The Iranian connect

  

 

A new book on Deccan Sultanates and the Iranian connection

More than 400 years after it was built, Charminar continues to draw sighs of ecstasy from tourists and local visitors. But few know or care to find out the strong Iranian influence on it. Grand in conception and perfect in workmanship, the chef-d’oeuvre of the Qutb Shahi amazes visitors no end.

The Iranian element in the monuments left behind by the Qutb Shahi rulers is predominant. Be it Golconda Fort, Qutb Shahi domes or elevation of various structures the Persian traits are unmistakable. Hyderabad itself is modelled on the lines of Isfahan, the then Iranian capital. The layout plan of Golconda fort, construction of palaces, development of gardens, water works and concealed drainage system are all based on Iranian style. A great deal of scientific planning went into the construction of ‘Isfahani-i-Nou’ (new Isfahan) by Mir Momin Astrabadi to whom the job was entrusted by Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah.

One can find out all this and more from the new book written by well known historian, M A Nayeem. The book titled Safavid Iran and the Deccan Sultanates - Diplomatic and Cultural Relations offers an interesting glimpse into the profound Iranian influence on the art, architecture, life and culture of people of Deccan. The Iranian heritage, race and creed of the Qutb Shahi rulers and the nobility had a strong bearing not just on the daily life but court, administrative system, socio-economic conditions and the art and architecture that developed at Golconda and Hyderabad.

In fact this is the first such book which explores the Safavid Iran’s relations with the Deccan Sultanates of the Bhamnis, the Adil Shahis, the Qutb Shahis and the Nizam Shahis during the 16th and 17th century.

“The interesting part is that founders of the first three Deccan Sultanates were of Iranian origin and Shi'ihs. This is the vital link between the Safavid Iran and the Deccan Sultanates,” says Nayeem.

Having served as the Research Officer at the State Archives, he has a wealth of information about Deccan kingdoms. A prolific writer, he has authored more than 20 books, including six on the heritage series of Deccan and has acquired a reputation for embellishing his works with authentic details culled after meticulous research.

Nayeem lives up to his reputation in the latest book. He documents Iranian influences and impact on the Deccan Sultanates and its culture by 70 relevant illustrations which have survived for several hundred years. Nayeem takes pains to present Iran’s relations with five Deccan Sultanates beginning with Bahmani kingdom (1347-1538) and its offshoots Adil Shahi kingdom of Bijapur (1489-1686), Qutb Shahi kingdom of Golconda (1512-1687), Barid Shahi kingdom of Bidar (1538-1619) and Nizam Shahi kingdom of Ahmadnagar (1490-1536).

The book throws light upon political, diplomatic, commercial, socio-cultural and religious relations which, according to Nayeem, resulted in transformation of the Deccani-Muslim culture into Perso-Deccani civilisation.


Mohammad Haghbin Ghomi, Consul General, Islamic Republic of Iran at Hyderabad, released the book last weekend at Salar Jung Museum.

-J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in The Hindu,

Dated 25 of October, 2017.