Muḥammad Maʿṣūm “Nāmī,” Mīr d. ca. 1015/1606-7

Historian

A native of Sind, Mīr Muḥammad Maʿṣūm (who used the name “Nāmī” in his poetical works) entered the service of Mughal ruler Akbar in 1003-4/1595-6. He continued his service for the Mughal empire until the beginning of Jahāngīr’s reign, returning to his hometown in 1015/1606-7. He died shortly thereafter.

Mīr Muḥammad Maʿṣūm is mainly known for his work Tārīḫ-i Sind, also referred to as Tārīḫ-i Maʿsūmī.

Works

Tārīḫ-i Sind     The History of Sind

Extends to 1008/1599-1600.

Tārīḫ-i Sind is a history of Sind in four chapters, from the Arab conquest to the time of Akbar, extending to 1008/1599-1600. In addition to Tārīḫ-i Sind, several sources contain references to the poetical works of Nāmī, among them dīvān’s of ğazals and several manavīs.