Echoes of the Ark: Tracing Lineage and Legacy from Noah in the Akbarnama

The Akbarnama, Abu'l Fazl's monumental history of Emperor Akbar, doesn't just chronicle the events of a single reign. It seeks to place Akbar within a grand, universal narrative, tracing his lineage back through prophets and ancient kings. Central to this ambitious genealogy is the figure of Noah, the patriarch whose story marks a pivotal moment in human history – the repopulation of the world after the Great Flood.

The Deluge and a New Beginning

The text recounts the well-known story of Noah's Ark and the Flood. Interestingly, Abu'l Fazl mentions different accounts of floods, noting one that occurred before the Adam known to us. The Flood in Noah's time is described as beginning from the oven in Noah's house in Kufa. Eighty people are said to have survived in the Ark, disembarking at a place later called Sūqu-ṣ-ṣamānīn (Eighty-Market) at the foot of Mount Judi. Abu'l Fazl, however, adds a crucial point, noting that unlike the universal scope often attributed to this flood, Indian historical records, some thousands of years old, show no trace of it. This suggests a more localized event or highlights the distinct historical perspectives preserved in different cultures.

Dividing the Earth: The Legacy of the Sons

After the Flood, the world was repopulated through Noah's three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Noah, according to the Akbarnama, divided the known world among them:

• Shem: Was assigned Syria, Mesopotamia, Iraq, and Khurasan.
• Ham: Received the western countries, Abyssinia, India, Sindh, and the Sudan.
• Japheth: Was given China, Sclavonia, and Turkistan.

The text posits that the aboriginal inhabitants of these regions are descended from these three patriarchs, establishing a foundational lineage for all of humanity from the post-Flood era.

Japheth: The Ancestor of Kings

For the Akbarnama's purpose, Japheth holds particular significance. He is identified as the ancestor of the Turks and, crucially, the direct forebear of Emperor Akbar's lineage. Japheth is even referred to as the Father of Turk (Abā-l-turk). The text includes a fascinating anecdote about Japheth asking his father for a prayer to bring rain. Noah gave him a stone, over which he had pronounced the Ineffable Name, granting it the property of bringing rain. This stone, known as yedatāsh or sang-i-yada (rain-stone), is said to still exist among the Turks, adding a mystical element to their ancient heritage.

Japheth is listed with eleven sons, including Turk, Cin, Saqlab, and others like Khalaj and Ghaz, from whom various Turkish tribes like Aighūr, Qanighlī, Qibcāq, Qārligh, Khalaj are said to descend.

The Turkish Line and the Homeland

Turk, Japheth's eldest son, is presented as the first sultan of Turkistan, known to the Turks as Yāfis Ōghlān. He established laws and settled his people in a place called Sil-uk or Salikai. The lineage continues through several generations of Khans, including Alinja Khan, Dib Baqui, Kiyuk Khan, and others, leading eventually to Il Khan.

The narrative then recounts a period of great hardship for the Mughals (a branch of the Turks) after a devastating war, where only Il Khan's son Qiyan, his cousin Takiz, and their wives survived by hiding among the slain. They took refuge in a secluded meadow called Irganaquun, a place described as having abundant springs and fruits. They remained there for about 2,000 years, their descendants growing into the Qiyat and Daralgin tribes, before eventually melting an iron mountain to find their way out and reclaim their lands.

Connecting the Ancient Past to Akbar

The Akbarnama meticulously traces Akbar's ancestry through this long line, highlighting figures like Qiyan and subsequent leaders who emerged from Irganaqun. By linking Akbar directly to Japheth, son of Noah, and the subsequent Turkish Khans, Abu'l Fazl establishes a lineage of immense antiquity and authority. This wasn't merely a genealogical exercise; it was a way to demonstrate Akbar's inherent right to universal sovereignty, connecting him to the very foundation of the post-Flood world and the ancient rulers who governed it.

The Enduring Narrative

The Akbarnama's account of Noah and his descendants serves as a powerful reminder of how historical narratives are constructed and used to legitimize power and identity. By weaving together traditions from different cultures (Islamic, Jewish, Christian, Indian, Turkish), Abu'l Fazl creates a tapestry that positions Akbar as the culmination of a long and illustrious history, destined for greatness. It underscores the importance placed on lineage and the belief that the qualities of ancient patriarchs and kings could echo through generations, manifesting in the ruler of their own age. This intricate tracing of roots ensures that the legacy of figures like Noah and Japheth remains a vital, if sometimes overlooked, part of the grand story of the Mughal Empire.