History with a literary narrative

Writer Allama Aijaz Farruq pens a vibrant book on Hyderabad

 If you find history dull and dreary you are not to blame. The lacklustre context and narrative often is the culprit. But history can be fascinating to read, a page-turner in fact. The events of past, dates and names can have readers on the edge of their seat. A new book on Hyderabad promises to do just that. Its style, approach and literary prowess hooks you right from the word go.

The Muraqqa Hyderabad authored by renowned scholar, Allama Aijaz Farruq, comes as a breath of fresh air. It sets new benchmarks in presenting history in a manner which is both engaging and illuminating. The description is inventive and the language, gripping. There is a lyrical touch to the whole thing.

It is not often that one gets to read Urdu prose these days. Farruq’s style reminds one about the remarkable practitioners of the delicate art such as Ismat Chughtai, Jeelani Bano, Nazeer Ahmed Dehlivi, Sa’adat Hassan Manto. When the book was released recently, Farruq enthralled the audience with his speech, which was as eloquent as his writing. “I have not done any favour by writing this book. In fact I have tried to repay the debt I owe to this land where I am breathing for 75 years,” he remarked.

The Muraqqa Hyderabad published by the Telangana State Urdu Academy records the history of the city from 1518 to 1911. Farruq brings his amazing erudition, intelligence and insight of the times to make it extraordinary. The book takes the reader intellectually and emotionally into the past and deepens the understanding of history, society and the individuals.

He just doesn’t cobble together facts but interprets them, adding analysis and context. Of course he employs all the literary devices at his command to make the book highly readable. The style of writing shifts from conversational to descriptive, narrative and persuasive. An author is always a product of his times. Farruq, who was born in the culturally vibrant Hyderabad, is well versed with the royal etiquettes, palace intrigues, warts and all of the shahi khandan. Chapter after chapter bears out his keen sense for accuracy and detail. No, Farruq doesn’t merely writes about an event but fills it will sensory details.

As one reads the book historic characters of the past seem to come alive and converse with the reader. Printed on art paper with rare pictures, paintings and couplets, the 214-page book is a collector’s issue. It covers not just the historic events but also the culture of Hyderabad, its rich cuisine, costumes, jewellery, festivals and marriages. There is also a chapter on the famous Chloroform Commission and discovery of malaria parasite in Hyderabad.

History never really says goodbye. It tells “see you later”. Farruq also says the same. He promises to come back with a second volume covering the events right from 1948 till the formation of Telangana in 2014.

Sure, the more you know about the past, the better prepared you are for the future.

Farruq’s style reminds one about the remarkable practitioners of the delicate art such as Ismat Chughtai and Jeelani Bano.

- J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in The Hindu

Dated September 21,2017.