From Adam to Akbar: Tracing the Divine Lineage in the Akbarnama

The Akbarnama, Abu'l Fazl's monumental chronicle of Emperor Akbar's reign, is far more than a simple historical record. It is a carefully constructed narrative designed to illuminate Akbar's unique position as a divinely guided ruler. One of the most striking aspects of this grand work is the extensive genealogy presented at its outset, tracing Akbar's lineage not just through his Mughal and Timurid predecessors, but all the way back to the first man, Adam.

Abu'l Fazl's purpose in doing this is clear: to establish Akbar's inherent greatness and his God-given right to rule, not merely through conquest or inheritance, but through a sacred lineage blessed across millennia. Let's delve into this fascinating journey through time as presented in the Akbarnama.

The Primordial Roots: From Adam to Noah

The Akbarnama begins its genealogical journey with Adam, the father of humanity. Abu'l Fazl presents the early patriarchs – Seth, Enosh, Kenan, Mahalalil, Jared, Enoch (Idris), Methuselah, and Lamech – drawing from religious and historical traditions. These figures are depicted not just as progenitors, but as early leaders, teachers, and prophets, laying the groundwork for human civilization and divine worship.

A notable figure here is Enoch, also known as Idris. Abu'l Fazl credits him with introducing sciences like astronomy and writing, and even building the Egyptian pyramids. He is presented as a key link in the chain of divine guidance, teaching reverence for the 'Great Light' (the Sun) and establishing festivals related to celestial movements – perhaps an subtle nod to Akbar's own reverence for the sun.

The narrative then moves to Noah, recounting the well-known story of the Flood. Interestingly, Abu'l Fazl mentions different accounts of the Flood, including one that occurred before Adam, and notes that Indian histories show no trace of Noah's Flood, suggesting it might not have been universally global. He details the division of the world among Noah's sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth, establishing the geographical and ethnic framework that follows.

The Turkic Branch: Descendants of Japheth

Akbar's lineage, according to Abu'l Fazl, descends from Japheth, Noah's son who was assigned the eastern and northern lands, including Turkistan and China. Japheth is presented as the 'Father of Turk' (Abū-l-turk) and is credited with receiving a 'rain-stone' (yedatāsh or sang-i-yada) from Noah, a stone with the miraculous property of bringing rain – a detail that adds a touch of the legendary to this branch of the family tree.

The line continues through Turk and a series of early Turkic Khans: Alinja Khan, Dib Baqui, Kiyuk Khan, Alinja Khan (again), Mughul Khan, Qara Khan, Aghuz Khan, Kun Khan, Ai Khan, Yulduz Khan, Mangali Khan, and Tangiz Khan, leading to Il Khan. These rulers are described with varying degrees of detail, often highlighting their wisdom, justice, and military prowess. The narrative mentions the division of the Turkic peoples into various tribes, many named after Aghuz Khan's sons.

The Ordeal of Irganaqun and the Divine Light of Alanqowa

A pivotal moment in this lineage is the story of Il Khan's son, Qiyan, and his cousin, Takiz. Following a devastating war where the Mughul army was almost annihilated by Tatars and others, only Qiyan, Takiz, and their wives survived by hiding among the dead. They retreated to a secluded, fertile valley called Irganaqun (Irgana-qun), where they lived in isolation for generations.

Abu'l Fazl interprets this period, which he estimates lasted about 2,000 years, as a deliberate act of Divine wisdom. This time of hardship, banishment, and seclusion was necessary to purify the lineage and prepare it for the emergence of a 'unique pearl' – Akbar himself. The Mughals eventually grew in number and, by melting an iron mountain with bellows made of deer-skin, found their way out of Irganaqun, reclaiming their lands and power.

The most extraordinary event in this part of the genealogy is the story of Alanqowa (Alanqūā), a descendant of Qiyan. Abu'l Fazl recounts the tradition that while reposing in her tent, a glorious light entered her mouth, resulting in her pregnancy. He explicitly compares this miraculous conception to that of the Virgin Mary (Hazrat Miryem). For Abu'l Fazl, Alanqowa's conception by divine light is the true beginning of Akbar's manifestation in the world, a spiritual lineage that transcends ordinary human procreation and underscores his unique, divinely ordained status.

From Alanqowa to the Throne of Delhi

The lineage continues from Alanqowa's son, Buzanjar Qa'an, through several generations of chiefs and leaders, including Tumana Khan and Qaculi Bahadur, figures whose dreams and visions are interpreted as foreshadowing the greatness of their descendants.

Finally, the genealogy connects to the more familiar Timurid line, tracing descent from Timur (Amir Timur Gurgan), the founder of the Timurid Empire. The line proceeds through Timur's son Miran Shah, grandson Sultan Muhammad Mirza, great-grandson Sultan Abu Sa'id Mirza, great-great-grandson Umar Shaikh Mirza (father of Babur), to Zahiru-d-din Muhammad Babur Padshah, the founder of the Mughal dynasty in India. From Babur, it passes to Nasir-ud-din Muhammad Humayun Padshah, Akbar's father, culminating in Abu'l-Muzaffar Jalal-ud-din Muhammad Akbar Padshah.

The Significance of the Lineage

By presenting this vast and often legendary lineage, Abu'l Fazl constructs a powerful argument for Akbar's universal sovereignty. He is not just a king; he is the culmination of a divine plan stretching back to the dawn of creation. The blend of religious figures (Adam, Noah), Turkic tribal ancestors, legendary events (Irganaqun, Alanqowa's conception), and historical rulers (Timur, Babur, Humayun) creates a narrative that legitimizes Akbar's rule across diverse populations and traditions within his vast empire.

This genealogy serves to elevate Akbar beyond the realm of ordinary monarchs, portraying him as a 'perfect man' (insān-i-kāmil), a collection of all stages of existence, spiritual and temporal. It is a testament to Abu'l Fazl's skill as a historian and ideologue, weaving together disparate threads of history, legend, and spiritual belief into a tapestry that glorifies his emperor and preserves a unique vision of his place in the world.

Today, this lineage from the Akbarnama offers us a window into the complex ways power, history, and divine right were understood and articulated in the Mughal court, reminding us that history is often as much about the stories we tell as the events that occurred.