The Illustration of Deception in the Shahnameh of Ferdowsi and Kalileh Demne of Nasrallah Munshi (Mogul and Timurid eras)

The act of deception and behavior of the deceivers is clearly evident in the two books of Shāhnāmeh and Bayhaqi History which are among the many rich works of Persian literature and art. Hoax is applied in the epic-mythical and historical sections of the Shāhnāmeh and appears to have the most usage in the epic section along with personal, humane and national motivations and objectives. Contrary to the conventional meaning of deception which bears an undesirable denotation, its positive features and concepts can be perceived in the Shāhnāmeh. Is the deception caused by the behavior of influential political figures such as Mahmoud, Massoud, Abu Sahl Zawzani and others who have ruled, dealt with and managed to prevent chaos in the society or have the Mahmoudians have forced the dismissal of Masoud’s supporters and spread instability and anxiety? Deception in the two mentioned literary works at times deceive the perpetrator or the deceit becomes neutralized with no harm made. When the truth is glanced upon in a fair and honest way, it is discovered that there are people who do consider their deeds and if so it would have been of necessity and ineffective. In this paper, it is sought to decipher the type of hoax and deception carried out by the deceivers and their possible aims. The author has inserted moral, epistemic, political, and social points to protect and punish as to serve as a guiding light for the followers of truth.