The Structure and Function of Ragham andMalfoofeh-Ragham in the Qajar era

This paper introduces two types of historical documents of the Qajarid period, namely "figure" and "composition of number" and explains the value of bothfor the study of the era.

Findings arebased on the examination of archival records supported by consulting library source.

Ragham[decree] was an official document issued in provinces only by the ruling prince to be exercised in his territory. Malfoofeh-Ragham[enfolded decree] was an unofficial Raghamissued by a prince or governor expressing their reproach or making recommendations, suggestions, or sending gifts. Raghams are sourcesof valuable information about administrative structure as well as politics ofQajarid era.