NANDANI KUMARI
ROLL NO. 2022//695
Abu Fazl's writings also cover metallurgy and chemical technology, including the
extraction of gold, silver, and copper, and the purification of these metals. Akbar's court was
known for its technological innovations, including the use of prefab and movable structures. The
Mughal Empire developed innovative wooden structures that could be easily set up and
dismantled during journeys. Two examples of these structures are the Rawati and the Do-
ashyana . The Mughal Empire saw significant advancements in textile technology, particularly in
the production of silk, brocade, and carpets. Akbar introduced new textile technologies and
encouraged skilled masters to develop innovative designs and patterns. The use of the draw-loom
was common in Iran, China, and Europe, and it is possible that Akbar introduced this technique
to India. Tarraht and tarh refer to the designs and patterns used in textile production, which may
have also been used in the production of printed chintz. The Mughal Empire developed
innovative methods for cooling and refrigeration, particularly in the use of saltpetre. Akbar
introduced the use of gear-and-chain devices to lift water, .The device was used to lift water from
a lower level to a higher level, making it possible to irrigate crops in areas with limited water
supply. Akbar's engineers developed a system of water lifting technology that utilized a series of
tanks and Norias to lift water from the valley to the top of the hill where the king's palace was
located. The system consisted of a series of tanks, each one higher than the last, that were
connected by Norias. Akbar's engineers also developed a cart-mill that could mill grain into flour
while in transit. The cart-mill was powered by a team of oxen and used a system of gears and
pin-drums to rotate the millstones, it allowed for the efficient processing of grain into flour while
on the move. Akbar's engineers also developed a bathing cart that was equipped with multiple
chambers for hot baths. The cart was powered by an elephant and used a system of 3gears to fan
the fire for heating the water. Another significant innovation was development of a machine that
could smooth the barrels of handguns. The machine used a wheel powered by an ox to rotate a
drill that smoothed the inside of the barrel. Akbar's arsenal is known to have produced handguns
and cannon that were technologically advanced for their time. The diagram of a handgun in the
manuscript shows a geared contraption for smoothening the barrels, which suggests a high level
of technical expertise. The wheel-lock mechanism is believed to have been used in Akbar's
handguns. This mechanism uses a spinning wheel to generate sparks, which ignite the
gunpowder. "Iqtidar Alam Khan is right to upbraid such inconsistency, and his very definitive
study of the early history of handguns in India has narrowed the choice to the wheel-lock fairly
closely."
Akbar's interest in ship-building is evident from the systematic and detailed description of the
duties and functions of the captain and crew of ocean-going ships in the Ain-i Akbari. Akbar's
ships were built at the ports of Lahore and Allahabad. Akbar's ship-builders used innovative
techniques, such as building a ship upon a big barge capable of carrying a burthen of 15,000
mans or more. Akbar had a fascination with water works and architectural innovation. He was
particularly interested in devices that combined these two interests. Akbar had a tank built in the
courtyard of the Palace. Within the tank, a chamber was built with a small door that could
be entered through the ceiling. The chamber was designed to be waterproof, and it
was said that air prevented the entry of water. Akbar's interest in technology had a significant
impact on the development of technology in his kingdom. His patronage of inventors and
engineers led to a spate of technological activity, which had little precedent in Indian history
