KU organises extension lecture on historian Zia Ud Din Barni’s work ‘Tarikh-i-Firozshahi’ at Nassembag Campus Srinagar

Srinagar :To encourage scholarly engagement and promote a deeper understanding of India’s historical heritage, the Department of History, University of Kashmir (KU) on Friday organised an extension lecture by Prof S M AzizuddinHussain from JamiaMilliaIslamia, New Delhi, who shared his insights on the ‘Historiography of Medieval India’.
According to a statement issued from Centre for Public Relations University of Kashmir, Srinagar the lecture centered around the renowned medieval historian Zia Ud DinBarni’s work Tarikh-i-Firozshahi, shedding light on its significance in the study of Sultanate-era India.
Prof Azizuddin delved into the historiographical importance of Tarikh-i-Firozshahi as a cornerstone in understanding the complexities of the Delhi Sultanate under Sultan Firoz Shah Tughlaq.
He elaborated on Barni’s unique methodologies, offering in-depth analysis of the political, social and cultural dimensions of medieval India, while emphasising the relevance of Barni’s perspectives on governance, the interplay of religion and politics and the ethical leadership within the Sultanate.
Speaking about the influence of Tarikh-i-Firozshahi on subsequent historical writings, Prof Azizuddin said: “Barni’s work provides a critical lens through which we can view the past, not just as a chronological record but as a reflection on the overall governance that shaped the polity and society of medieval India.”
The lecture featured an engaging interactive session, during which participants discussed the enduring impact of medieval historiography on contemporary historical scholarship.
The discussion highlighted the evolving interpretations of primary historical sources and their significance in re-evaluating India’s medieval past.
Underscoring the importance of such academic interactions, Head, Department of History, KU, Prof M Y Ganaie, said: “The lecture has significantly enriched our academic discourse on medieval Indian historiography, offering new perspectives that will inspire our ongoing research and scholarly endeavours.”
A diverse audience of faculty members, research scholars and students attended the lecture.