Firuz Shah Tughlaq, a ruler of the Tughlaq dynasty in the Delhi Sultanate, ordered the translation of a large number of Hindu religious works from Sanskrit to Persian. This decision was part of his efforts to promote religious tolerance and understanding between the Muslim rulers and their Hindu subjects.

The Tughlaq dynasty ruled over a diverse population that included both Muslims and Hindus. Firuz Shah Tughlaq recognized the importance of understanding the religious beliefs and practices of his Hindu subjects. He believed that by making Hindu religious texts accessible to Persian-speaking Muslims, he could foster greater understanding and tolerance between the two communities.

Below are the key points explaining why Firuz Shah Tughlaq ordered the translation of Hindu religious works:

1. Promoting religious understanding and tolerance: Firuz Shah Tughlaq wanted to bridge the gap between the Muslim rulers and their Hindu subjects by promoting religious understanding and tolerance. Translating Hindu religious texts into Persian would make these texts more accessible to Persian-speaking Muslims and help them gain a better understanding of Hindu beliefs.

2. Cultural exchange and assimilation: The translation of Hindu religious works into Persian allowed for a cultural exchange between the Hindu and Muslim communities. It enabled Persian-speaking Muslims to gain insights into Hindu philosophy, mythology, and religious practices, fostering a sense of cultural assimilation.

3. Preservation of knowledge: By translating Hindu religious texts into Persian, Firuz Shah Tughlaq contributed to the preservation of knowledge. Sanskrit was not widely understood by Persian-speaking Muslims, and by translating these texts, Firuz Shah ensured that the knowledge contained within them was not lost.

4. Administrative purposes: The translation of Hindu religious texts also had practical implications for the administration of the Delhi Sultanate. It allowed for a better understanding of Hindu customs, rituals, and laws, which could be useful in the administration of justice and governance.

Overall, Firuz Shah Tughlaq's decision to translate Hindu religious works from Sanskrit to Persian was motivated by his desire to promote religious tolerance, cultural exchange, and administrative efficiency. It was an important step towards fostering understanding and harmony between the Muslim rulers and their Hindu subjects.