Context:
Ministry of Culture recently set up a seven-member panel of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to locate the grave of the Mughal prince Dara Shikoh
Burial of Dara Shikoh:
- Believed to be buried somewhere in the Humayun’s Tomb complex in Delhi, one of around 140 graves of the Mughal clan.
Dara Shikoh:
- Who was he? – Eldest son of Shah Jahan
- Contribution –
- Described as a “Liberal Muslim” who tried to find commonalities between Hindu and Islamic traditions.
- He was inclined towards philosophy and mysticism over military pursuits
- Acquired proficiency in Sanskrit and Persian
- He translated the Upanishads and other important sources of Hindu religion from Sanskrit to Persian
- Life – In 1655, his father declared him the Crown Prince, but was assassinated by Aurangzeb, in a bitter struggle for the throne on 30th August, 1659.
- Works – Majma-ul-Bahrain (Mingling of Two Oceans) and Sirr-i-Akbar (Great Mystery)
Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi:
- Built in – 1570
- Commissioned by – Empress Bega Begum (also known as Haji Begum).
- Also called – ‘Dormitory of the Mughals’ as in the cells are buried over 150 Mughal family members
- Significance –
- 1st garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent
- An example of the Charbagh (4 quadrant garden typical of Persian gardens)
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
Source: The Indian Express
Previous Year Question
With reference to the cultural history of India, the term ‘Panchayatan’ refers to
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2014 Prelims]
(a) an assembly of village elders
(b) a religious sect
(c) a style of temple construction
(d) an administrative functionary
Answer: (c)
