Name the calligrapher in Akbar's court who was honoured with the title "Zarrin Kalam" or Golden Pen
- A.Abul Fazl
- B.Tansen
- C.Muhammad Husayn
- D.Muhammad Kasim
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is C, Muhammad Husayn. Muhammad Husayn Kashmiri, the finest calligrapher at Akbar's court, was given the title "Zarrin Kalam", meaning Golden Pen.
Calligraphy was the most honoured art at the Mughal court, and Akbar ran a large imperial workshop where manuscripts were copied, painted and bound. The favourite script was nastaliq, a flowing style with long horizontal strokes, and Muhammad Husayn was its master. His beautiful hand was used for important royal manuscripts, and Akbar rewarded him with the title for his skill.
A is wrong: Abul Fazl was Akbar's court historian, the author of the Akbarnama and the Ain-i-Akbari, not a calligrapher. B is wrong: Tansen was the great musician of Akbar's court and one of his navratnas. D is wrong: Muhammad Kasim was not the calligrapher who received this title; the name is linked rather with Muhammad bin Qasim, the Arab conqueror of Sind, and the historian Firishta.
Exam tip: Zarrin Kalam (Golden Pen) = Muhammad Husayn Kashmiri; script = nastaliq; patron = Akbar.
Practice Questions
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