Abdul Rahim Khan-i-khana

Abdul Rahim Khan-i-khana Biography

Abdul Rahim Khan-I-Khana, also known as Rahim was renowned composer during the time of Mughal emperor Akbar. He was one of the main nine jewels of Akbar’s court, known by the name, Navaratna. His Hindi couplets and books on Astrology are equally famous. The village of Khankhana in Punjab is named after him.

Rahim was born to Bairam Khan of Turk ancestry. Bairam was the caretaker of Emperor Akbar. When Humayun returned to India, he asked his nobles to make marriage alliances with various zamindars and feudal lords, across the nation. When Humayun married elder daughter of Jamal Khan of Mewat, as asked Bairam married the younger daughter. Khanzadahs, the royal family of Muslim Jadon rajputs accepted Islam as their religion. They were descendants of Krishna and therefore of Lunar Dynasty. Abdul Rahim was born in Lahore on 17 December 1556. After Bairam was murdered, Rahim and his mother were brought to Ahmedabad and later to Delhi. He was presented before Akbar’s court.

Emperor Akbar gave him the title of 'Mirza Khan', and subsequently married him to Mah Banu, sister of Mirza Aziz Kokah. Later, Bairam Khan's widow (second wife), Salima Sultan Begum married Akbar (her cousin). Rahim was placed as one among the nine jewels. Although born as a Muslim by birth, Rahim was a devotee of Lord Krishna and wrote poetry dedicated to him. He was a firm believer of astrology also and has authored a few books. Rahims dohas are very popular, even now. His major works include –translation of Babar's memoirs, Baburnama from Chagatai language to Persian language. He had supreme command over Sanskrit language. His books on astrology are Kheta Kautukama and Dwawishd Yogavali.

He was a true noble of King Akbar till his end. As he was against Jehangir's accession to the throne at Akbar's death, Jehangir killed both the sons of this noble poet. Tomb of Abdul Rahim Khan-I-Khana is situated in Delhi. He died in 1626 in Agra. Actually this tomb was built by him for his wife in 1598, but later he was buried there.

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Updated: January 23, 2014