| Fathullah Shirazi | |
|---|---|
| Born | Shiraz,Safavid Iran (present-dayShiraz,Iran)[2] |
| Died | 1588–89 (997AH)[1] Kashmir,Mughal Empire[1][2] |
| Spouse | Daughter of Muzaffar Khan Turbati[2] |
| Religion | Shia Islam[2] |
Sayyed Mīr Fathullāh Shīrāzī[3] (Persian:سید میر فتح الله شیرازی; died 1588–89[1]) was anIndo-PersianSufipolymath andinventor who specialized in many subjects:theology,literature,grammar,philosophy,medicine,mathematics,astronomy,astrology, andmechanics.[2] A close confidant of the Mughal EmperorAkbar, Shirazi held several important administrative positions in his imperial court.[2]
Sayyed Mīr Fathullāh Shīrāzī was born and raised in Shiraz,Safavid Iran.[2] He received his education at the school ofAzar Kayvan. Here, he studied philosophy and logic under the guidance of Khwajah Jamaluddin Mahmud, a disciple of the logicianJalal al-Din Davani.[2] Shirazi furthered his knowledge in medicine, mathematics, and science under the instruction of Mir Ghayasuddin Mansur.[2] After completing his education, Shirazi embarked on a career in education in Shiraz. Among his notable students wasAbdul Rahim Khan-i-Khanan, who served as the close confidant of the Mughal EmperorAkbar.[2]
Before Shirazi arrived in India, he served the Safavid nobility as a religious dignitary.[2] Hemigrated to India after being invited by SultanAli Adil Shah I, who in turn covered his expenses for the journey.[2] He lived in Bijapur until 1580.[2]
In 1583, Shirazi received an invitation from Mughal EmperorAkbar and subsequently joined the imperial court inAgra.[2] He soon earned the title ofAmir and a rank (mansab) of 3000.[1] Two years later, in 1584, Akbar appointed him as theAmin-ul-Mulk, also known as the Trustee of the State.[2] Shirazi's first task was to reexamine and rectify the Mughal Empire's vast transaction records, which he accomplished with diligence and success.[2] Along with his administrative work, Shirazi also undertook the task of regulating the intrinsic and bullion values of coins. He identified and corrected discrepancies in the currency, ensuring its reliability and trustworthiness.[2]
Shirazi’s skills and talents also earned him various honors and titles. In 1585 and 1587, the emperor selected him to lead diplomatic missions to theDeccan, where he was recognized for his efforts with the title ofAzud-ud-Dawlah, or the Arm of the Emperor.[2] He also received a horse, 5000 rupees, a robe of honor, and the office of theChief Sadr of Hindustan.[2]
Shirazi fell ill and died during Akbar's stay in Kashmir in 1588–89.[2][1] He was buried in the monastery ofMir Sayyid Ali Hamadani on theKoh-i-Sulaiman.[2] His closeness to Akbar can be ascertained by the fact that sources say that Akbar was deeply disturbed by his death and stated the following:[2][1]
"Had he [Shirazi] fallen into the hands of theFranks, and they had demanded all my treasures in exchange for him, I should gladly have entered upon such profitable traffic and bought that precious jewel cheap."
Shirazi is known for writing commentaries on an array of subjects, with one of his earliest being a commentary on theQuran.[2] He also made significant contributions to the fields of philosophy and logic, particularly in his work,Takmilah-i-Hashiyah. Additionally, he played a crucial role in compiling theTarikh-i Alfi, a thousand-year history of Islam, demonstrating his vast knowledge in the field of history.[2]
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