The Literary Contributions and Influences of the Dar al-Tarjumah of Osmania University

Abstract

Dar al-Tarjuma, Osmania University, stands as a landmark institution in the development and advancement of the Urdu language, especially in the domain of publication. Established on 26 April 1917 under the directive of Mir Osman Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VII, it emerged at a time when the region lacked a university, making the creation of an educational and intellectual centre a vital necessity. With the founding of Dar al-Tarjuma, a significant transformation took place in the fields of research, editing, compilation, and translation. Its primary objective was to render the finest works of Western scholarship into Urdu, thereby broadening the linguistic and intellectual horizons of the language and elevating it to the medium of higher education. The institution played a central role in preparing curricula for Intermediate and undergraduate levels. Owing to its efforts, Persian was gradually replaced by Urdu as the language of instruction. Since its mission did not challenge the status of English, British authorities did not oppose its activities. Maulvi Abdul Haq served as its first head, initially supervising the institution by travelling from Aurangabad to Hyderabad. After he stepped down, Maulvi Inayatullah Dehlavi assumed leadership. Overall, Dar al-Tarjuma proved to be a pioneering force in promoting translation and enriching Urdu through the adaptation of foreign literary and scholarly works.