History of the Rise of the Mahomedan Power in India, till the Year AD 1612

This four-volume work, first published in 1829, presents Ferishta's comprehensive account of Muslim India from 975 to 1612, enriched with genealogical tables and comparative chronologies by translator John Briggs.

History of the Rise of the Mahomedan Power in India, till the Year AD 1612 is a significant four-volume work that marks the first comprehensive English translation of Persian historian Ferishta's extensive account of the Muslim presence in India. Published in 1829, this translation serves as a crucial resource for understanding the Mughal Empire and the socio-political landscape of India prior to British colonization. Ferishta, who lived from 1560 to 1620, composed his narrative while residing at the court of Bijapur, under the patronage of King Ibrahim Adil Shah II.

The work spans the history of Muslim India from approximately 975 to 1612, offering a balanced perspective despite Ferishta's personal involvement in the events he chronicles. His meticulous documentation provides insights into the lives of various rulers and the cultural dynamics of the time. The translator, John Briggs, an officer of the East India Company, enhances the original text with valuable additions, including genealogical tables, notes, and a comparative chronology of significant events in both Europe and India.

Volume four delves into the histories of various regions, including Gujarat, Malwa, Khandesh, Bengal, Bihar, Jaunpur, and Multan, as well as accounts of Sindh and Kashmir. The appendices compiled by Briggs further enrich the text, offering glossaries of names and places, which aid readers in navigating the complex historical narrative. Overall, this work remains an essential reference for scholars and anyone interested in the intricate history of Muslim rule in India.