Epigraphia Indica - Arabic and Persian Suppliment 1977 (An Old and Rare Book)

Foreword I am extremely delighted to bring to the notice of the research scholars that the issue of 1977 in the series of Epigraphia Indica Arabic and Persian Supplement, edited by Shri N.M. Ganam, the then Superintending Epigraphist for Arabic and Persian Inscriptions, is being placed in their hands. The printing of the issue was delayed due to various unforeseen factors.

The issue contains in all eleven articles, contributed by six scholars working in the department. The inscriptions are from Gujarat, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh and belong to various dynasties like the Khalkis, Tughluqs, Surs, Mughals and the Bhonslas of Nagpur, covering a period of over 450 years (1318-1780 A.D.). Some miscellaneous epigraphs have also been covered in this issue. All the epigraphs taken up for study here throw a welcome light for the first time on various aspects of history of the regions mentioned above and add a new dimension to the study of inscriptions, based on contemporary and later Persian sources.

This issue has come out of the press neatly on account of the tireless efforts of Dr. M.l. Quddusi, who is presently heading the Arabic & Persian Branch of A.S.l. at Nagpur and his colleagues, all of whom deserve a very hearty appreciation.

Preface The present issue of the Epigraphia Indica Arabic and Persian Supplement 1977 contains eleven articles by six scholars of the department, a few of them being the retired persons now. In this issue, in all 52 inscriptions including 5 miscellaneous ones spanning the period over 450 years (1318-1780), have been studied at length which come from 28 places, situated in 6 different states of India viz., Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Maharashtra.

Of the 52 epigraphs, 47 are the dynastic records, representing 11 rulers associated with five different dynasties, namely the Khalkis 0), the Tughluqs (6), the Surs (3), the Mughals (32) and the Bhonsla Rajas of Nagpur (5). The heterogeneous pieces of information as gleaned from these inscriptions are very useful, authentic and informative. These epigraphs constitute a contemporary source material about various officials, builders, Sufi-saints and dignitaries at various levels, shedding light on various aspects of history of the regions, mentioned above.

Book's Contents and Sample Pages