Tracing the Bhartiyata of Dara Shokuh

Abstract

This article explores the Bhårtiyatå of Dårå Shokµuh, the Mughal prince of Turko-Iranian descent, born and brought up in the Indian cultural milieu. It aims to trace the essence of Bhårtiyatå in the personality as well as the academic and spiritual pursuits of Dårå, concerning his Indian socio-cultural background.
Dårå’s bhårtiyatå is traced in his words, works, and dialogues with spiritual personalities, shedding light on the fact that his Indian upbringing played a significant role in shaping his spiritual journey. Therefore, with the premise that the Indian culture is not a culture carved in stone, but rather is perennially evolving and thus a living tradition, being constantly augmented by the people living it, this paper is an attempt to portray the Indianness of Dårå.