262. Abdul Rahm Khan I Khana (1556-1627 A.D.)

Abdul Rahim Khan-i-Khanan , popularly known as simply Rahim, was a poet who lived in India during the rule of Mughal emperor Akbar. He was a Mansabdar in the court of Akbar. Abdul Rahim was the son of Bairam Khan, Akbar's trusted guardian and mentor. He was one of the nine important ministers (dewan) in his court, also known as the Navaratnas. Abdur Rahim Khan was a brave warrior in his own right. He became very much involved in Krishna Bhakti. His work includes, Barawe Nayika Bhed. He was a friend of Tulsidas and it is believed that Ramcharitra manas is also influenced by him. The other works of Rahim include Rahim Dohavalli, Sringar Soratha, Madnashtak and Raspanchadyayi. Rahim was comfortable in both Awadhi and Vraj and his poems in both the languages are beautiful and a tribute to the composite culture heritage of India. Rahim Khan’s tomb was opened to the public after six years of restoration work, perhaps the largest conservation project ever undertaken for any monument of national importance in India.