National

Discovering the Enchantment of Ancient Manuscripts: Exploring India’s Forgotten Artistic Gems

Published

1 year ago

February 22, 2025

Esteemed art historian and author Ritika Kocchar presented a lecture titled ‘The Art of the Gurkanis – Myths, Masnavis, and Miniatures’ on Saturday, where she examined remarkable manuscripts from the 13th to 18th centuries that originated in Persia, Central Asia, Fatehpur Sikri, Lahore, and Delhi during the Timurid Dynasty.

Kocchar shed light on the invaluable artistic and literary treasures that once thrived in India but have been lost due to invasions and plunder by Persians, Marathas, Jats, and British colonial forces, with nearly all of these manuscripts now scattered globally.

During her talk, Kocchar focused on artworks inspired by epic tales such as the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Laila Majnu, and even the Life of Jesus. She illustrated how these narratives, brought to life by talented artists and calligraphers, shaped cultural consciousness across Central Asia and India.

She highlighted the influential role of Timur, the Central Asian warlord, alongside his heirs Akbar and Jahangir, who nurtured a flourishing renaissance in art and literature by assembling the finest creators of their era. Kocchar discussed the “Hamzanama,” an extraordinary illustrated manuscript depicting the exploits of Amir Hamza, originally part of the Mughal court but now dispersed among museums worldwide.

Kocchar remarked, “The paintings of Hamzanama blended Persian, European, and Indian artistic styles, showcasing remarkable sophistication and humanity. Regrettably, only 140 of the estimated 1,400 to 2,000 original paintings remain today, all housed in the Global North.”

In her lecture, she also emphasized Akbar’s initiatives to foster cultural connections through artistic and literary endeavors. She chronicled the translation and illustration of the Ramayana into Persian, commissioned by Akbar and his mother, Hamida Banu Begum. This manuscript, currently preserved in Jaipur’s Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum, signifies the Mughal court’s profound engagement with Hindu culture. Interestingly, Hamida Banu Begum identified with Sita, while Akbar saw himself in the role of Rama, the ideal leader. She articulated how this intimate relationship between the Mughal court and Hindu epics illustrates the unifying potential of art and literature.

Sohail Hashmi, a prominent historian and the chair of the lecture, added that these manuscripts represent not only artistic triumphs but also serve as crucial symbols of cultural identity. He shared insights on how the “Shahnameh,” penned by Ferdowsi, emerged as a beacon of resistance during the Arab conquest of Persia, emphasizing that storytelling and fantasy have always played vital roles in preserving identity and inspiring hope.

In conclusion, Kocchar asserted, “Fantasy narratives transcend time—they guide us, inspire us, and teach us to dream. The illuminated manuscripts of the past were akin to our comic books, epics, and myths. The loss of these treasures signifies more than the disappearance of art; it represents the loss of a piece of our very soul.”

The post-lecture discussion explored the enduring significance of fantasy in both historical and contemporary realms. Attendees reflected on how these lost masterpieces continue to influence global narratives, reminding us of the vibrant artistic and intellectual legacy of the Indian subcontinent.

National

Man Allegedly Kills Wife, Children, Teen Girl and Her Family

Published

1 week ago

July 11, 2026

Namma Kudla

Hyderabad: A 35-year-old man, identified as Rajkumar, allegedly killed his wife, two young sons, a 17-year-old girl who had accused him of sexual harassment, and the girl’s mother and grandmother in Telangana’s Ranga Reddy district.

Police said Rajkumar first killed his wife, Parvathi Saritha (30), and their two sons at their home in Shabad on Friday night. He then allegedly kidnapped the teenage girl, murdered her, and later killed her mother and grandmother.

The accused had been arrested in May under the POCSO Act for allegedly stalking and sexually harassing the girl. He was granted anticipatory bail about a week before the murders.

After the crime, Rajkumar reportedly called his father and confessed before switching off his phone. He is currently absconding, and police have launched a manhunt. The investigation is underway.

National

Wedding celebration Dispute for Served Chicken promising Mutton

Published

1 week ago

July 11, 2026

Namma Kudla

Bihar: A wedding celebration in Bihar turned violent after a dispute over the food served at the reception. Around 12 people were injured in the clash.

The incident took place in Simri Bakhtiyarpur town of Saharsa district on Thursday.

According to officials, the nikah of Mohammad Abdullah alias Chand, son of Mohammad Anwar, was held with the daughter of Mohammad Javed alias Moto at around 3 pm. The wedding ceremony was completed peacefully.

The trouble began during the wedding feast. Members of the groom’s family claimed they had been promised mutton for the meal. However, they were served chicken instead.

The groom’s side objected to the change in the menu. This led to a heated argument between the two families. The argument soon turned into a physical fight.

Several people from both sides were involved in the clash. Some guests were allegedly beaten with sticks. Videos shared on social media also showed people waving swords during the violence.

Around 12 people suffered injuries in the incident. They were admitted to the Sub-Divisional Hospital in Simri Bakhtiyarpur for treatment.

Police reached the venue and brought the situation under control. A case has been registered, and an investigation is underway.

National

Daughter Held for Mother’s Murder; Father’s Death Also Under Scanner?

Published

1 week ago

July 11, 2026

Namma Kudla

Jaipur: A 23-year-old woman, Ayushi Sharma, who was arrested for allegedly plotting her mother’s murder to obtain a government job, is now facing fresh allegations linked to her father’s death.

Ayushi’s uncle has claimed that the death of her father, Vijay Sharma, may not have been natural. He has demanded a police investigation into the case. Police have started looking into the allegation.

According to the police, Ayushi planned the murder of her mother, Neeraj Sharma, with the help of her uncle Mohan Swaroop and her relative Balram alias Ravi. The motive was to gain control of family property and secure her mother’s government job.

Police said the accused paid Rs.7 lakh to contract killers to carry out the murder. The attackers allegedly rammed an SUV into Neeraj Sharma and tried to make it look like a road accident.

Neeraj Sharma, 45, was working as a Lower Division Clerk (LDC) in a court. On July 3, she was returning home after dropping her son at tuition when a speeding Scorpio SUV allegedly hit her near Pratap Nagar. She was thrown nearly 100 feet and died on the spot. The accused fled after the incident.

During the investigation, police examined CCTV footage from the area. They found that the incident was not an accident but a planned murder. The investigation later exposed the conspiracy.

Police have arrested seven people, including Ayushi Sharma, in connection with the case. One accused is still absconding, and efforts are underway to arrest him.

Police said Neeraj Sharma had received the government job on compassionate grounds after the death of her husband about a year ago. Investigators believe Ayushi wanted the job for herself. Police also said there had been a property dispute between the mother and daughter for the past two to three years.

During questioning, Ayushi allegedly told police that she wanted her late father’s government job. However, after his death, the job was given to her mother. She reportedly admitted that this disappointment, along with the property dispute, became the reason for planning the murder.