RSPA 78 (Oriental Manuscripts, British Library)
India Office Library
Jones Collection
Royal Society Arabic and Persian
Contents
1 copy of Tuḥfat al-Hind by Mīrzā Muḥammad ibn Fakhr al-Dīn
Language(s): Persian
This manuscript is considerably enriched by the marginal notes on almost every page. On 8 sides before the textblock and 4 sides after, Jones has written further extensive notes on Sanskrit grammar, tobacco and other subjects.
There is a seal from an ʿAlī Ibrāhīm Khān dated 1183AH and an ownership note above it which references the manuscript being owned by ʿAlī Ibrāhīm Khalīl in 1199AH (translated in the note to 1784AD). Khalīl was the takhalluṣ of ʿAlī Ibrāhīm Khān, who gave Jones the book. This is the author of MS RSPA 80.
Physical Description
European numerals in pencil.
Condition
Fine condition. Some minor worm damage. Supports and guards.
Layout
Hand(s)
Fine black ink nastaʿlīq with rubrications.
Decoration
Extensive marginal comments by Jones on almost every page. Often translations of and commentaries on the text.
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 Sir William 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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