Unknown - Quran - India (Bihar) - 1425

An illuminated miniature manuscript folio from a Qur'an originating in the state of Bihar, India, circa 1425.

The folio contains scripture from Chapter 28 (Surah Al-Qasas - The Stories), v.28-26, which detail a pivotal moment in the life of Prophet Musa (Moses), focusing on his covenant in Midian, his return to Egypt, and his initial confrontation with Pharaoh. the key themes within these are: the Divine Empowerment of Moses by Allah, giving him miracles and moral strength, reinforcing that success is for those who are righteous.; trust that God guides the sincere, regardless of their fears; and Tyranny vs. Truth in that Pharaoh acts in arrogance, relying on power to suppress the truth, which leads to his inevitable fall.

It contains two illuminated Juz medallions in the left margin marking the . The latter has been 'washed' by water damage, retaining the outline and some colouration, hence the condition of the whole being described as 'fair'. The aya (verse markings) are simple but effective in gold, It is framed simply in red and blue lines (faded). There has been sone repasts made to the margin of the manuscript, best seen in the reverse picture (26-22d).

This prosperous state, lying south of Nepal close bordering the Ganges river, became Muslim in the 12th century originally under the Bengal Governors. The Muslim calligraphers developed a distinctive style of script called Bihari (after the State), characterised by wide, heavy and extended horizontal lines, and thin verticals.

Because Bihar is a warm and humid province, manuscripts from there, do not generally keep well. This one, however, is in usually good condition despite the damp staining upper left of the folio, with the scripture untouched by damp and the juz, Surah and gold 'aya' (roundels) all being in a good state.

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