According to which medieval source were elephants to be found in the Rajpipla forests of Gujarat ? 

The correct answer is - Abdul Hamid Lahori

Key Points

• Abdul Hamid Lahori
  • Abdul Hamid Lahori, a court historian during the reign of Shah Jahan, is known for his famous work, the Padshahnama.
  • In his writings, Lahori provides detailed descriptions of various aspects of the Mughal Empire, including regions, flora, fauna, and the socio-political environment.
  • He specifically mentions the presence of elephants in the Rajpipla forests of Gujarat, indicating the rich wildlife of the area during the medieval period.
  • This information is significant as it highlights the geographical and ecological diversity under Mughal rule.

Additional Information

• Other Medieval Sources
  • Ibn Batuta: A Moroccan traveler and scholar, his accounts (Rihla) primarily focus on his travels across the Islamic world and India during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq, not specifically on the wildlife of Gujarat.
  • Abul Fazl: Author of the Akbarnama and Ain-i-Akbari, he provides extensive details about the Mughal administration, economy, and culture but does not specifically mention elephants in Rajpipla.
  • Abbas Sarwani: Known for his work on the biography of Sher Shah Suri, Sarwani's focus is on the Sur Empire rather than the wildlife of Gujarat.
• Rajpipla Region
  • Located in present-day Gujarat, Rajpipla is known for its dense forests, which historically supported a wide range of wildlife, including elephants.
  • The region was a part of the larger Mughal Empire during Shah Jahan's reign, and its ecological wealth was well-documented by court historians like Abdul Hamid Lahori.
• Significance of Elephants
  • Elephants were highly valued in medieval India for their use in warfare, transportation, and ceremonial purposes.
  • Records of their presence in specific regions, such as the Rajpipla forests, highlight the importance of these areas to the Mughal administration.