Exploring Translation Approaches for “Ain i Akbari”-Nodirbek Salimbekov

Exploring Translation Approaches for “Ain i Akbari”

Nodirbek Salimbekov

Researcher, Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies

Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Email: salimbekovn@gmail.com

Mobile: +998974777122

Abstract

            The “Ain i Akbari” is a well-known historical source written by Abul Fazl, which gives us valuable information about the Mughal (Baburid’s) Empire during Emperor Akbar’s reign. It is an important piece of Persian literature from the Indian subcontinent, and many translators have worked hard to make this historical text available to readers worldwide.

            Considering the historical and cultural background of “Ain i Akbari” translators often use cultural adaptation to bridge the gap between the original and translated languages. They include explanations like footnotes, glossaries, or introductions to help readers understand the Baburid’s society, customs, and historical events. The cultural adaptation ensures that readers who are not familiar with the Baburid’s Empire can understand the text better.

            Studying the translation of “Ain i Akbari” provides valuable information about the depicted time period, helping readers understand the Baburid’s era. It offers insights into history, culture and connections with other regions, like Central Asia.

Key words: Abul Fazl, Persian literature, English translation, Blochmann

Research Article

The “Ain i Akbari” authored by Abul-Fazl ibn Mubarak, stands as a monumental work that provides a comprehensive account of Emperor Akbar the Great’s reign during the Baburid’s period. As a text of immense historical and cultural significance, “Ain i Akbari” has been translated into various languages over the years, each with its own unique approach and interpretation. In this article, we will explore the differences that arise in the translations of “Ain i Akbari” and their impact on our understanding of this remarkable literary work.

The Baburid’s period, which began with the arrival of Emperor Babur in the Indian subcontinent in 1526, marked a significant turning point in the region’s history. While the Baburid’s rule brought about political and cultural changes, it also had a profound impact on the literary landscape of the Indian subcontinent.

The Baburid’s rule ushered in an era of cultural exchange and fusion, as Persian and Central Asian influences permeated the Indian subcontinent. Persian, known for its rich literary heritage, became the court language of the Baburid’s (Mughal) Empire. This led to the assimilation of Persian literary forms, themes, and styles into the local vernacular languages, particularly in Urdu and Persian itself.

The Baburid’s era also witnessed a surge in historical chronicles and memoirs. Emperor Babur himself penned his memoir, the famous “Baburnama” which provides invaluable insights into the political and cultural milieu of the time. Other notable historical accounts, such as the “Akbarnama” by Abul Fazl, shed light on the reign of Babur’s grandson, Emperor Akbar. These chronicles not only served as historical records but also showcased the literary prowess of the Baburid’s, as they skillfully blended political narratives, and cultural observations.

Among of all literature data we can say that only one is provided fully information about those periods and without translating of the book, we cannot imagine of golden era of the Indian subcontinent.

Henry Blochmann, a scholar from Germany who studied Indian culture, worked hard to translate “Ain i Akbari” from Persian to English. His translation, completed in the late 1800s, was a turning point in making this significant historical work available to more people. Blochmann paid close attention to detail and had a deep understanding of the Baburid’s context. This allowed him to create a translation that captured the essence of the original text.

One of Blochmann’s great achievements in translating “Ain i Akbari” was his ability to preserve the historical and cultural context of the Baburid’s Empire. He understood the importance of showing readers an accurate picture of that period. His translation reflected the customs, institutions, and society of the era. Through his work, readers are transported into the vibrant world of Emperor Akbar’s court, gaining insight into the complexities of the Baburid’s Empire.

Blochmann’s translation not only captured the historical and cultural aspects but also showcased his linguistic and stylistic skills. He expertly navigated the complexities of the Persian language, conveying the subtleties and poetic expressions of the original text. His eloquent prose brought life to the stories, anecdotes, and descriptions found in “Ain i Akbari”. This made the translation an engaging and immersive reading experience.

Henry Blochmann’s translation played a crucial role in connecting Eastern and Western cultures. By translating “Ain i Akbari” into English, he made the Baburid’s Empire and its rich heritage accessible to a wider audience. This act of cultural exchange and understanding allowed readers from different backgrounds to explore the history, traditions, and achievements of the Baburid’s Empire. It fostered a deeper appreciation for the contributions of the Eastern world.

Since Blochmann was an expert in Persian language, the translation was not difficult for him, but it is noteworthy that Shiv Mridul, who translated from Blochmanns English version to Hindi, decided to translate the work at the age of 73. He emphasizes that the language used by Abul Fazl was not the language of ordinary people, which the author has a sharp pen because of the wonderful use of words and syntax in the work, and he expresses gratitude to Zulfiqar Muhammad, a Persian language specialist, for his help.

During our research, it was possible to be acquainted with the original copy of this rare work, which is kept in the National Archives of India. The current condition of the book and the respect of the archive staff for it commendable. During that trip, the meeting with the scholar Shiv Mridul, who translated the work into Hindi, should be highlighted. Because the author emphasized that, there are very few literatures that provide information about Emperor Akbar, who is the main and important figure in the history of India, and that his main goal is to convey it to readers in Hindi.

Cultural adaptation plays a crucial role in translations, especially when dealing with a work deeply rooted in a specific historical context. Translators must navigate the cultural nuances inherent in “Ain i Akbari” to ensure that readers from different backgrounds can grasp the intricacies of Mughal society. This adaptation involves clarifying cultural references, customs, and traditions, enabling readers to immerse themselves in the world of Emperor Akbar’s reign.

The structure of “Ain i Akbari” encompasses five books, each addressing specific aspects of Emperor Akbar’s reign. Translators may approach the task of structuring the translated version differently, potentially altering the arrangement of chapters, sections, or subheadings to enhance readability or align with the conventions of the target language. These structural modifications can influence the flow and organization of information within the translated work.

Both translators often face interpretive dilemmas when encountering ambiguous or complex passages within the text. These choices can significantly influence the readers’ understanding and perception of the original work. Some translators may opt for a literal translation, aiming to maintain the authenticity of the original language, while others may prioritize readability and choose a more liberal interpretation. These interpretive decisions shape the overall tone and style of the translated version.

Annotations and footnotes serve as valuable tools in translations, providing additional context, explanations, and insights. Translators may choose to include extensive footnotes, annotations, or commentary to elucidate historical events, cultural references, or complex concepts. The extent and nature of these annotations can vary among translations, influencing the reader’s access to supplementary information and enhancing their understanding of the text.

The translations of “Ain i Akbari” offer diverse perspectives and interpretations of this historical masterpiece. The linguistic variances, cultural adaptations, interpretive choices, structural modifications, and inclusion of footnotes and annotations contribute to the uniqueness of each translated version. These differences provide readers with various entry points into the world of Emperor Akbar’s reign, enriching their understanding and appreciation of the Baburid’s period.

While these variations exist, it is important to recognize that each translation of “Ain i Akbari” contributes to the preservation and dissemination of this invaluable historical document. Through their distinct approaches, translators enable readers from different linguistic backgrounds to access the wealth of knowledge contained within “Ain i Akbari” and engage with the multifaceted world of the Baburid’s Empire.

One notable difference in the translation of “Ain i Akbari” from Persian (Farsi) to English by Blochman is the linguistic style and approach adopted in the translation process. Blochman’s translation aimed to maintain the formal and traditional tone of the original Persian text, preserving the historical authenticity and cultural context of the Baburid period.

Blochman’s translation emphasizes a more archaic and formal English style, resembling the language used during the Baburid (Mughal) period. This choice reflects the historical setting of the original work and aims to transport readers to the time of Emperor Akbar. The use of older English vocabulary, sentence structures, and expressions creates a sense of timelessness and captures the essence of the original Persian text.

Author’s English translation pays particular attention to preserving the cultural context of the Baburid Empire. The translator includes detailed explanations and footnotes to provide readers with a deeper understanding of Mughal customs, social structures, and historical events. These annotations help bridge the cultural gap between the modern English-speaking audience and the world of Emperor Akbar, facilitating a more comprehensive reading experience.

English version of book tends to prioritize a faithful representation of the original text, focusing on accuracy and preserving the author’s intended meaning. The translator seeks to convey the ideas, concepts, and historical narratives of “Ain i Akbari” as faithfully as possible, often avoiding extensive reinterpretation or personal interpretation. This approach allows readers to engage directly with Abul-Fazl’s insights and observations.

While Blochman’s translation aims to preserve the cultural and linguistic nuances of the Persian language, it also makes necessary adaptations to cater to English-speaking readers. The translator strikes a balance between staying true to the original text and ensuring readability for the target audience. This involves simplifying complex sentence structures, clarifying obscure references, and adjusting idiomatic expressions to align with English conventions.

One significant difference in the translation of “Ain i Akbari” from English by Blochman to Hindi by Shiv Mridul lies in the language adaptation and cultural nuances introduced in the Hindi translation. Shiv Mridul’s translation aims to make the text accessible to Hindi-speaking readers while ensuring cultural resonance and linguistic authenticity.

Shiv Mridul’s translation involves adapting the English text into Hindi, catering to the linguistic preferences of Hindi-speaking readers. The language adaptation includes using Hindi vocabulary, sentence structures, and idiomatic expressions that align with the conventions of the Hindi language. This adaptation allows readers to engage with the text more naturally and comfortably, enhancing their reading experience.

Translating “Ain i Akbari” for Shiv Mridul from English to Hindi requires to bridge the cultural gap between the Mughal era and present-day Hindi-speaking readers. The translator incorporates cultural context and explanations specific to the Hindi-speaking audience. This can involve providing additional information about historical events, customs, and traditions that resonate with the cultural background of Hindi readers.

While Shiv Mridul aims to maintain the essence of the original text, some interpretive differences may arise in the translation process. The translator may choose to emphasize certain aspects of the text or reinterpret certain passages to ensure clarity and cultural relevance in the Hindi version. These interpretive choices may be influenced by the translator’s understanding of the Hindi-speaking audience and their expectations.

The language style employed in Shiv Mridul’s Hindi translation may differ from Blochman’s English translation. Hindi has its own literary traditions, and Shiv Mridul may utilize specific linguistic features, poetic devices, and stylistic elements to enhance the reading experience in Hindi. The translation may reflect the richness and diversity of Hindi literature, allowing readers to engage with the text in a way that aligns with their cultural and linguistic sensibilities.

Shiv Mridul’s translation takes into account the specific needs and preferences of Hindi-speaking readers. The translator may include explanatory footnotes, annotations, or introductory sections to provide additional context and historical background specific to the Hindi-speaking audience. These additions contribute to a deeper understanding of the text and facilitate a more immersive reading experience for Hindi readers.

In summary, Blochman’s translation of “Ain i Akbari” stands out for its commitment to maintaining the formal and historical style of the original Persian text. Through a combination of archaic language, cultural context, faithful interpretation, structural integrity, and language adaptation, Blochman’s translation provides readers with a glimpse into the world of Emperor Akbar and the rich tapestry of the Mughal Empire.

In conclusion, Shiv Mridul’s Hindi translation of “Ain i Akbari” displays adaptations in language, cultural context, interpretation, language style, and readership considerations. By tailoring the translation to the Hindi-speaking audience, Shiv Mridul strives to make the historical account of Emperor Akbar’s reign more accessible, relatable, and engaging for Hindi readers, while preserving the essence of the original work.

The Baburid’s period in the Indian subcontinent not only witnessed political and cultural transformations but also served as a literary renaissance. It brought together diverse cultural influences, resulting in a fusion of Persian and Indian literary traditions. The enduring legacy of the Baburid’s period in literature underscores its profound impact on the literary traditions of the Indian subcontinent, leaving behind a cultural heritage that remains cherished to this day.

Both translators acknowledge the limitations and inherent challenges of translation, particularly when dealing with a complex and rich literary work like “Ain i Akbari”. They highlight the importance of striking a balance between fidelity to the original text and the need for adaptation to suit the target language and audience.

Overall, this article sheds light on the intricacies of translating a significant literary work and provides valuable insights into the translation approaches employed by Henry Blochmann and Shiv Mridul. It serves as a valuable resource for translators, scholars, and readers interested in the field of translation studies and the cultural exchange of literary works.

Reference:

1. National Encyclopedia of Uzbekistan, 2002, Volume 1, Tashkent
2. Blochmann, H. (tr.) (1927, reprint 1993). Abul-Fazl Allami “Ain-i Akbari”, vol. I, Calcutta: Asiatic Society, Preface (First Edition)
3. Alaev Leonid Borisovich, Medvedev E. M., Tsygankov Yu. Ya. “История Индии в средние века (History of India medieval period)” 1968, Moscow
4. Shamatov A.N. 1990, “Essays on the historical lexicology of Hindi and Urdu from the 15th to early 17th centuries. “Muslim” vocabulary and southern Hindustani”, Tashkent
5. Shiv Mridul, 2020, “Aini Akbari” Books 1-4, Delhi