In the 16th and 17th centuries, Mughal India developed a sophisticated news system called 'akhbarat,' which functioned as both official communications and news bulletins. These reports, written in Persian, documented court intrigues, military actions, appointments, financial matters, and other administrative details. They were crucial in maintaining communication across the vast Mughal Empire, which at its height controlled much of the Indian subcontinent. Historian Munis D Faruqui has spent over two decades studying these documents, particularly those related to the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb, whose rule marked the last major period of Mughal expansion. The surviving 'akhbarat' are housed in various locations including London, Bikaner, Sitamau, and Kolkata, with some collections having been lost or removed during the colonial era.
Bias read (Center): The article discusses historical documentation and does not present any political viewpoints or biased framing. It focuses on the historical significance of Mughal administration and the study of archival materials, without taking a stance on contemporary issues or political figures.




