Hyderabad: Tolerance, a hallmark of Deccani dynasties

Hyderabad: Scholars and experts from various walks of life expressed their views at the Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) during the inaugural session of two-day national seminar, 'The Development of History, Science, Art, Culture and Civilization during the period of Kakatiya and Asafjahi rulers' on Wednesday.

The session was organised by Haroon Khan Sherwani Centre for Deccan Studies (HKCDS) in collaboration with National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL). The rulers of Deccan symbolise the composite culture and religious tolerance. However, this place and its history is ignored by most of the scholars.

The chief guest, Professor Mohd Suleman Siddiqui, a former Vice-Chancellor of Osmania University, in his inaugural address said that Ibrahim Qutb Shah was first Muslim Telugu poet and a large number of Telugu poets were associated with his court. Mir Osman Ali Khan, the Nizam VII, invited experts from Europe and spent millions to restore Ajanta and Ellora caves and he also patronised the temples and educational institutions with gracious grants, he added.

Dr Mohammad Aslam Parvaiz, the MANUU Vice-Chancellor, in his presidential remarks said that, "history not only provided guides but also gave us courage. We should not forget our history, we also need to strengthen our character to overcome the bigotry." Professor MN Sayeed, Director, Deccan Studies, Bengaluru, in his keynote address said that there was a need to spread the message of tolerance, the hall-mark of Deccani rulers.