The Mughal emperor Akbar established a Translation Department. The department was given the task of translating Hindu religious scriptures, such as the Atharvaveda, the Mahabharata, Harivamsa and the Ramayana into Persian.
Andal or Godadevi is the only female among 12 Alvar saints. She was active in 8th century and is credited for great Tamil works Thiruppavai and Nachiar Tirumozhi. A women’s group of South India called Goda Mandali is inspired from Andal. Andal herself is known as a beloved of lord Vishnu.