Concept:
• The Ain-i-Akbari is the third volume of the Akbar Nama, the official history of Akbar's reign.
• Court chroniclers were commissioned to document the administration, culture, and statistics of the Mughal Empire.
Step 1: Identifying the author
Abu’l Fazl was a trusted scholar and close friend of Emperor Akbar who held the position of court chronicler.
He meticulously compiled the Ain-i-Akbari, which provides detailed records of the Mughal administration, revenue, and social life.
Step 2: Eliminating other options
Abdul Hamid Lahori wrote the 'Padshahnama' during Shah Jahan's reign.
Abdul Qadir Badayuni was a critic of Akbar's liberal religious policies and wrote 'Muntakhab-ut-Tawarikh'.
Therefore, Abu'l Fazl is the correct author.