AMU Alumnus Yusuf Farooqi Joins Ontario Geological Survey, Canada
Aligarh:
Mr. Yusuf Farooqi, an alumnus of the Department of Geology, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has been selected to join the prestigious Ontario Geological Survey, Canada, as a Geological Assistant.
In his new role, Mr. Farooqi will contribute to geological research, conduct fieldwork, collect and analyse geological data, and support technical and administrative aspects of mapping and exploration projects. He completed his B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Geology from AMU in 2019 and 2021, respectively.
Prof. Rashid Umar, Chairperson, Department of Geology, congratulated Mr. Farooqi and expressed pride in his achievement, noting that it reflects AMU’s global impact and the academic rigour of its Earth Sciences programme.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Markers of Excellence / by Radiance News Bureau / May 15th, 2025
Prof. Zakia Siddiqi Honoured with Dr. B R Ambedkar International Award
Aligarh:
Prof. Zakia Ather Siddiqi, a celebrated educationist and former Principal of Women’s College, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has been conferred with the Dr. B R Ambedkar International Award (Certificate of Excellence) by the Tirupati Balaji Educational Foundation, honouring her lifelong service to education and social upliftment.
Renowned for her unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment through education, Prof. Siddiqi transformed academic standards and inspired generations of female students. As the OSD of Aligarh Public School, she introduced dynamic pedagogical reforms and steered the institution to national recognition.
Under her leadership, the Aligarh Public School secured the prestigious Digital India Competition Award four times – in 2017, 2018, 2023, and 2024 – reflecting her vision of merging education with technological advancement.
Even after retirement, her dedication remains undiminished. This award not only celebrates her legacy but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for educators and students alike.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / May 09th, 2025
Prof. Nizamuddin Khan, a retired faculty member from the Department of Geography, Aligarh Muslim University
Aligarh:
Prof. Nizamuddin Khan, a retired faculty member from the Department of Geography, Aligarh Muslim University, has been conferred with the Best Presentation Award at the International Conference on Asian and Pacific Studies (ICOAAPS-25), held in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Prof. Khan presented a research paper titled “Impact of Urbanisation on Dairy Farming and Sustainable Rural Development in Peri-Urban Area in India: A Case Study of Aligarh City”.
His work was lauded for its scholarly depth and relevance to contemporary urban-rural dynamics in developing regions.
Organised by the Association for Scientific and Academic Research (ASAR) with support from Google Scholar, the conference attracted researchers and academicians from around the world, providing a platform to exchange ideas and findings on pressing regional issues.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards / by Radiance News Bureau / May 09th, 2025
The Sarojini Naidu Centre for Women’s Studies in collaboration with the Dr Zakir Hussain Institute of Islamic Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, hosted a special extension Lecture titled, “Unpacking the Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction about Women in Islam” on April 24, 2025, at Mir Anis Hall of Jamia Millia Islamia.
The lecture was delivered by noted British Islamic Scholar Dr Shiekh Mohammad Akram Nadwi. Formerly the Dean of Cambridge Islamic College and currently the Principal of the Al-Salam Institute and famous for his multi volume book Al-Muhaddithat, which documents female scholars in Islamic history, he is a leading authority on Islamic jurisprudence and Hadith, inspiring global audiences with his teachings.
The event opened with a soulful recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by a warm welcome from the honorary director of SNCWS Prof Nishat Zaidi.
The introduction of the speaker was given by Prof. Habibullah Khan, Honorary Director of the Dr Zakir Hussain Institute of Islamic Studies. Prof Habibullah praised Dr Nadwi’s globally recognised contributions to Islamic scholarship, particularly his work on gender and Hadith.
Dr Nadwi’s lecture captivated the large audience present in the hall as the urging open dialogue to dismantle stereotypes about women in Islam.
Referencing his monumental 40-volume work, Al-Muhaddi that: the Women Scholars of Islam that chronicles the contributions of female Islamic scholars.
The speaker presented a compelling case for re-evaluating historical narratives, generalisations, myths and patriarchal notions through rigorous scholarship and proper understanding of Islam. His call for mutual respect and understanding across cultures sparked vibrant discussions among attendees, reinforcing the lecture’s relevance in today’s diverse world.
The lecture was followed by the presidential remarks by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. MazharAsif, who emphasised Jamia’s commitment to inclusive discourse and highlighted the pivotal role of women in shaping Muslim society.
He urged audience to practice equality of women in their lives and shape a society that respects women.
Among the attendees were Prof Mohammad Muslim Khan (Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences), Prof Iqtidar Khan (Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Languages),Prof Kausar Mazhari , faculties and staff of SNCWS and Dr Zakir Hussain Institute of Islamic studies besides teachers, researchers and students from across the faculties of the Social Sciences, Humanities and Languages and from various Centers of the University.
Dr Tarannum Siddiqui of the Sarojini Naidu Centre for Women’s Studies convened and moderated the program. Dedicated volunteers, including Vaibhav, Zoyba, Gargi Mishra, Shubhangi, RaiyahQamar, and Fatima Zohra from MA Gender Studies of SNCWS ensured a seamless experience.
“Dr Nadwi’s lecture is a clarion call to challenge misconceptions and embrace informed dialogue,” said Prof Nishat Zaidi while thanking the speaker. She further said: “His scholarship inspires us to bridge tradition and modernity in pursuit of equity and understanding.”
The session concluded with pertinent Q&A session in which students satisfied their curiosities by asking relevant questions to the speaker.
A formal vote of thanks was presented by Gargi Mishra, student of MA Gender studies. Students and particularly girls who attended the talk were well impressed to know about the historical contributions of women in shaping society and their contributions in nation building.
source: http://www.theokhlatimes.com / The Okhla Times / Home> JMI-EDU / by theokhlatimes / April 29th, 2025
The Rampur Nawabi family with former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh
In December 2021, I came across a report in a newspaper that said, “After almost 50 years of legal battle, the Rampur District Court has ruled in the Rampur Nawab family’s property dispute. The property will now be divided among 16 legal heirs. Raza Ali Khan, the last Nawab of Rampur, died in 1966. After a long legal battle, the court has announced the division of his property worth Rs 2,664 crore.”
The Nawab family of Rampur with its glorious history is still important played in Rampur and its surrounding districts. While the family ruled the state for a long time, its members joined the institutions of independent India like Parliament and legislative Assembly. Former Members of Parliament Mickey Mian and Noor Begum belong to the family. Many members of this Royal family have played an important role not only in politics but also in promoting the culture, patronizing poets, writers, musicians, and other creative artists.
Khandaan
The Nawabi family of Rampur State
Before the independence, India was dotted with small states and one of them happened to be the state of Rampur, located in today’s state of Uttar Pradesh. It was founded by Nawab Ali Mohammad Khan, a Pushtun leader on 7 October 1774. There have been 11 Nawabs in the state including Nawab Faizullah Khan, Nawab Hafiz Rehmat Khan Barish, Nawab Muhammad Ali Khan, Nawab Ghulam Muhammad Khan, Nawab Ahmad Ali Khan, Nawab Muhammad Saeed Khan, Nawab Yusuf Ali Khan, Nawab Club Ali Khan. Nawab Muhammad Mushtaq Ali Khan, Nawab Hamid Ali Khan.
Raza Ali Khan was the last Nawab of Rampur. Rampur was one of the important States of the British in India as its rulers were plaint and supported the Raj even during the 1857 revolt. It was a 15 cannons gun salute State and its rulers owned a lot of wealth.
Before the independence, the Nawabs of Rampur used to have their own railway station with two special coaches always in readiness in the service of the Royal family. Whenever the Nawab family had to travel by train to Delhi, Lucknow, or elsewhere, they would board their coach and that was added to the passenger train. During the tenure of the ninth Nawab, Hamid Ali Khan the railway line was laid in the district. At that time, he had built a separate railway station for his use. It was close to the main railway station.
The Royal Coach full of Luxuries and modern appliance
Interestingly the two railway coaches that have immense historic and antique value today are among the assets sought to be distributed among the progeny of the Raza Ali Khan. These were originally valued at Rs. 117.42 million. However, due to almost no maintenance, the price was halved.
Interestingly, these coaches had so many modern conveniences that even the heads of the state today can’t dream of. The coaches were equipped with 33mm and 16mm cinema projectors, cameras, imported radio transistors, and tape recorders. These provided all the luxuries like Bedding, chair, carburetor pillow, seat, silverware, glass, whiskey, beer bottles, English crockery, large cigarette and cigar box, silver footstep, eagle, silver canteen set, silver hooka, silver bed, sword, and various kinds of guns, etc.
The Nawab family’s properties include 1073 acres of land, mansions, palaces like Khas Bagh, Kothi Benazir, Lakhi Bagh, Kanda, and Nawab Railway Station, and immovable assets like arms, jewelry, etc. The valuables include silverware like six silver beds, 20 silver pandans, six khasdans, and 20 cigar boxes, and four hookas. Former Member of Parliament Begum Nurbano says that when she came to Khas Bagh in 1956 as a bride she slept on a silver bed. Khas Bagh was India’s first air-conditioned palace.
Khas Bagh Palace was the first air-conditioned palace in India.
Khas Bagh Palace, Rampur
The state of Rampur was not only a political state but also a great patron of education, art, and culture. Nawab Yusuf Ali Khan was a friend of knowledge and also gave scholarships to scholars and students. He made Mirza Ghalib his consultant on literary matters and he became a student of Ghalib. He used to send a reasonable amount of money to Mirza as a stipend. In addition, hundreds of poets, including Mirzadagh Dehlavi, were patronized by the Nawabs of Rampur.
The Library
The Nawab of Rampur was a friend of knowledge. The symbol of his friendliness of knowledge is Raza Library which was once the largest library in India and it is still very important today. Thousands of rare books and manuscripts in Urdu, Persian and Turkish languages are available here.
The Nawab of Rampur was also an epicurean. He had a whole army of cooks and chefs. These chefs would spend the whole day preparing high-quality food and experimenting with new flavors. Elders were invited to the Nawabi Dastkhwan. After the dissolution of the state, it became difficult for the Nawab to continue the Dasthar Khan.
The Nawabs of Rampur patronized traditional music at their court. Mehboob Khan was one of the greatest thinkers of the royal court of Rampur state. This tradition was followed by his sons Inayat Hussain Khan and Inayat’s brother-in-law Haider Khan and Mushtaq Hussain. It was here that the Rampur-Sahswan family of Indian classical music was born. Sahswan is in the present Badaun district.
One of the Palaces of rampur Nawab family
After independence, the Nawab family took an active part in politics and Major Nawab Syed Zulfiqar Ali Khan Bahadur was the first from the family to be elected to the Lok Sabha. He was known as Mickey Mian. He was the second son of Nawab Sir Syed Raza Ali Khan Bahadur. In 1984 and 1989, he was elected to the Rampur Lok Sabha seat on a Congress ticket. It is also interesting to note that Mickey Mian represented Rampur in Lok Sabha for a long time but never spoke in the House.
After Mickey Mian, his wife Begum Noor Bano served as Member of Parliament in the 11th and 13th Lok Sabha. She was elected from Rampur on a Congress party ticket. Begum Noor Bano alias Mehtab Zamani Begum was born to Nawab Aminuddin Ahmed Khan who was the last ruling Nawab of Loharo (Bhiwani-Haryana). She was educated at Maharani Gayatri Devi Girls Public School, Jaipur.
She joined the All India Congress Committee in 1992 and was elected to the Lok Sabha in 1996. In the next election, she lost to BJP’s Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi. An aficionado of music and dance, Noor Banu is the patron of the Devi Foundation and the Rampur family. Bano is interested in historical and cultural Persian and Arabic books and research on environment and forest protection. She enjoys reading, painting, gardening, and music and is a member of several sports clubs across the country.
Micky Mian and Noor Bano with their children
Micky Mian and Begum Noor Bano have three children. One of them is Nawabzada Syed Muhammad Kazim Ali Khan Bahadur. He was elected MLA several times and is also a Congress candidate in the current Assembly elections. His son Nawabzada Syed Haider Ali Khan Bahadur is also contesting the Assembly elections 2022.
In the current elections in Uttar Pradesh, the reputation and honour of the Royal family is also at stake. Samajwadi Party veteran Azam Khan, who has been elected an MLA from Rampur city nine times is contesting from inside the jail against his traditional rival from the Royal family Mohammad Kazim Ali Khan. Kazim Khan popularly known by his nickname of Navid Miyan is contesting as a candidate of Congress Party and is hoping to defeat the ‘tainted’ Azam Khan.
Besides, Azam Khan’s son Abdullah Azam is contesting from the Suar constituency where he is pitted against Naveed Mian’s son Hamza Mian.
The Nawab of Rampur
Azam Khan has dominated the politics of Rampur for 42 years. He has also held ministerial positions in the Samajwadi government four times. He has also been Leader of the Opposition and Member of Rajya Sabha. On the other hand, the Nawab family has also a great influence on Rampur. Naveed Mian Sawar has been MLA four times from the Tanda seat. Once he was also elected to Legislative Assembly from Bilaspur and was a minister too.
His father Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Khan alias Miki Mian has been a Member of Parliament five times and his mother Begum Noor Bano has been a Member of Parliament twice. Both the Congress and the SP have given tickets to the members of the Rampur Royal family. This time, Congress has given tickets to former MLA Naveed Mian as well as his son Haider Ali Khan alias Hamza Mian.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Ghaus Siwani / February 04th, 2022
“My father died of cancer when I was in the 9th grade. My family was in deep grief and faced a mountain of difficulties. My mother worked as a household help to ensure my younger brother continued his studies.
“My conditions inspired me as I took difficulties as an opportunity. I expressed myself through my paintings, which were appreciated.
Today, my paintings and portraits are appreciated in America, Europe, and Gulf countries,” Adnan Ansari, a student pursuing an M.Com degree from Aligarh Muslim University, told Awaz- Voice over the phone.
Adnan had been fond of drawing since his school days, and to support his family, he took up his hobby as a profession. After his father passed away, his mother had to take care of the family all by herself. During the COVID-induced lockdown, I worked on my drawing skills at home using a pencil and paper.
Adnan Ansari at work
After this, Adnan created his Instagram page and uploaded his paintings on it. He received appreciation for his art. “Appreciation for one’s work is fine, but I cannot fill stomachs or run the family,” he said.
Soon after, Adnan completed his schooling at Aligarh Public School, one of his juniors placed an order over the phone for his portrait.
“That was my first earning. I received Rs 200 as remuneration. I never looked back. I was encouraged to make better paintings as I realised that I would start earning. My hard work and dedication have paid off, and today I am at a stage where my paintings are in demand even abroad.”
Today his Instagram page is doing well. “My followers are increasing, and I upload all my works for sale on it.”
He receives all his orders through Instagram. “I currently have orders for paintings from America, UK, Canada, and Saudi Arabia,” said Adnan. So far, his most expensive painting has been for Rs 40,000.
Adnan Ansari with some of his works
Adnan said that he has been trying to understand life from his perspective and process his feelings on canvas. That process makes him serve people through his art. His paintings reflect the maturity of his imagination.
According to him, copying something and making it exactly like it is not the definition of art.
Adnan said that he could make a painting of any kind, even from the oldest torn photographs. “For example, if you give me a colour or black and white photograph, I will make it exactly like the original, which will make you feel that this one is better, no matter how old the photograph is, if there is even 10 to 15 percent imagination in it, then I can make it.”
Adnan told Awaz-The Voice that his mother, Rashida Begum, is not educated and has a small income through doing small household work, which is not enough for the family. His younger brother Bilal Ansari is in school.
Adnan Ansari’s art
Adnan Ansari told Awaz-The Voice that he was thankful to former Aligarh MP Jamal Khwaja for providing him with a place to live. “We do not have a house and a Jamal Khwaja for whom my mother works, has kindly given a portion of his bungalow for my family to live.”
Adnan told Awaz-The Voice that I am currently doing post-graduation from Aligarh Muslim University. Along with this, I am improving my art through social media. However, my work is more understood and liked abroad. But I hope that one day I will get a big honor at the national and international level, and I am working hard for that.
Adnan said, “I started with pencil and sheet, so till now whatever paintings I have made, I have used only charcoal pencil, charcoal powder, eraser, cutter scale, knife. Now that I have money, I am also using canvas, light, computer, camera.”
Adnan said that the youth should bring out the talent hidden within them and try to move forward using whatever facilities are available to them. It is not necessary to have big things to make it big, one should bring out the hidden talent and work hard honestly. One day, success is inevitable.
Adnan Ansari’s works
Adnan said, “I mostly like to make a painting which has a story behind it. I keep looking at the paintings of some international-level artists and photographers to get inspired to do my work.”
Adnan Ansari is also a state-level under-19 football champion; he also edits videos on a freelance basis. Adnan wants to build his studio where he can showcase his art and video editing skills and create digital artwork.
Adnan Ansari says that first he prepares a digital layout and sends it to his clients. He does all this through Touchbook software. After approval, he draws it on canvas with a pencil.
Adnan says the price he prices his paintings as per his assessment of the hard work that has gone into each one. “I earn enough to run my household. I am now buying modern tools for my work. I see myself as a big artist of India in the next 5 years.”
Adnan has received many awards for his art. His works were also on display at the National Art Exhibition, where he received a lot of appreciation. Adnan also actively participates in youth fests and other competitions.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Onika Maheshwari, New Delhi / April 09th, 2025
Two AMU research scholars, Arshyaan Shahid and Shahzada Iqbal, brought laurels to India by presenting their innovative research at the 9th European Congress on Mammalogy held in Patras, Greece
Aligarh:
Two research scholars from the Department of Wildlife Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Arshyaan Shahid and Shahzada Iqbal, brought laurels to India by presenting their innovative research at the 9th European Congress on Mammalogy held in Patras, Greece. Guided by Prof. Orus Ilyas, the students were the sole representatives from India and the broader subcontinent at this premier international event, which convenes once every four years and draws the world’s leading mammalogists.
The European Congress on Mammalogy is a renowned platform for sharing advancements in mammalian science, conservation strategies, and ecological research.
Among hundreds of global participants, Shahzada Iqbal presented two posters on wolf conservation in Central India, addressing ecological challenges and species threats. Arshyaan Shahid presented a poster on the behavioural ecology of the Gaur (Indian bison) and also delivered an oral presentation on human-elephant interactions in Jharkhand’s Palamau Tiger Reserve.
Their research received commendation from international experts, who appreciated their scientific rigor and conservation-oriented approach.
“It was an incredible opportunity to share our work with leading mammalogists,” said Shahzada Iqbal. Arshyaan Shahid remarked, “The insights and feedback we gained were invaluable. Representing India on such a platform was truly an honour.”
Prof. Orus Ilyas lauded the students’ accomplishments, noting, “Their success at EUROTHERIUM reflects the research excellence at AMU and signals India’s growing presence in global wildlife science.”
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Focus> Markers of Excellence> Research / by Radiance News Bureau / April 15th, 2025
Kazi Jalil Abbasi was a leader, freedom fighter and politician who witnessed key events of twentieth century–not just as an observer but as someone who took active part in public life, participated in movements and after independence went on to fight elections and become a legislator, minister and Parliamentarian.
When a large number of Muslims from Uttar Pradesh including elite and the community leaders, were leaving the country, he remained committed to his political ideology, kept opposing communalism and led from the front–fighting and raising his voice democratically in independent India.
Uttar Pradesh, the heartland and the most populous state in the country, had been the battleground for Congress and Muslim League before 1947. It had seen competitive communalism, inter-religious tensions and riots. On the ground, situation in UP was complex and different from other states.
Kazi Jalil Abbasi’s autobiography is insightful and reveals a lot about the period and the struggles. Abbasi was born in Bayara in Basti district in1912. He studied in different schools in Gonda, Unnao and Basti before he joined the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) from where he was expelled.
All these circumstances, his idealism, role in freedom struggle are part of the book. He was against the political stand of Muslim League. The books also provides information about Congress’ organisation and the politics in UP, its leaders. There are interesting anecdotes about top leaders, ranging from Rafi Ahmad Kidwai to Indira Gandhi.
The autobiography titled ‘Kya Din The!’ was originally published in Urdu.
Arif Ansari has now translated it in English. Ansari is settled in Washington DC. The book that runs into nearly 350 pages is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the era, important events and the post-partition situation in Uttar Pradesh.
Darul Musannefin, an institute established to propagate the rich cultural heritage of Urdu, Arabic and Persian texts through the institute’s publications and magazine, was established in 1914 by Maulana Shibli Nomani
Darul Musannefin, an institute established to propagate the rich cultural heritage of Urdu, Arabic and Persian texts through the institute’s publications and magazine, was established in 1914 by Maulana Shibli Nomani.
However, over the years like many other institutes associated with the Muslim community in India, this institute has fallen on bad days courtesy the apathy of the governments and the community’s disinterest with anything associated with its cultural and academic heritage.
When we talk about the rich heritage of Urdu books, then every Urdu lover bemoans that the government is not doing enough for saving and promoting the Urdu language – a language which binds at least 70% of Indians, socially and literally.
Yet, few of us ponders that what the Urdu lovers themselves are doing for saving and promoting the language. Their concern becomes abundantly clear by the everyday decreasing sales of Urdu books and newspapers. Further, what they are doing to save institutions which have been the flagbearers in propagating and saving the language by publishing books on different topics in Urdu. The answer is pretty obvious: nothing concrete except bemoaning and using hollow words.
One such institution is Darul Musannefin or Shibli Academy, just like the Rampur raza library of Rampur or the Khuda Baksh Library of Patna, in addition to a vast repertoire of books in private collections of individuals and organisations throughout India.
Darul Musannefin or Shibli Academy is a research academy based in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh. Its aim was to add authentic historical literature in Urdu so that people could have easy access to history. It was started as Darul Musannefin but later it was named after its founder Shibli Nomani.
Maulana Shibli Nomani, a Sunni Muslim scholar established it in Azamgarh in February 1914; after failing to establish the Academy in Lucknow, it was established in Azamgarh at Nomani’s mango orchard. It started working on 21 November 1914, 3 days after Maulana Nomani’s death under the guidance of Maulana Hamiduddin Farahi. Other founders included Maulana Syed Sulaiman Nadvi, Maulana Abdus Salam Nadvi and Maulana Masood Ali Nadvi.
Established just three days after Shibli’s death in 1914, the Academy is a leading institution of Oriental, Islamic and Mediaeval Indian Studies, and Azamgarh’s pride. It occupies nine acres donated by Shibli and his relatives. The centrepiece is a beautiful whitewashed building housing a massive library of over 1.5 lakh books and around 700 manuscripts, some of them rare, and an office.
Staff residences, the mosque and a conference hall stand apart.
Shibli Academy: A Treasure Trove
The Academy’s library is a treasure trove. Its spacious central hall is furnished with sofas and chairs, which have been graced by personalities ranging from Mahatma Gandhi, to Jawahar Lal Nehru, Indira Gandi or in other words virtually every Indian Prime Minister and President, except the present dispensation, and scores of other Indian and foreign dignitaries. “Here have sat dozens of famous dignitaries,” Academy’s senior fellow Mohammed Umair Siddique Nadvi, told me on my recent visit to the acclaimed institute.
Mohammed Umair showed me rare books and manuscripts, including Persian translations of Ramayan and Mahabharata, and Sirr-e-Akbar, Persian translation of the Upanishads by Mughal prince Dara Shikoh, a great scholar. The excellent condition in which most of these rare books have been preserved over the years shows the dedication of the institution’s staff despite meagre resources. The gold embossed titles and pages decorated with gold border still retain their sheen.
[Akbar Nama (L) and Monsiual Arwah]
Another gem is Monisul Arwah, a book on Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti by Dara’s sister Jahanara. “This is our most prized possession which Maulana Shibli found at an old bookshop in Lucknow and bought for Rs 100 in 1906. It was very dear to him and travelled to an international exhibition of rare manuscripts in Paris,” says Nadvi.
There’s a section where testimonies of some famous visitors, including Mahatma Gandhi, Madan Mohan Malaviya and Maulana Azad, are kept. Motilal Nehru and Jawaharlal Nehru, stayed at the Academy several times during their visits to Azamgarh. When Gandhi first visited it in the 1920s, the Academy’s founding secretary, Maulana Syed Sulaiman Nadvi, showed him the library by lantern light since electricity supply was erratic.
Another famous visitor was Bi Amma, mother of Muhammad Ali Jauhar and Shaukat Ali, freedom fighters and Khilafat Movement leaders better known as the Ali brothers. But while the Academy is Azamgarh’s pride, it faces a severe financial crunch. It has only one librarian, 48-year-old Saleem Javed, son of the Academy’s former director Maulana Ziauddin Islahi, to look after the vast collection.
“I do whatever I can, but it is not possible for one person to look after so many books. I opened my eyes on this campus and have been working here for around 25 years, and will continue to do so.” says Javed, apparently resigned to his and the institute’s fate.
The funding crunch prevents the management from hiring more staff and expediting translation and digitisation of titles from Arabic, Persian and Urdu into other Indian languages and English.
Future of Darul Musannefin
The Academy’s primary purpose is to protect and propagate the scientific, authentic history and rational interpretations of Islam. It also upholds Hindu-Muslim harmony, or the much talked about Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb, and sheds light on the life and times of Maulana Shibli, yet so far no one has come forward to help the institute and its committed staff to restore the institute to its former glory. Before Independence, it received grants from Nizam of Hyderabad, Nawab of Bhopal, and others. But now that those streams have dried up, many say the cash-starved institution should look beyond its four walls.
Maulana Shibli had donated his own land with a mango orchard and persuaded close relatives to donate parcels of their land for Darul Musannefin, the library, printing press and publication of Maarif, the monthly journal founded in July 1916.
Since Urdu is shrinking, the library’s patrons have dwindled over the years.Today, it would help if more people started subscribing to Maarif for Rs 10,000 as a life member or even if subscribing to the same for Rs 400 or Rs 1800 towards annual or five years subscription, as a corpus of Rs 10 crore can bail out the institution and help implement its future development plans. In this regard any of the big business houses can also help, as part of their CSR responsibility.
(The writer, Asad Mirza, is a New Delhi-based senior commentator on national, international, defence and strategic affairs, environmental issues, an interfaith practitioner, and a media consultant.)
source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> Special Report / by Asad Mirza / February 25th, 2025
Nawab Shafan Khan, the heir of Nawab Khan Bahadur Khan, who kept the Rohilkhand region free from British rule for eleven months during the 1857 freedom movement, has passed away.
Nawab Shafan Khan breathed his last at the age of 80. The sacrifices of his ancestors are recorded in golden words in the pages of history.
Death of Nawab Shaffan Khan, heir of Nawab Khan Bahadur Khan
Nawab Shafan Khan, a resident of Shahabad area of Bareilly city, has passed away. He was laid to rest in Bhor graveyard near his home after Zuhr prayers. He was the heir to a great family whose ancestors ruled not only Bareilly but also in about 9 surrounding districts. His great-grandfather Nawab Khan Bahadur Khan had set a great example of bravery and sacrifice in the style of his namesake.
He was a hero of the 1857 revolution. He was born in 1791 into a Nawab family. He was the grandson of Rohilla Sardar Hafiz Rehmat Khan.
The slogan of revolution was raised in Meerut on 10 May 1857 and when the news of it reached Bareilly on 14 May, preparations were intensified here too. On 31 May, Khan Bahadur Khan and his generals and soldiers, led by Subedar Bakht Khan, declared a rebellion against the British government.
Tomb of Nawab Khan Bahadur Khan
The then magistrate, civil sergeant, jail superintendent and principal of Bareilly College, “C.Buk”, were killed by the revolutionaries. By five in the evening, the revolutionaries had taken control of the Bareilly division.
On June 1, these revolutionaries took out a triumphant procession. When the procession reached Kotwali, a large number of Bareilly citizens crowned Nawab Khan Bahadur Khan and elected him the Nawab of the Bareilly division.
Heir of Nawab Khan Bahadur Khan
An example of the bravery of Nawab Khan Bahadur Khan is that despite the numerous atrocities and abuses of the British government and being a powerful ruler, he kept the Bareilly division free from the rule of the British government for eleven months.
However, later, the British government arrested Nawab Khan Bahadur Khan while fighting a war at one place. He was brought to the same Kotwali where he was awarded the title of Nawab. He was imprisoned and kept in an unknown place.
Then on February 24, 1860, the hero of the urban people was brought on foot to the Kotwali and hanged on the same day at 7:10 am. A strange silence fell in the city and darkness prevailed.
Heir of Nawab Khan Bahadur Khan
To prevent any unrest in the city after the hanging of Nawab Khan Bahadur Khan, his body was taken to the district jail in an armored police vehicle and buried in the premises of the district jail.
Heir of Nawab Khan Bahadur Khan
The special thing is that he was buried with irons. Even today, the irons are clearly visible on the head of his grave. The British government had also buried Khan Bahadur Khan in the prison premises so that people could not gather at his grave and there would be no further excitement in the revolution.
Now let us mention Nawab Shafan Khan, the heir of Khan Bahadur Khan. He struggled for life and livelihood till his last breath. Despite belonging to the Nawab family, his family had to face difficulties for years or even their entire lives. Despite this, the struggle did not end in his life till his last breath.
According to his younger brother Nawab Liaquat Khan, Nawab Shaffan Khan’s health had deteriorated for the past five days. He was unable to go to the mosque to offer prayers during those days. Due to the weak financial condition of the family, he was undergoing treatment at home. But in the morning, his health deteriorated further and he died after a few moments.
source: http://www.etvbharat.com / ETV Bharat – Urdu / Home> Urdu> State / by Urdu translation into English / July 02nd, 2021
