Masnavi or Sihr ul Bayan [The Enchanting Story]

This material is held atSchool of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) Archives, University of London

  • Reference
    • GB 102 MS 24931
  • Dates of Creation
    • Early 19th century
  • Name of Creator
  • Language of Material
    • Urdu
  • Physical Description
    • 1 volume

Scope and Content

Urdu poem written by Mir Hasan in 1785 and dedicated to the ruler of Oudh Asaf ud-Daula (r.1775-97). The hero of the story is Benazir, who is captured by a Fairy on his twelfth birthday. He falls in love with the beautiflu princess Badr-i Munir. After a painful separation the pair are finally reunited. The composition and iconographic details are typical of the Delhi School, evolved from the Mughal tradition and incorporating elements from Lucknow and European painting.

Access Information

Open

Acquisition Information

Gift of Lt-Col. D.C.Philott

Physical Characteristics and/or Technical Requirements

H17.6cm x W9.9cm

Conditions Governing Use

For permission to publish, please contact Archives & Special Collections, SOAS Library in the first instance