Manuscript sheet, Deccan, princely state of Hyderabad, 18th-19th century. - Paper, Metallo - India - Maratha Empire (1674-1818)

Calligraphic sheet in the Islamic context, Deccan region, princely state of Hyderabad, 19th century.

Calligraphic sheet on thin, browned paper, mounted on an original support made of folded metal sheet that serves as a frame and border, with the back made from the same sheet. The front is enhanced by a gilded perimeter frame with floral and geometric decorations achieved through hot stamping, while at the center there is a circular handwritten cartouche set up like a 'khātam' (seal), executed in black ink on a background decorated with tiny hand-drawn vegetal scrolls. The script is in Persian calligraphy of the Nastaliq style, typical of the calligraphic production of Islamic India from the 18th to 19th centuries, particularly from the Deccan region and the princely state of Hyderabad.
The text appears as an honorific and nominal formula. Readable titles include 'khātam' (seal), 'Shams al-‘Umarā' (شمس الأمراء, 'Sun of the Nobles'), 'al-Amīr' (الأمير), as well as an identifiable personal name 'Muhammad Rahīm' (محمد رحیم). The text likely refers to a high dignitary known as Bahādur-i Khāss, Shams-ul-‘Umarā, a great Amīr, with the rank and function of ta‘alluqdār (tax administrator and civil magistrate in the State of Hyderabad under British administration), linked to the Paygāh properties; additionally, a respectful epithet (mehr) and a reference to the religious-legal title of Sadr are present. The last word or marginal formula remains of uncertain reading, as is often the case in calligraphic compositions of this type.
The set suggests an object of representation or commemoration, conceived as a personal emblem or honorary seal, rather than as a simple calligraphic exercise.
Condition: folds and waves in the paper, small stains and signs of aging, marginal wear, and natural oxidation of the metal sheet; the central decoration is well preserved and of notable aesthetic quality.

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