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Draft:The Deccan Archives Foundation

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  • Comment: Significant coverage from reliable, secondary, independent sources is required, and the article should be written from a neutral point of view. Utopes (talk / cont) 21:51, 23 August 2024 (UTC)

The Deccan Archives Foundation (TDAF) is a non-profit organisation based in Hyderabad, India, dedicated to preserving and promoting the cultural and historical heritage of the Deccan region. Founded in 2018 by Mohammed Sibghatullah Khan, the foundation focuses on documenting and raising awareness about both prominent and lesser-known aspects of Deccani heritage.

History

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The Deccan Archives Foundation was established by Mohammed Sibghatullah Khan, a Hyderabadi architect with an interest in the history of the Deccan Plateau. Khan began researching and documenting the history of Hyderabad and its surroundings. His efforts led to the creation of a digital platform that provides easy access to historical manuscripts, particularly from the Nizam era, which are available in both Urdu and Persian.[1]

Over the years, the foundation has grown in scope, encompassing archival work as well as community engagement through educational activities and public events.[2]

Activities

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The foundation is known for its heritage walks, which explore both famous and obscure historical sites around Hyderabad. These walks aim to educate the public about the city's rich history beyond well-known landmarks like the Charminar and Qutub Shahi tombs. For instance, they have conducted walks in areas like Nampally, Osmania University, and Moosarambagh, highlighting the historical significance of these lesser-known sites.[3]

In addition to heritage walks, the foundation organises workshops in collaboration with Anjuman e Fannan on the Urdu language. These workshops, facilitated by Riasath Ali Asrar, are often held at heritage sites and are designed to bring together enthusiasts of history and language to help conserve the local culture.[3]

The foundation also produces educational materials such as coffee table books and calendars. One notable publication is the "Hyderabad Deccan Illustrated by Sibghatullah Khan and Ayesha Mohammed," which features engineering drawings of Deccani buildings, including those that have been demolished or are in ruins. This publication is part of a planned series aimed at documenting the architectural heritage of the region.[1]

Digital archives

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The Deccan Archives Foundation works for digitising and making accessible historical manuscripts and documents related to the Deccan region. Many of these manuscripts, particularly from the Nizam era, are in Urdu and Persian, and the foundation has collaborated with The Kabikaj Foundation, scholars, and translators from institutions like Osmania University to make these texts available online. The foundation's digital archives serve as an important resource for researchers and history enthusiasts.[1][4]

The foundation's digital archiving efforts have been widely recognized, as they not only preserve historical documents but also make them accessible to a global audience. This initiative is part of a broader effort to connect people with the rich history of the Deccan region, ensuring that these cultural treasures are not lost to time.[5]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Gayathri, Sarada (8 December 2021). "'Deccan Archive' gives a glimpse of unknown facts related to Hyderabad". Telangana Today. Retrieved 20 August 2024.
  2. ^ "Archiving the Deccan: Mohammed Sibghatullah Khan". Bayt Al Fann. 20 February 2022. Retrieved 20 August 2024.
  3. ^ a b Maddela, Jagruthi. "Discover The Deccan's Untold History With This History Collective in Hyderabad". LBB. Retrieved 20 August 2024.
  4. ^ "The Deccan Archive: This Student's Attempt to Document the Extensive Culture of Hyderabad". Edex Live. 31 January 2020. Retrieved 20 August 2024.
  5. ^ "Sibghatullah Khan Introduces Hyderabadis to Their Rich Past Through His Deccan Archive". Awaz The Voice. Retrieved 20 August 2024.
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