Persian Inscriptions in the Gwalior State
Summary
This piece collects and translates a series of Persian inscriptions from the Gwalior region, shedding light on the Muslim presence in central India. The editor provides the Persian text, transliteration and English translation of inscriptions carved on mosques, tombs and commemorative stones. Each inscription is accompanied by historical notes that situate it within the broader political context of the Sultanate and Mughal periods. The article discusses the patronage of local governors, details dedications to saints and scholars, and highlights references to construction activities, endowments and military campaigns. By preserving and analysing these inscriptions, the author emphasises their value for understanding religious life, linguistic change and the integration of Persianate culture into the fabric of central Indian society. The study also points out instances where Persian inscriptions recorded interactions between Hindu and Muslim communities, illustrating a complex history of coexistence and conflict.
AI-assisted summary, not yet checked. Consult the original PDF before citing.
Conclusion
The translated inscriptions underscore the richness of Gwalior’s Indo‑Islamic heritage. They reveal how local rulers and elites used Persian to commemorate pious works, public architecture and administrative acts. Through careful documentation, the article preserves a corpus of texts that deepens our understanding of cultural and political exchange in medieval central India.