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Glimpses of Old Dhaka
"Glimpses of Old Dhaka" by S. M. Taifoor, published in 1956, is a historical narrative focusing on East Bengal and Assam, with particular emphasis on the city of Dhaka. This second edition expands upon the original work, offering a comprehensive examination of the region's history from a predominantly Muslim perspective.
The author employs a narrative approach to historical events, presenting them in a story-like format. Taifoor's sources include Persian histories, accounts from early voyagers, and personal recollections spanning several decades. This methodology results in a work that combines scholarly research with oral history traditions.
A key objective of the book is to document and preserve aspects of Muslim heritage in the region, addressing what the author perceives as imbalances in historical narratives predominantly written by non-Muslim scholars. The text aims to provide historical context and foster cultural awareness among readers, particularly younger generations.
The book incorporates various elements that enhance its historical and cultural value, including Arabic and Persian epigraphical notes, as well as illustrations reproduced from Sir Charles D'Oyly's 19th-century work, "Antiquities of Dacca"
"Glimpses of Old Dhaka" serves as a significant contribution to the historiography of East Bengal, offering insights into the region's past through a lens that was less represented in contemporary historical literature. It provides a resource for both general readers interested in South Asian history and scholars seeking alternative historical perspectives on the region.
The author employs a narrative approach to historical events, presenting them in a story-like format. Taifoor's sources include Persian histories, accounts from early voyagers, and personal recollections spanning several decades. This methodology results in a work that combines scholarly research with oral history traditions.
A key objective of the book is to document and preserve aspects of Muslim heritage in the region, addressing what the author perceives as imbalances in historical narratives predominantly written by non-Muslim scholars. The text aims to provide historical context and foster cultural awareness among readers, particularly younger generations.
The book incorporates various elements that enhance its historical and cultural value, including Arabic and Persian epigraphical notes, as well as illustrations reproduced from Sir Charles D'Oyly's 19th-century work, "Antiquities of Dacca"
"Glimpses of Old Dhaka" serves as a significant contribution to the historiography of East Bengal, offering insights into the region's past through a lens that was less represented in contemporary historical literature. It provides a resource for both general readers interested in South Asian history and scholars seeking alternative historical perspectives on the region.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 1956
About the author
Syed Muhammed Taifoor
1 book3 followersSyed Muhammed Taifoor was born in 1885 and educated in Dhaka madrasas. He was a pioneer of women's education, culture and arts. He sent his daughters to university and allowed them to sing and take part in drama at the Dhaka station of All India Radio, a very bold step at a time when women were kept in strict seclusion. Mr Taifoor was closely associated with prominent Muslim leaders of the time, such as Nawab Salimullah and Sher-e-Bangla A. K. Fazlul Huq.
Mr Taifoor was well-versed in Urdu and Persian languages, in addition to Bengali and English. He was a life member of the Asiatic Society, a Trustee of Dhaka Museum and Dhaka Improvement Trust, and also a member of the Dhanmondi Residential Model School. He contributed rare collections of coins and manuscripts, as well as many other artefacts of historical value, to the Dhaka Museum. The museum maintains a catalogue of Mr Taifoor's contributions. He died, aged 87, on 25 February 1972.
In 1952, S. M. Taifoor published his 'Glimpses of Old Dhaka', a seminal treatise on the historical evolution of the city. He was a major proponent of using the spelling 'Dhaka' (vis-à-vis 'Dacca'), which was finally accepted only in 1982, years after his death.
The author's wife, Mrs Sarah Taifoor, was a promineny social worker, in recognition of which the Government decorated her with Kaiser-e-Hind medal. She wrote the book 'Sarger Juity', in which she projected some of the many bright aspects of the life of Prophet Mohammed (pbuh).
More:
1) https://en.banglapedia.org/index.php?...
2) https://www.thedailystar.net/entertai...
Mr Taifoor was well-versed in Urdu and Persian languages, in addition to Bengali and English. He was a life member of the Asiatic Society, a Trustee of Dhaka Museum and Dhaka Improvement Trust, and also a member of the Dhanmondi Residential Model School. He contributed rare collections of coins and manuscripts, as well as many other artefacts of historical value, to the Dhaka Museum. The museum maintains a catalogue of Mr Taifoor's contributions. He died, aged 87, on 25 February 1972.
In 1952, S. M. Taifoor published his 'Glimpses of Old Dhaka', a seminal treatise on the historical evolution of the city. He was a major proponent of using the spelling 'Dhaka' (vis-à-vis 'Dacca'), which was finally accepted only in 1982, years after his death.
The author's wife, Mrs Sarah Taifoor, was a promineny social worker, in recognition of which the Government decorated her with Kaiser-e-Hind medal. She wrote the book 'Sarger Juity', in which she projected some of the many bright aspects of the life of Prophet Mohammed (pbuh).
More:
1) https://en.banglapedia.org/index.php?...
2) https://www.thedailystar.net/entertai...
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