Depiction of Hindu Philosophical and Religious Notions in Dārā Shukoh’s Majma‘-ul-Baḥrain

Abstract

The article focuses on Dārā Shukoh’s Majma‘-ul-Baḥrain (written, 1654–55), which is basically a comparative and systematic study of modes of Hindu thought and belief from the view point of Islamic Sufism. There is thus the need to establish the degree of authenticity achieved in Dārā Shukoh’s exploration of the different Hindu philosophical and religious beliefs, especially keeping in view his own preference for pantheistic aspects. This naturally involves also a partial re-exploration of the field in which Dārā Shukoh had sought what he deemed to be the ultimate truth.