RSPA 57 (Oriental Manuscripts, British Library)
India Office Library
Jones Collection
Royal Society Arabic and Persian
Contents
1 copy of Sharḥ-i Dīvān-i Ḥāfiẓ
Language(s): Persian
On ff337v-8r, there is an extremely long colophon that states that the commentary was begun on the 15th Ramaḍān 1120 and finished on 19th Dhū 'l-Qaʿdah 1120AH. The handwriting in this part of the manuscript is so poor it is very difficult to read.
Between ff339r-343r, there is an index of poems.
On f0v, a European hand has written out a select index reference of 10 poems.
There is a large blue and gold headpiece on f1v with a floral design, inside which Jones has signed his name.
Physical Description
European numerals in pencil.
Condition
Good condition.
Layout
Hand(s)
Ḥāfiẓ's poetry is written in a big black-ink nastaʿlīq. The commentary is written in a small, rough shikastah, that becomes increasingly difficult to read as the text progresses.
Decoration
Annotations on almost every side. Some Jones, some in another European hand.
Binding
Standard India Office half leather binding with wine coloured marbled endpapers.
Accompanying Material
History
Provenance and Acquisition
RSPA 1-118 were presented to the Royal Society in January 1792 by Sir William and Lady Jones. This manuscript was presented by Lady Jones.
The Royal Society's collection of 280 Persian and Arabic, and 86 Sanskrit manuscripts were transferred to the India Office Library in 1876.
1876
India Office Library
Record Sources
Availability
Entry to read in the Library is permitted only on presentation of a valid reader's card for admissions procedures contact British Library, Registering for a Reader Pass. Contact apac-enquiries@bl.uk for further information on the availability of this manuscript. For information on catalogues and ordering manuscripts see Finding and ordering Persian manuscripts in the British Library.
Funding of Cataloguing
BL
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