Persian MS 956 (The John Rylands Research Institute and Library, The University of Manchester)

Summary of Contents: An undated, complete abridgement of a Persian treatise entitled Riyāz̤ al-Maẕāhib (Garden of Religions), by Panḍit Māthurā Nāth Brahman Mālvī, Librarian of the Hindu College at Benares (Varanasi). Originally composed in 1228 AH (1812 CE). In his introduction, he describes how John Glynn, then Benares City Registrar, inspired him to prepare a survey of Indian religions. However, since the author of this volume explicitly mentions both William Augustus Brooke (1784–1833), who long lived and ultimated died in Benares, as well as William Wilberforce Bird (1784-1857), appointed Judge and Magistrate of Benares in 1814, then promoted to Commissioner, 1826–1829. Therefore, the completion of this abridgment likely dates to the latter's tenure.