‘Anwar-i-Suhaili’ (Lights of Canopus) is the Persian translation of the ancient Indian Sanskrit collection of fables, the Panchatantra. The translation was commissioned during the reign of Emperor Akbar and was initially completed by Husain Ali Waiz Kashifi. It exemplifies the Mughal court’s profound interest in Indian classical literature and philosophy. ANSWER: (C) Panchatantra.
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‘Anwar-i-Suhaili’ is a renowned Persian adaptation and elegant translation of the ancient Indian text, the Panchatantra. The original Panchatantra consists of interlocking animal fables, intended to impart moral wisdom and statecraft lessons. The Persian version was commissioned during the reign of Akbar as part of the Mughal court’s extensive translation project to integrate Indian knowledge into Persian culture. This translation, known for its ornate language, gained popularity among the Mughal elite, thereby preserving and disseminating Indian folk wisdom across the empire.