Bahmani manuscripts need protection: Prof Siddiqui

Gachibowli: "Rare manuscripts and documents pertaining to the history and heritage of Bahmani kingdoms are in private possession and there is an urgent need to obtain and preserve them as they contain invaluable research material," said Prof Mohd Suleman Siddiqui, former vice chancellor, Osmania University.

He was speaking at the national seminar on 'Bahmanis and their Contribution to the Deccani Polity, Society, Economy, Culture and Literature' at the Haroon Khan Sherwani Centre for Deccan Studies (HKCDS).

Prof Siddiqui while referring to his own research and field works described how volumes of rare manuscripts related to Bahmani era were spoiled due to negligence of private custodians.

Prof Mohd Naseemuddin Farees, Director in his welcome address, described Bahmani rulers as secular who continued the local traditions and laid the foundation of 'Ganga Jamuni Tehzeeb' (Pluralistic Culture).

"Their legacy needed to be revived," he said.

He also expressed the need to preserve the documents and manuscripts of Asif Jah's dynasty of Hyderabad.

Prof Siddiqui, who had served as the first Registrar of MANUU, gave detailed description of Bahmani kingdom's Gulbarga Phase (1347-1422) and Bidar Phase (1422-1538).

The first one was influenced by north Indian traditions and the second one bore international hallmarks, he said. Persian architecture is prominent at Bidar.

Prof. Suleman Siddiqui, an expert in Islamic Studies, suggested that HKSCDS shall at least organize two seminars every year.

Rani Indira Dhanrajgeer, eminent scholar & ambassador of Deccani culture, in her brief address, described India as country which welcomed every nationality with an open arm. She also donated Rs 1 lakh to the Centre for its research and academic activities.

Dr Mohd Abdul Qayyum, archaeologist, Prof Ashraf Rafi, noted Urdu scholar and Prof M N Sayeed, ex-chairman, Karnataka Urdu Academy, Bengaluru, Dr MA Sikandar, registrar were present.