Forwarding written by Prof. Mehboob Desai
A man who
enriches the Medieval History of India : Dr. Z. A. Desai
Prof. Mehboob Desai
Late Dr. Ziyaud-Din
A. Desai more well-known as Dr. Z.A. Desai (1925 to 2002), is again in the news
for his new book "Triumphalism". "Triumphalism"
means the attitude or belief that a particular doctrine, religion, Culture, or
Social system is superior to and should triumph over all others. This kind of
work is not simple and easy. Nowadays its
very difficult to find scholars like Dr.
Desai.
My acquaintance
with Dr. Desai goes back to the year 1979, when he visited Bhavnagar to see the
oldest mosque at Gogha. At that time my father Usmanbhai Desai and Dr. Desai
visited Gogha. I have heard the name of Dr. Ziyaud-Din Desai from my father who
was a friend of him. In the first
meeting I was quite impressed with his scholarly personality and knowledge.
After this, I knew more about his work and writings.
He was a scholar
who never believed in canvassing for the portrayal of his image as a scholar.
He always rendered silent, selfless and sincere service to the study and
appreciation of the various Islamic Arts and Persian Literature in general and
Perso-Arabic Epigraphy in particular. He was a dedicated researcher and a
perfectionist by nature who always strived hard to reach to the core of the
thing. He was a great teacher too who always encouraged fellow-scholars and
young researchers to take-up the studies seriously and extended a helping hand
to them. That is why a band of his admirers is to be found in different
institutions across the country and abroad as well. A great scholar of Arabic
and Persian of this country Dr. Desai should have been rewarded amply when he
was in the Service or immediately after retirement from service. But
Archaeological Survey of India utterly missed the chance. This habit in the Survey
is even now eating away the backbone of the Survey.
After his
retirement, Dr. Desai was quite active in his field of research and writing. A
glance of his literary achievements and
contribution would hold anyone in awe.
Diligence, tenacity and stamina for hard work always ran through his veins. He
had a facile pen in English, Urdu, Arabic, Persian and Gujarati too, and contributed research articles
in all the above languages. His knowledge on the subject is as deep as the
ocean. He dedicated his life to the cause of Perso-Arabic Epigraphy and
remained an academician throughout. The
list of publications continues endeavors in the field and display his erudition
and depth of knowledge. He remained active despite his advancing age, and
unfortunate accidents, he continue to keep himself engaged in academic
activities with the verve and vigor of a person, totally dedicated to his
profession till death. His books are widely used by the students and scholars
all over the world.
He participated in
more than a dozen national and international seminars/conference /symposia,
etc. , and till his last days he was being invited to expert lectures in
national, international seminars, conferences. But unfortunately, bad health prevented him from
going out of his home.
In the area of publication, he ensured the
publication of the "Epiographia Indica
Arabic & Persian Supplement (EIAPS), up to the issue of 1975. The major
portion of the articles contained in this Journal was contributed by him. There
are so many authentic books on his account like
Arabic, Persian and Urdu Inscriptions of West India (2002), Mosques Of
India (1979), Nobility Under the Great Mughals: Based on Dhakhiratul Khawanin
of Shaikh Farid Bhakkari (Translator) (2003), Life And Works Of Faidi (1964), Malfuz literature as a source of political,
social & cultural history of Gujarat & Rajasthan (1991), Centres of
Islamic learning in India (1982), Persian and Arabic epigraphy of Gujarat:
Their historical significance (Special Assistance Programme lecturer series)
(1982), A topographical list of Arabic, Persian, and Urdu inscriptions of South
India (1989). etc.
His latest book "Triumphalism" is
a collection of forty inscriptions of various places of Gujarat and eight research articles on History
and Archaeology. Most of the research articles are like primary Source for
furthering the research in the History of Gujarat. As per example first article "Malfuz Literature" we get a fairly good idea of the daily
routine of the saintly household and the servants and the people of medieval society. In short all the research articles are primary sources of political. Social &
cultural History of Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Inscriptions are a
basic source of Historical Research. They highlight the Political, Social,
Economical, Cultural and Religious condition and belief of the people of medieval
period. Without such primary sources,
historical writings never be an authentic.
Dr. Desai sheds new light on a
view of the history of Gujarat through this
authentic book.
Recently , on the
marriage of my daughter Karishma the whole family of Dr. Desai came to the
reception, at that time I met Mrs. Sahida Aapa Desai., wife of Dr. Desai after
a long time. She is very kind hearted, simple and sober lady, who took care and
gave support throughout the life to such a great scholar. I respect her devotion. And conclude with a tribute to this great scholar of
international
repute.
repute.
3 March 2014
Ahmadabad 
