ANDHRA PRADESH

Andhra Pradesh Government

Oriental Manuscripts Library and Research Institute (OMLRI)

Osmania University Campus, Hyderabad 500 007

Introduction: In 1975, the Andhra Pradesh State Central Library, formerly known as the Asafiya Library, transferred its Arabic script manuscript collection to the newly formed OMLRI. In April1997, it moved to a purpose-built building on the Osmania University Campus. The official introductory text is found in Hand Book of Andhra Pradesh Government Oriental Manuscripts Library and Research Institute, compiled by V.V.L. Narasimha Rao, (Hyderabad: OMLRI, 1988); and V. Venkatappaiah, A.P. “Government Oriental Manuscripts Library and Research Institute,” pp. 261-265, in Handbook of Libraries, Archives and Information Centers in India, Vol. 9, edited by B.M. Gupta, (New Delhi: Aditya Prakashan, 1991); S.M. Ibrahim, “About the Department of Oriental Manuscripts and Library,” Vijnana Saraswati 1, 2 (January 1984): 53-57; Mir Karamat Ali, “A Short Note on the Arabic, Persian and Urdu Manuscripts of Our Library,” Vijnana Saraswati 1, 2 (January 1984):75-77.

Number of Manuscripts: 23,000

Catalog (s): Kutub khanah-i Asafiya Sarkar-i Aali, (Hyderabad: Shamsi Press, 1900); Fihrist-i Kutub-i Arabi wa Farsi wa Urdu, preface by Sayyid Tassaduq Husayn al-Musawi al-Nisaburi & Sayyid Abbas Husayn al-Kazimi al-Nisaburi al-Kanturi, (Hyderabad, 1914-36) 4 vols. Fihrist mashru baad kutub nafisah qalmiyyah makhzuna kutub khanah Asafiyah sarkar-i aali, 2 vols., (Hyderabad: Dar al-Tabaa Sarkar-i Aali, 1937-1958); Nasir al-Din Hashimi, Descriptive Catalogue of Urdu Manuscripts, (Hyderabad: Khawatin-i Deccan Institute, 1961-1971) 2 vols. Mir Karamat Ali, An Alphabetical Subject wise Index of Urdu Etc. Manuscripts …, (Hyderabad: OMLRI, 1985); Rifat Ridwana, Wazahati fihrist-i makhtutat-i Urdu: dawawin wa kulliyat= A Descriptive Catalogue of Urdu Manuscripts: Diwan, Kuliyat, (Hyderabad: OMLRI, 1988).

Works on the history or individual manuscripts in the library:

In general see, Riza Ali Abidi, Kitab Khanah, (Karachi: Saad Publications, 1985), pp. 91-97. For particular manuscripts consult, Nasir al-Din Hashimi, “Kutub khanah-i Asafiya ke baaz nayab Urdu makhtutat,” Nawa-i Adab (January 1952): 23-48; H.E. Stapleton, “ Note on the Arabic Manuscripts on Alchemy in the Asasifyah Library…” Archeon 14 (1932): 57-61; David Pinault, “An Investigation of Arabic and Persian Manuscripts in Selected Indian Libraries,” Hamdard Islamicus 13, 2 (Summer 1990): 75-78; Isam Muhammad al-Shanti, al-Makhtut al-Arabiyyah fi al-Hind, (Kuwait: Maahad al-Makhtutat al-Arabiyyah, 1985), pp. 18-19. Based on a visit to the various Indian libraries including the OMLRI in April and May 1984; and Hans Daiber, “New Manuscript Findings from Indian Libraries,” Manuscripts of the Middle East 1 (1986), pp. 26-48; Angel Mestres, “Maghribi Astronomy in the 13^th Century: A Description of Manuscript in Hyderabad,” in From Baghdad to Barcelona: Studies in the Islamic Exact Sciences in Honor of Prof. Juan Vernet, vol. 1, pp. 383-443, (Barcelona: University of Barcelona, 1996)

Present Conditions: Evidently conditions are not good as far as preservation, conservation is concerned, see “State Department Turns Blind Eye to Manuscripts,” Deccan Chronicle, 5 May 2004; also the reports in the Urdu press, particulary Siyasat dated October 04, 2004, entitled “Tarikhi Adabi Wirsa ki Tabahi.” There are reports about digitizing these mansucripts as reported in Deccan Chronicle dated September 30, 2004, entitled “Manuscripts to go Digital in New Revival Attempt.”

“Memorandum On Oriental Manuscripts Library, Hyderabad,” Radiance 23-29 August 1987, p. 4. The memorandum submitted by The Islamic Service Society to the government of Andhra Pradesh speaks about lack of staff for Arabic script manuscripts. Evidently matters have not improved at the library since the memorandum was submitted, see “State on Verge of Losing 17, 000 Rare Manuscripts,” Deccan Chronicle 11 February 2000, www.Deccan.com; and “Archivist Calls for Preservation of Qalami Books,” Deccan Chronicle 31 August 2000, www.Deccan.com.

Andhra Pradesh State Archives

Tarnaka, Hyderabad 500007

Introduction: The State Archives was established in the 18^th century in the Nizam’s Dominion through the merger of various departmental depositories. It has a large collection of state papers in Persian and Urdu, but fewer manuscripts. The present institution and building dates from1956 and 1965 respectively. An introduction is found in Archival Organization and Records Management in the State of Andhra Pradesh, (Hyderabad: Government of Andhra Pradesh, 1980), as well as in A Guide to Persian and Urdu Records Preserved in Andhra Pradesh State Archives and Research Institute, edited by Syed Dawood Ashraf, (Hyderabad: AP State Archives, 1993)

Works on history or individual manuscripts:

Nasir al-Din Hashimi, “ Central Record Office ki Urdu qalami kitaben,” Nawa-i Adab (April 1956): 48-73; (July 1956): 33-54; Nasir al-Din Hashimi, Daftar-i Diwani wa Mal ke Hindustani makhtutat, (Hyderabad: Dar al-Tabaa, Jamia Osmania, n.d.); Muhammad Ghawth, “Karnatak ki Tarikh ke Makhtutat,” Maarif (Azamgarh) (February 1936): 117-122.;and Maarif (Azamgarh) (June 1936): 452-465.

Andhra Pradesh State Museum

Public Gardens, Hyderabad 500001

Introduction: The Museum was established in 1930 as the Hyderabad State Museum. The name was changed in 1956 to the present name. An official introductory text is by P. Joginaidu, A.P. State Museum, (Hyderabad: The Government of Andhra Pradesh, 2000)

Number of manuscripts: 117

Catalog (s): Catalogue of Arabic, Persian and Urdu Manuscripts in the Hyderabad Museum, edited by Muhammad Ghause, (Hyderabad: Government Central Press, 1953)

Works on the history or individual manuscripts in the library:

Nasir al-din Hashimi, “Ajai’b Khanah-yi Haydarabad ka ek Nayab Dakhni Makhtuta,” Maarif (Azamgarh) (June 1932): 446-451; Nasir al-Din Hashimi, “Haydarabad, Dakan ke Ajaib Khanah ki Urdu Qalami Kitaben,” Nawa-i Adab (January 1955): 42-49; (April 1955): 41-56; (July 1955): 19-24; (July 1956): 48-72; Hans Daiber, “New Manuscript Findings from Indian Libraries,” Manuscripts of the Middle East 1 (1986), pp. 26-48.

Government Nizamiya Tibbi College

Charminar, Hyderabad 500002

Introduction: See Helen E. Shaheen, Orgnanization, Practice, and Patronage of Ayurvedic and Unani Medicine Systems in Contemporary Hyderabad, unpublished PhD thesis, University of Pennsylvania, 1983.

Catalog (s): Aziz Pasha, “List of Arabic Medical Manuscripts in Government Unani Tibbi College, Hyderabad,” Bulletin of the Department of the History of Medicine 1 (1963): 188-89. “A Brief Account of Two Medical Manuscripts in the Library of Government Nizamiah Unani Tibbi College,” Bulletin of the Department of the History of Medicine1 (1963): 190-192. These articles were eventually published as the Union Catalogue of Arabic and Persian Medical Manuscripts in the Libraries of Hyderabad, (Hyderabad: Department of the History of Medicine, Osmania Medical College, 1966).

Idarah-yi Ihya al-Maarif al-Numaniya

Jalal Kucha

Hyderabad 500002

Introduction: It was established by Abu al-Wafa al-Afghani, a scholar from Afghanistan domiciled in Hyderabad. He passed away in 1976. This institutions contains several manuscripts, as yet uncataloged or listed.

Idarah-i Adabiyat-i Urdu

Iwan-i Urdu, Panjagutta

P.O. Somajiguda, Hyderabad 500482

Introduction: The Idarah was established in 1931 by Sayyid Muhi al-Din Qadiri Zor and his colleagues. Besides Urdu, it has manuscripts in Arabic and Persian. An official introductory text is in Yadgar-i jashn-i simin, (Hyderabad: The Idarah, 1955), as well as in the catalog noted below.

Number of manuscripts: 1,426

Catalog (s): Tazkirah-yi Urdu makhtutat, edited by Sayyid Muhi al-Din Qadiri Zor, (Hyderabad: The Idarah, 1943-59); reprinted Delhi: Tarraqi Urdu Bureau, 1984. 5 vols; vol. 6 edited by Muhammad Akbar al-Din Siddiqi and Muhammad Ali Athar, (Hyderabad: The Idarah, 1983); Tazkirah-i Nawadir-i Iwan-i Urdu, edited by Sayyid Muhi al-Din Qadiri Zor, (Hyderabad: The Idarah, 1960)

Works on the history or individual manuscripts in the library:

Zeb Haydar, “Idarah-i Adabiyat-i Urdu ke chand aham Farsi makhtutat,” Sabras (April 1998): 46-50.

Institute of History of Medicine

Osmania Medical College Building

Residency, Hyderabad 500001

Introduction: The Institute was established in 1957 in Gandhi Medical College in Bashir Bagh. Since 1971 it is located in Osmania Medical College, Residency. See the preliminary text in Institute of History of Medicine, Museum Guide, compiled by V.V. Ramana Rao & D.V. Subba Reddy, (Hyderabad: The Central Council for Research in Indian Medicine & Homeopathy, 1971), pp. 56-59; Aziz Pasha, “List of Arabic, Persian and Urdu Medical Manuscripts in the Department of History of Medicine,” Bulletin of the Department of History of Medicine 1 (1963):110-112.

Jamia Nizamiya

Shibli Gunj, Hyderabad 500002

Websiet URL http://www.jamianizamia.org/

(Not to be confused with the Government Nizamiya Tibbi College, noted above)

Introduction: See Parveen R. Farooqui, A Study of Jamia Nizamia, (Hyderabad: The Author, 1972).

Number of manuscripts: 1164

Works on the history or individual manuscripts in the library:

Nasir al-Din Hashimi, “Jamia Nizamiya ke Urdu makhtutat,” Nawa-i Adab (January 1964): 55-59; (April 1964): 28-41; David Pinault, “An Investigation of Arabic and Persian Manuscripts in Selected Indian Libraries,” Hamdard Islamicus 13, 2 (Summer 1990), p.77.

“Jamia Nizamia: 125 Glorious Years,” Siyasat Fortnightly International (January 16-31 1997): 1.

Kutub Khanah-i Rawdat al-Hadith

Rain Bazaar, Hyderabad 500023

Introduction: It is under the control of Muslim Waqf Board. The collection is housed in a building inappropriate for the purpose.

Number of manuscripts: 800

Works on the history or individual manuscripts:

Isam Muhammad al-Shanti, al-Makhtut al-Arabiyyah fi al-Hind, (Kuwait: Maahad al-Makhtutat al-Arabiyyah, 1985), pp. 26-27.

Present conditions: Although the A.P. State Waqf Board is supposedly in charge of the collection, the Board’s negligence led to its near destruction as reported in Siyasat 11 January 1982, and 25 January 1982.

Mecca Masjid Library

Charminar, Hyderabad 500002

Introduction: The premier mosque of Hyderabad was founded in 1617. Like most other jama masjids, the Mecca mosque probably always had a collection of books, if not a separate designated space for storing books. The present library in the mosques was built in 1980. According to a news report in Siyasat dated 25 May 1981, entitled “Makka Masjid Laibrari,” there are 65 Persian and Arabic manuscripts in the collection. See also Mohamed Taher and M.A.K. Fatimy, “Mosque Library: A Case Study,” Indian Library Association Bulletin 20, 1-2 (April-September 1984): 38-41.

Osmania University Library

Osmania University Campus

Hyderabad 500007

Introduction: The University was established in 1918, and the library was located in the College of Arts. Since 1963, it is housed in the present purpose-built facility. Official introductory text is on www.osmania.ac.in

Number of manuscripts: 3,418

Catalog (s): A Descriptive Catalogue of Urdu Manuscripts at Osmania University Library, compiled by Muhammad Ghouse and A.W. Shakira, (Hyderabad: Osmania University Library, 1984); Fihrist-i Urdu makhtut, edited by Abd al-Qadir Sarwari, (Hyderabad: Dar al-Tabaa Jamia Osmania,1929); Razia Akbar, “Fihrist-i makhtut-i kitab khanah-yi Osmania, Farsi,” Vahid (Tehran) 11, 5 (1352): 444-464 & 562-563; 12, 6-9 & 11 & 12 (1353): 506; 593; 682; 768; 932 ; 13 (1354):64-67.

Works on the history or individual manuscripts in the Library:

Aziz Pasha, “List of Arabic & Persian Medical Manuscripts in the Osmania University Library,” Bulletin of the Department of History of Medicine 1 (1963): 50-53; and the same compiler’s “Treatises of Historical Interest in the Osmania University Library,” Bulletin of the Department of History of Medicine 1 (1963): 54-56; Isam Muhammad al-Shanti, al-Makhtut al-Arabiyyah fi al-Hind, (Kuwait: Maahad al-Makhtutat al-Arabiyyah, 1985), pp.20-22; Paul Sprachman, “Photographing Islamic Manuscripts in India,” South Asia Library Notes and Queries 14 (November 1982), p. 7; Hans Daiber, “New Manuscript Findings from Indian Libraries,” Manuscripts of the Middle East 1 (1986), pp. 26-48; David Pinault, “An Investigation of Arabic and Persian Manuscripts in Selected Indian Libraries,” Hamdard Islamicus 13, 2 (Summer 1990), p. 77.

Present Conditions:

There are reports about conservation, see “Manusripts to go Hitech,” Deccan Chronicle September 11, 2004. These pertain to the collection of Hakim Muhammad Qasim’s collection purchased in 1939 at a then staggering cost of Rs.30, 000, also reported by Sayyid Daud Ashraf, “Riyasat-i Haydarabad main Makhtutat ka Tahhafuz,” Siyasat 11 October 2004.

Saidiya Library

5-6-175 Aghapura, Hyderabad 500001

Website URL http://business.vsn.com/netcity/sayeedia.htm

Introduction: The library was founded by Mufti Muhammad Said Khan, (1831-95), a judge of Hyderabad High Court. It was opened in 1935 by members of the Mufti Said Khan’s family. It used to be located in the Jam Bagh/Troop Bazaar in the heart of the city. However, on 9 September 1984, a mob of crazed fanatics burned down a portion of the library, destroying a number of precious manuscripts. Since then it is located in the private home of Mr. Ahmad Ataullah. For an ealier introduction see, Muhammad Ghawth, “Kutub Khanah-yi Saidiya,” Maarif (Azamgarh) January 1936:33-45. An official introduction is found in the catalog noted below.

Number of Manuscripts: 3141

Catalog (s): A Catalogue of Arabic Manuscripts, 2 vols., edited by Muhammad Ghouse and others, (Hyderabad: Saidiya Library, 1968-1991)

Works on the history or individual manuscripts in the library:

For an account of the library see Burhanuddin Husain, The Saeediya Library, (Aurangabad, 1937), a revised version of this booklet is included in Tazkirah-i Said, edited by Muhammad Afzal al-Din Iqbal, (Hyderabad: Saidiya Library, 1973. For an earlier account of some individual manuscripts see, Klaus Fischer, “Some Illuminated Persian Manuscripts in the Saidiyah Library,” Islamic Culture 30 (1956): 36-39; M. Nizamuddin, “A Unique Illustrated Manuscript of Sadi’s Gulistan,” pp. 121-126, in Studies in Indian Culture: Dr. Ghulam Yazdani Commemoration Volume, edited by H.K. Sherwani, (Hyderabad, 1963); Aziz Pasha, “List of Unani Medical Manuscripts Preserved in Sayeediya Library,” Bulletin of the Department of History of Medicine 3 (1965): 39-40; Annemarie Schimmel, “Impressions from a Journey to the Deccan,” Die Welt des Islams 20, 1-2 (1980): 104-107; Paul Sprachman, “Photographing Islamic Manuscripts in India,” South Asia Library Notes and Queries 14 (November 1982), p. 7; and Isam Muhammad al-Shanti, al-Makhtutat al-Arabiyyah fi al-Hind, (Kuwait: Maahad al-Makhtutat al-Arabiyyah, 1985), pp. 23-26

Present Conditions: For accounts of the attack on the library in 1984, see Munir Ahmad Siddiqi, “Kutub khanah-i Saidiya,” Siyasat 13 October 1984; and the comment of Narayana Rao on Siddiqi’s article lamenting the destruction published in the same newspaper dated 21 October 1984.

Salar Jang Museum and Library

Hyderabad 50002

Website URL http://www.salarjungmuseum.com/

Introduction: The museum and the library rich in Arabic script manuscripts is the collection of Nawab Mir Yusuf Ali Khan Salar Jang III, (1888-1949) an important nobleman and diwan of Hyderabad. Some of the collection had began long before Salar Jang III, in fact it started at least with his grandfather, Salar Jang I, better known to Hdyerabadis as Mukhtar al-Mulk, see K. Sajun Lal, “ A Little Known Fact About a Well-Known Man,” Salar Jang Museum Research Journal 6 & 7 (1975-75): 142-143. The museum and the library were opened in 1951, in the nobleman’s own palace called Diwan Dewdi. It moved to the present location in 1968. An introductory text is found in Guide Book [to] Salar Jung Museum, (Hyderabad: Salar Jung Museum, 1998); and by Rahmat Ali Khan, “Salar Jung Museum and Library,” pp. 73-75, in Handbook of Libraries, Archives, and Information Centers in India, vol. 9, edited by B.M. Gupta, (New Delhi: Aditya Prakashan, 1991)

Number of manuscripts: 10,000

Catalog (s) : Nasir al-Din Hashimi, Kutubkhanah-yi Nawab Salar Jang ki Urdu qalami kitabon ki wadahati fihrist, (Hyderabad: Ibrahimiya Press, 1957)

A Catalogue of the Arabic Manuscripts in the Salar Jung Collection, vol. 1-7, edited by Muhammad Nizamuddin and Muhammad Ashraf, (Hyderabad: The Museum, 1957-1993); A Catalogue of Persian Mss in the Salar Jung Museum and Library, vols. 1-10, edited by Muhammad Ashraf, (Hyderabad: The Museum, 1965-1991).

Work on history or individual manuscripts in the library:

M. Nizamuddin, “Hidden Treasures of Arabic and Persian Manuscripts in the Salar Jung Museum,” Indo-Iranica 10, ii (1957):26-41; Aziz Pasha, “ List of Arabic Medical Manuscripts in Salar Jung Oriental Library,” Bulletin of the Department of the History of Medicine 2 (1964): 33-39; “A Brief Account of a Persian Manuscript in the Salar Jung Oriental Library,” ,” Bulletin of the Department of the History of Medicine 2 (1964): 169-171; Paul Sprachman, “Photographing Islamic Manuscripts in India,” South Asia Library Notes and Queries 14 (November 1982), p. 7; M.S. Randhawa, “Rare Bukhara Manuscript: Raudat ul-Muhibbin,” Arts & the Islamic World 1, 4 (1983/84):7-10 Isam Muhammad al-Shanti, al-Makhtutat al-Arabiyyah fi al-Hind, (Kuwait: Maahad al-Makhtutat al-Arabiyyah, 1985), pp. 16-18; Karl J. Khandalavala and Rahmat Ali Khan, Gulshan-e Mussawari: Seven Illustrated Manuscripts, (Hyderabad: The Museum, 1986); Hans Daiber, “New Manuscript Findings from Indian Libraries,” Manuscripts of the Middle East 1 (1986), pp. 26-48; David Pinault, “An Investigation of Arabic and Persian Manuscripts in Selected Indian Libraries,” Hamdard Islamicus 13, 2 (Summer 1990), pp.75-77; Erkan Turkmen, “Divan-i Hafiz-i Khawrezmi Preserved in Salar Jang Museum Library,” Khuda Bakhsh Library Journal 53 (1990): 65-68; Manuscripts of Hyderabad, edited by Rahmat Ali Khan, (Hyderabad: Salar Jung Museum, 1990); and the same author’s “Manuscripts on the Prophet’s Life in Salar Jung Museum Library,” Radiance (5-11 September 1993):61.62; S.A. Hussain, “Zakhira-e Nizam Shahi: A Medical Manuscript of the Nizam Shahi Period.” Bulletin of the Indian Institute of History of Medicine 23, I (1993): 59-64; The Baburnama: Memoirs of Babur, Prince and Emperor, translated, edited & annotated by Wheeler M. Thackston, (New York: Oxford University Press, 1996), see p.13 for the most complete copy of the Baburnama in the Salar Jang Museum Library. More recent publications include, S.M. Razaullah Ansari, “Rare Arabic and Persian Manuscripts on Astronomy in the Salar Jang Museum,” Salar Jung Museum Bi-Annual Research Journal 33-34 (1996-97):13-18; Ziauddin Desai, “Foremost Indian Repository of Outstanding Specimens of the Art of Islamic Calligraphy: Salar Jang Museum,” Indo-iranica 50 (1997):75-84. M.A. Siraj, “Rare Qur’an Copy Found,” Saudi Gazette (6 August 1994), p.14. Like other libraries, Salar Jang Museum is not theft-free, as copies of Hamza Namah have disappeared, see John H. Barnes, “Patrons of Arts,” Biblio (New Delhi, March-April 2003):13-14.

Urdu Research Center

Sundarayya Vignana Kendram

Bagh Lingampalli

Hyderabad 500044

Introduction: This is a library and research center founded by Muhammad Abdussamad Khan, a bibliophile and automobile mechanic whostarted collecing since 1965. After various locations, the collection called Urdu Research Center moved to Sundarayya Vignana Kendram, a research center named after a Communist Party (Marxist) of India leader. See the websites http://dsal.uchicago.edu/bibliographic/urlc/svkabout.html and

http://www.flonnet.com/fl1917/19170780.htm

http://dsal.uchicago.edu/flood/

Catalog (s): Though none is published yet, Dr. Atluri Murali has kindly sent the present writer a Microsoft word document describing in English letters 250 records of the manuscripts in Urdu out of an estimated 1200.

Other Collections and Institutions:

There are/were a number of collections whose present whereabouts are unknown, see for example, Catalogue of the Arabic, Persian Books and Manuscripts in the Library of the Nawab Faylsuf Jang, edited by Abu Yusuf Muhi ad-Din Husain Farooqi, (Hyderabad: Shamsi Press, n.d.). Faylsuf Jang’s death is reported in 1907 in Manikrao Vitthalrao’s Bustan-i Asafiya, but nothing else is known about this remarkable man. No one seems to know what happened to this Library. Similar is the case with Fihrist-matbuat wa makhtuatt Kutub Khanah-i Haydari, edited by Shaykh Abu al-Qasim, (Hyderabad, 1354 Fasli). Mawlawi Umar al-Yafii, a Hadramawti Arab, (born 1306 Hijri, died 12 Rabi I 1381 AH/27 August 1961) donated his large collection of manuscripts to the Anjuman-i Tarraqi-yi Urdu, Karachi, Pakistan, vide Shah Abu al-Khayr Kunjnashin, “Mawlawi Umar al-Yafii”, Siyasat 13 August 1987.

Dairat al-Maarif al-Osmania, is an institution established to edit and publish Arabic manuscripts written between 6^th to the 14^th century CE or first to the eighth century of the Hegira. It was established in 1888. Since 1944 it is affiliated with Osmania University, and located on the University campus in its own building since 1963. One of its publication attracted a review by W.R. Worrell, “ An Interesting Collection of Tursi’s Work,” Scripta Mathematica 9 (1943): 195-196. The best introduction to this institution is written by Abd al-Muid Khan, “Dairat a-maarif al-Osmania,” pp. 60-73, in Urdu in Sawghat-i jashan-i tilai, Jamia Osmania, edited by Husyani Shahid, (Hyderabad: Osmania University, 1968). The article by Mohammad Suleman Siddiqi, “The Dairat al-Maarif,” Islamic Culture 76, 2 (April 2002): 199-216, adds very little that is new. The most recent (1998) list of publication shows that 161 manuscripts have been published. In 1988, the Daira completed a century amidst dire financial straits, as the press reports indicate. See “Daira to Get a New Lease of Life,” Deccan Chronicle February 24, 2000, as cited on www. Deccan.com. On the previous works of the Dairah see, Hashim Nadvi, Maqalah-yi tahaffuz-i ulum-i qadimah, (Hyderabad: Dairat al-Maarif al-Osmaniyya, 1936). The same editor consulted 376 manuscripts in many Indian collections and listed them in his Tadhkirah al-nawadir min al-makhtutat al-Arabiyyah, (Hyderabad: Dairat al-Maarif al-Osmania, 1350 A.H.)

Special Note: In the [Abdul] Razzaq Manzil, in Nampally is located the Haj House, there was a library containing manuscripts and rare books, see the report, “Haj House Eats Up Library, Lets Books Rot,” Deccan Chronicle Monday 30 September 2002, http://Deccan.com/city/city2.shtml accessed on that date.