Unknown - Quran India (Bihar), Surah Al-Hajj - 1425

A beautifully preserved and rare illuminated manuscript folio from a Qur'an originating in the state of Bihar, India, circa 1425.

The folio contains scripture from Chapter 22, Surah Al-Hajj (The Pilgrimage), v:56-60 covering the fate of the disbelievers who denied God's signs, followed by the promise to those who emigrated in God's cause and were killed or died, that they will be granted a goodly provision, admitted to a place that pleases them, and given victory against those who wronged them.

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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