Sikandar Lodi (died 21 November 1517), born Nizam Khan, was the Sultan of Delhi between 1489 and 1517. He became the next ruler of the Lodi dynasty after the death of his father Bahlul Lodi in July 1489. The second and most successful ruler of the Lodi dynasty of the Delhi sultanate, he was also a poet of the Persian language.

The Reign of Sikandar Lodi and the Establishment of the Department of Translation

During the reign of Sikandar Lodi, the department of translation was established for translating Sanskrit texts into Arabic-Persian and vice-versa. This initiative was part of Sikandar Lodi's efforts to promote cultural exchange and understanding between the two languages and civilizations.

Background:
- The Delhi Sultanate, established in the 13th century, was a Muslim kingdom that ruled over parts of the Indian subcontinent.
- The rulers of the Delhi Sultanate, including Sikandar Lodi, aimed to consolidate their power and establish a stable and prosperous kingdom.
- The Sultanate was marked by a rich cultural diversity, with a mix of Persian, Arabic, and Indian influences.

Importance of Translation:
- Translation played a crucial role in facilitating communication and understanding between different linguistic and cultural groups.
- The translation of Sanskrit texts into Arabic-Persian allowed Muslim scholars and administrators to access the knowledge and wisdom contained in these texts.
- It also helped in the administration of the Sultanate by making important texts, laws, and policies accessible to both the rulers and the subjects.

The Establishment of the Department of Translation:
- Sikandar Lodi recognized the importance of translation and established a dedicated department for this purpose.
- The department was responsible for translating Sanskrit texts into Arabic-Persian and vice-versa.
- It employed skilled translators who were proficient in both languages and had a deep understanding of the cultural and religious contexts.

Impact and Legacy:
- The establishment of the department of translation under Sikandar Lodi had a lasting impact on the cultural and intellectual landscape of the Delhi Sultanate.
- It facilitated the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and literary works between different linguistic and cultural groups.
- The translation efforts contributed to the development of a rich syncretic culture that combined elements of Persian, Arabic, and Indian traditions.
- The translated texts also provided valuable insights into the history, philosophy, and scientific advancements of the time.

In conclusion, during the reign of Sikandar Lodi, the department of translation was established to translate Sanskrit texts into Arabic-Persian and vice-versa. This initiative played a crucial role in promoting cultural exchange and understanding between different linguistic and cultural groups within the Delhi Sultanate.