Qur'an

The earliest extant Qur'an written in the Bihari script, a variation of naskh, is dated 801 AH (1399 CE), and was produced in Gwalior in Central India. The script evolved through the course of the fifteenth century, developing its distinctive elongated horizontal strokes. This Qur'an contains three...

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Date(s) of creation: c 1400-1450 CE
Level: Item
Format: Archive           

Reference number: MS 1493
Summary: The earliest extant Qur'an written in the Bihari script, a variation of naskh, is dated 801 AH (1399 CE), and was produced in Gwalior in Central India. The script evolved through the course of the fifteenth century, developing its distinctive elongated horizontal strokes. This Qur'an contains three double-page openings illuminated with bold abstract floral designs. In the centre of the side margins are semi-circular protuberances, or ansae, flanked by medallions. The borders of the illuminated panels are edged with lotus leaves. This Qur'an was produced in one of the Sultanate States in Northern India, possibly Delhi or Jaunpur.
Extent: 1 volume
Access status: Open
User restrictions: For permission to publish, please contact Archives & Special Collections, SOAS Library in the first instance
Language: Arabic
Scripts: Devanagari (Nagari)
Physical description: H20.2 x W15.4cm
Format: Archive