Persian MS 158 (The John Rylands Research Institute and Library, The University of Manchester)

Summary of Contents: Narāyan Kaul, known as ʻAjīz, completed the Tārīkh-i Kashmīr, an abridged history of Kashmīr in 1122 AH (1710–1711 CE) on behalf of a Mughal nobleman, Nā'ib, and Dīwān of the Subah of Kashmir, ‘Ārif Khān. He apparently reviewed Sanskrit sources gathered by his patron, and consulted a comparatively abstruse work under the same title completed by Ḥaydar Malik between 1618 and 1621 CE, which derives turn partly derives from the Sanskrit Rājataraṅgiṇī (राजतरङ्गिणी, The River of Kings) composed by Kalhana in the twelfth century CE. Admired for its simple style, the topics include the author's motivation for writing the work, on the name Kashmīr and its origin, the Mahārājās of India, the Muslim kings, the governors, as well as the commodities of the region. An unidentified scribe possibly completed this undated manuscript in the Indian subcontinent during the 18th century CE. Despite extensive damage, lume survives intact and opens with an illuminated domed headpiece.