[Reader-list] Rarest Quranic exhibition inaugurated in Srinagar

[rashneek kher]

Excelsior Correspondent

*Srinagar, Sept 22: *First ever "Quranic Manuscripts Exhibition" was
inaugurated here by Masood Samoon , Divisional Commissioner Kashmir while
eminent historian Mohammad Yusuf Teing was special guest on the occasion . A
galaxy of Scholars , Writers and Intellectuals of Kashmir were present.The
event was organized by State Academy of Art, Culture and Languages.

Speaking on the occasion, Masood Samoon appertiated the efforts of Academy
for preservation of centuries old tradtions and said we must expedite to
degitalise the work of presevation of manuscripts so that they can be
preserved for all generations to come.

Mohammad Yusuf Teing said that all the lover of calligraphy must visit and
witness this first of its kind in which the rare centuries old manuscripts
written by renowned calligraphist and scholars of the world will be
exhibited. Teing said that the main attraction according to him is an oldest
available manuscript of Holy Quran in Kashmir calligraphed by one
Fateh-ullah Kashmiri in 1237 AD, i.e., about 83 year before Muslims assumed
political power in Kashmir. This contains the Persian translation also.

In this rarest exhibition 35 hand written rarest Quranic manuscripts and
nearly 2 dozens printed copies of Holy book are on disply. The main
attraction of the exhibition is a manuscript of Persian written in
calligraphy with nail of thumb popularly known as Khat-e-Nakhun.This
manuscript is marvel of calligraphy. The margin of the manuscript is
decorated with illustrations of men, birds, animals and beasts. The
calligrapher used to calligraphy with nail of his finger and surprisingly in
reverse.

Another specimen of calligraphy to be exhibited during the exhibition will
be the collection of caligrpahy specimen of Quran by Usman- Qadri the
renowned calligrapher of South Asia.

Another interesting exhibit is manuscript that contains the parables of
great philosophers and kings. It is a beautiful specimen of calligraphy.
Some of the pages of this manuscript are illuminated with gold. Elegant
paintings of major mughal emperors including the manuscript have added to
the grace and value of this manuscript.

Other who spoke on the occasion include Dr. Rafeeq Masoodi, Director
Doordarshan, Shamima Gul, Additional Secretary and Mohammad Ashraf Tak the
Incharge Exhibition.


-- 
Rashneek Kher
Wandhama Massacre-The Forgotten Human Tragedy
http://www.kashmiris-in-exile.blogspot.com
http://www.nietzschereborn.blogspot.com