Talk explores Deccan history, identity and culture of coexistence

Historian Sajjad Shahid traces the Deccan's rich history, language and culture of coexistence during an enlightening talk in Hyderabad.

The idea of the Deccan, its people, the Dakhni language and how the region south of the Vindhyas developed a distinct identity was explored at a talk titled ‘What is the Deccan?’ by historian and author Sajjad Shahid on Sunday evening.

Hosted by a Hyderabad-based collective at the Qutb Shahi Tombs here, the session explored how the concept of the Deccan has evolved over time, examining its history, everyday culture, and traditions of coexistence.

Opening the hour-long talk, Mr. Shahid said what sets the Deccan and its people apart is ‘inkesari’, a term he described as humility. He also spoke about Dakhni, the language historically spoken in the region, noting that it gained prominence because the language of the masses was adopted as a language of literature. “The only other place, apart from the Deccan, where the language of the masses became the language of literature is France,” he said.

Reflecting on migration, Mr. Shahid said the movement of people into Hyderabad today mirrors patterns of the past. Migrants, including the Mughals, had settled in the region centuries ago, he noted and pointed out that areas such as Moghalpura derive their names from these historical settlements. According to him, this was possible because the Deccan has long been a region that welcomed people irrespective of race, religion or place of origin.

The talk also touched upon everyday life in the Deccan, including its cultural practices, food traditions and the lives of women, highlighting how coexistence has consistently defined the region’s social fabric.