul Fazl and criticized him and the Emperor in his secret history, Muntakhab-ut-Tawarikh. He did not share Abul Fazl's liberal views; rather, he viewed them as detrimental to Islam.
Key Takeaway:
Abdul Qadir Badauni was the orthodox critic of Akbar's religious policies, known for secretly documenting the "heresies" of the court. He translated the Ramayana and Mahabharata into Persian under imperial orders, despite his personal aversion to the texts.