Professor Francis Robinson, a notable writer of several books on the Islamic culture and professor of history of South Asia said, "Persian-Islamic culture stands specifically identified, mingled only in part with Indian world where it was placed". Robins expressed these views delivering a lecture on Persian-Islamic Culture, organised by Indus Valley School of Arts and Architecture (IVS) on Thursday.
He said that Iran had major influence on the development of South Asia, adding that there was a vast cultural difference between Western world and South Asia. While discussing about spread of Persian language and its influence in sub-continent, he emphasised on Dars-i-Nizami and Sufism. He said Sufism was still prevailing in the society through poetries that depicted the idea of Wahdat-ul-Wajud.
He dispelled the concept of dancing as a part of Sufism, saying that Sufism played vital role in protecting Iranian culture in South Asia. "People, migrated to India from Iran in pursuit of power and nothing else.' he claimed. "Advancement of Iranians towards Lahore gave boost to Persian-Islamic Culture," he said. Moreover, Francis said that Iranian Muslims remained in front during different separation movements as by Parsis, Isphahanis and Agha khanis in sub-continent.
He also lauded the role of Farangi Mahall for spreading Dars-i-Nizami which is still alive in different societies in South Asia. He said Dars-i-Nizami was more than a syllabus book and a great example of didactic. Despite Iran (Safavids) and India (Mughals) were considered as cultural rivals, Mughals used to appoint Persian poets in the courts as they had influence in South Asia till to-date.
Comments
Comments are closed.