Monthly Archives: December 2022

Jamia Millia Islamia: 12 Research Scholars Selected For Prime Minister Research Fellowship

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NEW DELHI :

Jamia Millia Islamia(JMI) expressed its pride in being awarded the Prime Minister Research Fellowship (PMRF) of 12 research scholars of the university under the Lateral Entry Scheme of the May 2022 drive.

New Delhi:

Jamia Millia Islamia(JMI) expressed its pride in being awarded the Prime Minister Research Fellowship (PMRF) of 12 research scholars of the university under the Lateral Entry Scheme of the May 2022 drive.

According to the PMRF Coordinator, JMI Professor Abdul Quaiyum Ansari, the researchers will individually get a fellowship of Rs 70,000 for the first two years, Rs 75,000 for third year, Rs.80,000 for the fourth and fifth year respectively. Apart from this, each fellow will get a research grant of Rs. 2 Lakhs per year (a total of Rs 10 Lakhs for five years) under the PMRF.

The JMI has improved its performance significantly as in 2021 six research scholars were selected for the PMRF under the Lateral Entry Scheme of the December 2020 drive. The university has also shared the name of students, their recommender and the Department/Centres selected for Lateral Entry Scheme of the May 2022 drive

1.Nadeem Ahmad recommended by Professor Quamrul Hasan – Civil Engineering

2. Mohammad Ariz recommended by Professor Tarikul Islam – Electrical Engineering

3. Mohammad Masood recommended by Professor Mohammad Mahfuzul Haque – Biotechnology

4. Gulnaz Tabassum recommended by Dr Kapil Dev – Biotechnology

5. Ayesha Aiman recommended by Professor Seemi Farhat Basir – Biosciences

6. Sakeena Masrat recommended by Dr Rafiq Ahmad – CNN

7. Mudasir Younis Sofi recommended by Dr Mohd. Ajmal Khan – Physics

8. Shah Masheerul Alam recommended by Dr Javed Ali – Physics

9. Shelly Bhardwaj recommended by Dr Amit Kumar – Chemistry

10. Sneha Shukla recommended by Professor Saif A. Chaudhry – Chemistry

11. Abdus Samad recommended by Dr Shama Parveen – CIRBSc

12. Nuha Abeer Khan recommended by Dr Mohan C. Joshi – MCARS

While conveying best wishes to the successful candidates of the university, JMI Vice-Chancellor Professor Najma Akhtar said: “JMI stands for excellence and strives hard to provide its students every possible support to achieve great heights. This performance reflects university’s focus on high quality research and I am particularly happy that six out of the twelve students are girls. I hope that it would inspire other students particularly girl students of the university to do well in science and engineering research.”

source: http://www.ndtv.com / NDTV / Home> Education / by Adarsh Srivastava / October 26th, 2022

Karnataka has highest number of top scorers in CLAT-2023 UG and PG

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KARNATAKA :

Two candidates, one each from Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, secured 100 percentile and emerged as all India toppers.

Eight students from Karnataka, the highest for any State, have emerged as top scorers in Common Law Admission Test (CLAT-2023) results for undergraduate and postgraduate streams declared by the Consortium of National Law Universities on December 23, Friday.

Two candidates, one each from Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, secured 100 percentile and emerged as all India toppers. One candidate from Karnataka secured a percentile of 99.97, two secured 99.96 and one each secured a percentile of 99.95, 99.94, 99.93 and 99.92 in CLAT UG from Karnataka.

Kshitika Tyagi

Kshitika Tyagi of Bengaluru got an All India Rank (AIR) of 12 with 106.75 score and a percentile of 99.97 in CLAT-2023 UG. Speaking to The Hindu, she said she started preparing for the exam and found the subject very interesting. “I want to join the National Law School of India University, Bengaluru,” she said. 

Ayesha Khan

Another topper from Karnataka, Ayesha Khan, AIR 17 with 105.75 score and 99.96 percentile, said her dream had come true. “From a very young age, I always wanted to be a lawyer, and I will be one now,” she said. 

The CLAT-2023 was conducted at 127 centres in 23 States and two Union Territories. A total of 94.87% of the candidates who enrolled appeared for the examination, of which 56% are females 44% are males and 2 are transgenders.

The duration of the CLAT 2023 UG test was 120 minutes. The test had five sections, with a total of 150 questions. One question was withdrawn in the final answer key. The highest mark secured in CLAT 2023 UG is 116.75. CLAT 2023 PG had one section comprising 120 questions and the highest mark secured is 95.25.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / December 23rd, 2022

Ahmedabad: AC mechanic’s son gets 99.78 percentile in CAT this year

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Juhapura, Ahmedabad, GUJARAT:

Ahmedabad: AC mechanic's son gets 99.78 percentile in CAT this year | Ahmedabad News - Times of India

Ahmedabad:

Razin Mansuri, 22, son of an air conditioner repairman and a resident of Ahmedabad, had scored 96.2 percentile in the Common Admission Test ((CAT) 2021 and was eligible for admission in IIM-Udaipur.

But Mansuri was not satisfied with his results so he decided to give it another shot and his efforts paid off as Mansuri scored 99.78 percentile making his chances for an admission in IIM-Ahmedabad or IIM-Bangalore quite high.

Mansuri completed his engineering in IT from Ahmedabad University in May this year. His father earns about 25,000 per month. Razin, his father Irfan Mansuri, mother Sabiha, and his younger brother Rehan live in a one-bedroom house in Juhapura.

Ahmedabad: AC mechanic's son gets 99.78 percentile in CAT this year | Ahmedabad News - Times of India
Razin Mansuri

As my family’s economic condition is weak, right from high school I have mostly studied on scholarships. After completing high school from CN Vidyalaya, I took admission in Ahmedabad University and completed engineering in IT. I again got a scholarship in AU as my performance was good,” Mansuri told TOI. He said that after he completed engineering he was offered jobs with a Rs 6 lakh annual salary. “I did not take the offer as my dream was to get admission in IIM, preferably in IIM-A or IIM-B.

I started preparing for CAT and took the test in 2021. However, as I did not take any coaching I got 96.20 percentile. I was not satisfied with the result and decided to take the exam again in 2022,” Mansuri said.

Ahmedabad: AC mechanic's son gets 99.78 percentile in CAT this year | Ahmedabad News - Times of India

He added that he enrolled for a coaching class for CAT 2022  as it charged him only half the fees. “It is an exceptional achievement given his family background and financial struggles. I am sure he will be a great student for any top IIM,” said Satish Kumar, head of the coaching class where Mansuri trained.

Once I pass out from IIM, I want to give back to society what I received from it. I want to help as many students as I can in their education,” Mansuri said.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> City News> Ahmedabad News / by Bharat Yagnik / TNN / December 22nd, 2022

Karnataka State shines in ’60th National Roller Skating Championships 2022 ′ -Winning 11 Medals – 6 Gold, 2 Silver and 3 Bronze.

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KARNATAKA :

The 60th National Roller Skating Championships 2022-23 was held at Bengaluru from December 11 to 22.

10 skaters from Hi-Flyers Skating Club had qualified for the Nationals. 4 skaters won 6 Golds, 2 silvers and 3 bronze.

In Individual Events :

Arpita Nishanth Shet gets 1 Gold and 1 Silver in Rink 500+D and Road 1 lap.


Muhammad Shamil Arshad gets 1 Gold and 1 Silver in Rink 500+D and Road 1 lap.


Dashiel Amanda Concessao gets 2 Bronzes in Dual TT and 500+D.


Moksha A Suvarna gets a Bronze in Road 1 lap..

In group events :

Shamil and Arpita grab the Gold in junior Mixed Relay.

Arpita and Dashiel also grab the Gold in the junior Girls Relay

These skaters were trained by coaches Mohandas K, Jayaraj and Ramanand of Hi-Flyers Skating Club.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Karnataka / by Media Release / December 20th, 2022

Sania Mirza of UP will be India’s 1st Muslim woman fighter pilot

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Jasovar Village (Mirzapur District), UTTAR PRADESH :

Sania Mirza of Uttar Pradesh’s Mirzapur district earned this position by passing the National Defense Academy 2022 examination (NDA) exam.

On December 27, Sania Mirza will join NDA Khadakwasla in Pune.(ANI)
On December 27, Sania Mirza will join NDA Khadakwasla in Pune.(ANI)

Sania Mirza, daughter of a TV mechanic from Mirzapur, has been selected to become a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force and would be the country’s first Muslim girl and the state’s first IAF pilot.

Sania Mirza is a resident of Jasovar village under the Mirzapur Dehat Kotwali police station area. She secured this position by passing the NDA exam. She has brought laurels not only to the district but also to the state and the country.

Sania, who studied in a Hindi medium school, said that Hindi medium students too can achieve success if they are determined. On December 27, she will join NDA Khadakwasla in Pune.

The parents as well as the villagers are feeling proud at her.

Sania’s father Shahid Ali said, “Sania Mirza considers the country’s first fighter pilot Avni Chaturvedi as her role model. From the beginning, she wanted to be like her. Sania is the second girl in the country who has been selected as a fighter pilot.”

She studied from primary to Class 10 at Pandit Chintamani Dubey Inter College in the village itself. After that, she went to Guru Nanak Girls Inter College in the city. She was the district topper in the 12th UP Board. She started her preparations at Centurion Defense Academy.

She gives the credit for success to her parents as well as to the Centurion Defense Academy.

She said that only two seats were reserved for women in fighter pilot in National Defense Academy 2022 exam . “I could not grab a seat in the first attempt but I have found a place in my second attempt.”

Sania’s mother Tabassum Mirza said, “Our daughter has made us and the entire village proud. She fulfils the dream of becoming the first fighter pilot. She inspired every girl in the village to follow their dreams.”

In the National Defense Academy 2022 examination, there were a total of 400 seats including male and female. In which there were 19 seats for women, and two seats were reserved for fighter pilots. In these two seats, Sania managed to get a place on the strength of her talent.

source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home> India News / by ANI / posted by Lingamgunta Nirmitha Rao / December 23rd, 2022

Hyderabad: Madrasa-I-Aliya celebrates 150 years of completion

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Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

It was in 1872 that the Diwan (Prime Minister) of Hyderabad, Mir Turab Ali Khan popularly known as Salar Jung – I, established Madrasa-e-Aliya.

 Madrasa-I-Aliya alumini on Sunday celebrated the existence and contribution of their alma mater.

Hyderabad:

Madrasa-I-Aliya, one of the oldest school of Hyderabad, on Sunday celebrated the 150 years of its completion.

A program was organised by the alumni of the school in the school premises at Nizam College, Gunfoundry to remember the contributions of Madarsa-i-Aliya in their lives.

It was in 1872 that the Diwan (Prime Minister) of Hyderabad, Mir Turab Ali Khan popularly known as Salar Jung – I, established Madrasa-e-Aliya a few years after setting up the Darul Uloom school.

The event started with Tarana-i-Aliya and the present teachers and students also witnessed and heard the experiences of the alumni.

The alumni took several initiatives and a discussion highlighting some nostalgic anecdotes by the teachers and the students made the celebrations more meaningful and interesting.

To encourage the students, 150 Pure Silver Medals were awarded to meritorious students of Class X of school and Intermediate Final year students of Aliya Junior College.

pix 2 t0 05

On this occasion, an Audio-Visual documentary on 150 years of Madrasa-I-Aliya prepared by department of mass communication and journalism, MANUU Hyderabad was presented before the audience.

The event was enriched by some distinguished guests from department of education, Dr Shaid Ali Khan, Mohammed Ali Rafath IAS — Alumina Madrasa-I-Aliya, Yogaraj — Alumina Madrasa-I-Aliya, Gautam Chand Jain— Chairman Pokarna Limited (Alumnus of Aliya Junior College). Other pass out students from batch 1949 onwards  graced the occasion with their presence.

“The flashbacks to the old Aliya days revived before our eyes”, said Arshad Nawab, Alumni of Madarsa-I-Aliya.

The alumnus shared their fond memories and unique stories as a student in the school. Everyone wished and appealed the Government of Telangana to restore Madarsa I Aliya to its original glory.

The celebration committee which comprised of Basharath Ali, Shujaat, Ali Rafath, IAS, and others thanked the participants for taking out time.

source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Hyderabad / by News Desk / December 10th, 2022

Why is Ghaseda village celebrating Mewat day today?

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Mewat, RAJASTHAN /HARYANA/ UTTAR PRADESH:

Mahatma Gandhi with other freedom fighters
Mahatma Gandhi with other freedom fighters

December 19 is celebrated as ‘Mewat Day’, for it was on this day in 1947, soon after the partition of India, that Mahatma Gandhi’s appeal to the Meo Muslims living in what is today the border areas of Haryana, UP, and Rajasthan, made them shun their desperation to move to Pakistan.

The community members were all packed with some belongings after facing harassment and violence at the hands of officials in the post-partition mayhem that had gripped both India and Pakistan. Lakhs of Mewatis got together and declared they would go to Pakistan when Mahatma Gandhi came on the scene.  He assured to protect the life and property of Mewatis and give them full respect.

At the time of the partition of India, Mewat, Gurgaon, and Faridabad of Haryana were ruled by the British, and Alwar, Bharatpur of Rajasthan by the kings. At the time of partition, like other parts of the country, Mewat also saw communal violence.

At this stage freedom fighters Abdul Hai, Himmat Khan, and a few other Muslim leaders came to know of a conspiracy to force Mewati Muslims to leave India for Pakistan and they met Mahatma Gandhi and invited him to visit Mewat.

Mahatma Gandhi reached Ghaseda village of Mewat on 19 December 1947. He was accompanied by many leaders including the then Chief Minister of Punjab Gopi Chand Bhargava, Ranbir Singh Hooda, father of former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda.

Mahatma Gandhi’s speech on 19th December 1947 in the village of Ghaseda before lakhs of Mewatis is historic. He said, “Today my sayings do not have the same power as it would have earlier.

“But what I say any as much impact as it would have earlier, today not a single Muslim would need to leave the Indian Union, nor would any Hindu-Sikh be required to leave their homes in Pakistan and seek refuge in the Indian Union.

A sorrowful Bapu said: “My heart is filled with sorrow after hearing what is happening here. All around arson, looting, killing, coercive religious conversion and kidnapping of women, and demolishing temples, mosques and gurudwaras is madness. If this is not stopped, both communities will be annihilated.”

Historian Siddiq Ahmed Meo, who has 10 books on the history of Mewat to his credit, says, “Gandhiji also read out the complaints sent to him by Mewati Muslim representatives to the assembled crowd.”

He assured the Mewatis that they would be given full respect. If any government official commits any atrocity with the Mewatis, then the government will take strict action against him. Gandhiji said, “I will be happy if my words can console you a little.”

He expressed grief over the Muslims who were expelled from the princely states of Alwar and Bharatpur.

Gandhiji said in his speech, “A time will come in India when all hatred will be buried in the ground and both societies will be able to live in peace.”

Mewat’s social worker Fajruddin Besar says, after Gandhiji’s assurances, the Muslims reversed their decision. “If they were not stopped at that time, there would be not a single Muslim in Haryana and Rajasthan today.” He says Gandhiji did a big favour to the Muslims by stopping them from going to Pakistan. “Today, Muslims in India are living a life of more peace and respect than in Pakistan. In Pakistan, there is always fighting among Muslims.”

In 2007, chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda declared Ghaseda an ideal village and renamed it Gandhi Gram Ghaseda. He also released about Rs 10 crore for development works in the village.

This year Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will also reach the village on December 22 and celebrate Mahatama Gandhi’s visit to the village on that day.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> India / by Yunus Alvi, Nuh (Haryana) / December 19th, 2022

Adil Shahi literature translated to Kannada to fill gap in history of Deccan India

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Karnataka (under research project), Leaders

Vijayapura (Bijapur), KARNATAKA:

Dr. P.G. Halakatti Research Centre of Vijayapura in north Karnataka has spearheaded the project that is historically significant.

Members of the Adil Shahi Literature Translation Committee at Dr. P.G. Halakatti Research Centre in Vijayapura. | Photo Credit: File photo

Vijayapura-based BLDE Society’s Dr. P. G. Halakatti Research Centre has just completed the ambitious task of translating literature and documents pertaining to the reign of Adil Shahi kings in the 15th and 16th century. The work was carried out in association with the government of Karnataka.

Books in Persian, Arabic and Dakhani have been translated to Kannada. The project generated around 4,500 pages in 19 volumes.

The translated books include epics like Tareekh-e-Farishta, a history of the kingdom by Mohammad Kasim ‘Farishta’, Basateen-e-Salateen by Ibrahim Zuberi, Ibrahim Nama by Ibrahim Dehelvi in Dakhani, Guldasta-e-Bijapur by Mir Ahmed Ali Khan, Hafta Kursi by Fitur Khan Lari, and Futuhat-e-Alamgeer by Eshwar Das Nagar.

Challenge of finding experts in Persian language as well as Kannada

“This is a milestone in the cultural history of Karnataka,” says Krishna Kolhar Kulkarni, director of the centre. “It has been completed after painstaking work by scholars and translators who are good in both the original language and the target language. It was not easy to find them, as there are few persons who are well-versed in Persian or Dakhani. It also took us a lot of time to visit libraries and research centres to gather the books and documents.”

Procuring the books was not easy. Committee members visited Hyderabad, Delhi and Kolkata, to get copies of various books. The books were collected from the Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad, the archives of Andhra Pradesh, and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) headquarters in New Delhi, and some individuals.

“It was tough work, but we persisted. For example, we got one of the only two copies of ‘Mohammad Nama’ by Kazi Nurallah. Even these copies are reproductions, and not originals,” he said.

Important historical project

“Though there have been a few books in English and Kannada about the history of medieval Karnataka, a lot of work needs to be done. The translation project hopes to fill that void. It will tell us not only about the history of Karnataka and the Deccan region, but also about India in those times,” he said. “Apart from documenting the life and times of medieval India, the translation project will help us drop our prejudices and dispel misconceptions about this phase of history.”

The project has been in the works for several years, says Dr. Kulkarni who is also the director of Adil Shahi Literature Translation Committee set up by the Ministry of Kannada and Culture. He worked for several years with M.M. Kalburgi who was vice-chancellor of Kannada University in Hampi.

M.B. Patil, BLDE Society chairman and founder of the research centre, recalls the contribution of Irrigation Minister Govind Karjol, who supported the project during his tenure as the minister for Kannada and Culture Minister.

The volumes were released in Bengaluru on December 18 in the presence of former Union Minister Salman Khurshid, writer Sudheendra Kulkarni, former Minister M.B. Patil, literary critic Devu Pattar, Mansoor Ali Khan of Centre for Research and Communication, G.K. Patil, president of Dr. P. G. Halakatti Research Centre.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnatkaka / by B. Rishikesh Bahadurdesai / December 19th, 2022

Hyderabad: Haziq and Mohi Rare Books planning to sell collection

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Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

Among the patrons of Haziq and Mohi Rare Book Sellers, back when its founder Awad Bafana was running it, also includes author (of White Mughals) William Dalrymple.

 An inside view of Haziq and Mohi rare book sellers. (Image: Yunus Lasania)

Hyderabad: 

For over four decades, Awad Bin Mohd Bafana ran a book store selling rare books in the Old City. A man of Arab descent, he had inherited the books from his grandfather’s personal library. Over a period of time, it became a go-to place for research scholars, and anyone else looking to buy something interesting and old. Haziq and Mohi Rare Book Sellers today is one of those ‘secrets’ that many love to discover among the city’s heritage.

Awad Bafanna, as he was known, passed away suddenly in 2015 over half a decade ago at the age of 74. He left behind thousands of books in his shop, which only he mentally kept track of. His nephews who run the shop today in Hyderabad, painstakingly have only managed to organise a section of the collection. “There was no inventory but he knew exactly where every book was in his head,” said Ibrahim, one of his nephews.

One can understand the enormity of the rare book collection at Haziq and Mohi while walking through it. There is literally space for only one person to walk in its hallway, and to then turn right into another section. Thankfully, Awad Bafana’s family have partially sorted out books based on subjects like history, politics, on Hyderabad etc. The bookstore is a haven for bibliophiles and research scholars who require particular titles.

A favourite of collectors and scholars

Among the patrons of Haziq and Mohi Rare Book Sellers, back when Awad Bafana was running it, also included author (of White Mughals) William Dalrymple. Ibrahim and his brothers still receive calls from abroad for specific books customers want. Awad Bafana’s grandfather had worked as a Jamadar in Barkas. for the Al-Quaiti family that headed the Yemeni community in Hyderabad.

Haziq and Mohi rare book sellers. (Image: Yunus Lasania)

Hyderabad’s Barkas, where their descendants live even today, is believed to be a corrupt word of the word barracks. It is essentially a mini Yemen of sorts and is a go-to place for foodies who want to eat authentic Yemeni cuisine.

Partial book collection up for sale

Now, seven years Mr. Bafanna’s demise, Awad Bafana’s extended family that runs Haziq and Mohi Rare Book Sellers is looking to part with a chunk of its collection. The Bafana family runs the rare book store in Hyderabad’s old city near the Chowk Ki Masjid at Hussaini Alam road. The collection is huge, and the family still has to go through the entire thing in order to catalogue it.

“We are not selling away all our books, nor are we shutting down the store. However, there are some monetary requirements at home due to which we decided to do this. Anyone who is interested can come take a look and discuss it with us,” Ibrahim told Siasat.com.

Haziq and Mohi has a treasure trove of books in mainly Urdu, English, Persian and Arabic. Many book lovers who wander there usually end up sticking around for hours, mostly going back with books they never knew they wanted in the first place. The collection of rare books include several official gazettes, and other publications that are even a century old. One will have to sift through it to even figure out what is there.

Anyone interested in purchasing the collection that is up for grabs can contact the Bafana family for the same (finding it is easy on Google Maps) on +919160161301.

Haziq and Mohi rare book sellers. (Image: Yunus Lasania)

source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Hyderabad / by Yunus Lasania / December 14th, 2022

Belgaum: 800-yr-old Shaikh Badruddin Dargah is a symbol of harmony

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Belgaum, KARNATAKA :

The dargah Hazrat Syedina Shaikh Badruddin Shah Arif Chishti is in possession of several archival records, but its real claim to fame is a copy of the Holy Quran calligraphed by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir.

 The shrine of Shaikh Badruddin Chishti in Belgaum recently underwent renovation with some scintillating Persian glass work. (Image: Shafaat Shahbandari).

The historic town of Belgaum is home one of Karnataka’s oldest Dargahs. Located within the ancient fort of Belgaum, the dargah Hazrat Syedina Shaikh Badruddin Shah Arif Chishti is believed to be more than eight centuries of old.

Among the first sufi saints to settle in the region, Shaikh Badruddin travelled across south India spreading the message of peace and harmony. The historic tomb in Belgaum is still a great symbol of harmony in the city.

“Hazrat Syedina Shaikh Badruddin Shah Arif Chishti arrived in Deccan more than 800 years ago. He travelled extensively across southern India to spread the message of peace and love. He was among the first sufi saints to settle down in this region,” said Rafeeq Ahmed Ghawwas, caretaker of the Dargah in Belgaum.

Located in the historic Belgaum Fort, the mausoleum of Shaikh Badruddin Chishti was revered by rulers from various dynasties irrespective of their faith. (Shafaat Shahbandari)

Origins

Originally from Delhi, Shaikh Badruddin he was a disciple of Hazrat Shaikh Qutubuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki, who was a 12th century saint and scholar based in Delhi.  According to Ghawwas, Shaikh Badruddin migrated to the Deccan in Belgaum on the advice of his spiritual master. He was the one who introduced the Chishti order of the revered saint Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti in the south.

“Our ancestors were the disciples of Shaikh Badruddin and we have been in the service of this place since the earliest times. I took over as the caretaker of this dargah from my uncle Khattal Ahmed, who had taken over from my father Abdur Raheem Mujawar. Before him our grandfather Ebrahim Ahmed was the caretaker, who took over from his father Shaikh Jangu Mian,” said Ghawwas, who has been the caretaker of the dargah for more than 30 years.

Venerated by kings, ministers and commanders of all faiths, the dargah and the saints of this order have had close ties with several dynasties across its history of almost 800 years.

Ghawwas with some prized remnants of Maratha, Mughal and Adil Shahi heritage. (Shafaat Shahbandari)

The Aurangzeb connection and the Quran

More interestingly, the dargah Hazrat Syedina Shaikh Badruddin Shah Arif Chishti is in possession of several archival records that reflect its rich and vibrant history. And among its biggest inheritances is a 16th century copy of the Holy Quran that was calligraphed and gifted by the sixth Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir.

Rafeeq Ahmed Ghawwas with his prized possession – a 17th century calligraphed copy of Quran. (image: Shafaat Shahbandari)

“The emperor had actually gifted the copy to the dargah of Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti in Ajmer, but we are not sure how and when it reached into the possession of our ancestors. We feel fortunate to have this blessed copy and we are doing our best to preserve it for posterity,” added Ghawwas, who has preserved the copy with great care.

According to local history, after his travels across South India, Shaikh Badruddin arrived in Belgaum and settled within the premises of the then newly built fort.  The fort was originally built in 1204 AD by Raja Jaya Raya of the Ratta Dynasty and Shaikh Badruddin lived here until his death in 1251 AD.

This mausoleum was built in the early 16th century by the Adil Shahi general and the then governor of Belgaum Asad Khan Lari.  The structure has been preserved with some renovation and restoration. Recently, the interiors of the dargah went through a facelift with Iranian glasswork adorning the walls, the dome and the ceilings.

Throughout its long history in Belgaum, the has received patronage from the rulers irrespective of their faith. The caretaker is in possession of several firmans and sanads issued by the Maratha rulers who venerated Shaikh Badruddin and offered their patronage.

The ornamented page of the calligraphed work representing the first chapter of the Holy Quran. (Image: Shafaat Shahbandari)

“This dargah has always been the abode of peace and harmony and we are continuing with our age-old motto of love for all,” added Ghawwas.

source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Bangalore / by Shafaat Shahbandari / December 13th, 2022