THIS “Sun-reflecting Mirror” is a useful compilation written in 1803 A.D. by 'Abdu-r Rahmán, better known as Sháh Nawáz Khán Háshimí, subsequently Prime Minister to the nominal Emperor Akbar II. The name appears to be derived from the poetical title of Aftáb, which the author assumed by direction of Sháh 'Álam.

The Mir-át-i Aftáb-numá contains abundant matter, as the following Table of Contents will show: and some of the notices respecting the countries and cities of Hindústán, as well as the Biographical articles, are well and correctly drawn up. The historical details of the first thirty years of the reign of Sháh 'Álam are treated in some detail; but the preceding reigns are given in a more compendious shape. Altogether, as an his­torical work it is of little value. The History of Muhammadan India commences with the Slave Kings; but in the work the detailed history begins with the Mughal sovereigns. The work is divided into a Preface, two Parts, and a Conclusion. There are several chapters (jajallí, lustres) in each Part, and several sections (dama, brilliances) in each chapter.

Preface: Regarding the origin and advantages of history, p. 5 to 7.—Part I. in six chapters: i. The Creation of the World, containing sections on Meteorology, Mines, Stones, Products of the Earth, Animals, Man and his Limbs, and Ethics, pp. 7 to 123—ii. Different kinds of Prophets, containing sections on Adam, Idrís, Paradise, pp. 123 to 214—iii. History of Muhammad, con­taining sections on his Descendants, Wives, Chief Khalífs, and Friends, pp. 214 to 249—iv. Account of the Súfís, Saints, Philo­sophers, Poets, Artists, Caligraphers and Hindú Sects in several sections, pp. 249 to 414—v. Kings of Arabia and Persia; the Ummayide and 'Abbáside Khalífs, and other Asiatic dynasties; the Ghorian Kings of Dehlí, the Kings of the Dakhin, and the ancient Rájas of India, pp. 414 to 494—vi. The Gúrgání Kings, their nobles and ministers, and the celebrated songsters of their time, with notices of Indian music, pp. 494 to 741. Part II. in eight chapters. The first seven are devoted to an account of the seven grand divisions of the world, pp. 741 to 896. Chap. viii. describes the seven seas, pp. 896 to 910. The Conclusion is occupied with a description of the wonders and curiosities of different countries, pp. 910 to 924.

SIZE—4to., 924 pages, of 18 lines each.