Introducing the Manuscript of Kaliat Saqib: An Unknown Collection Attributed to Shahabuddin Saqib Dehlavi Khorasani

The Malik National Library houses a collection of nearly 4,850 lines of poetry under Access Code 6240. This manuscript is attributed to Mohammad Hossein Saqib in the library's records and is referred to as both "Kaliat Saqib" and "Diwan Saqib" in reference to Shahabuddin Saqib Dehlavi. However, it lacks a title and direct information regarding the poet's identity, aside from the poetic surname "Saqib". This study aimed to introduce the manuscript and its stylistic significance while addressing the question of which poet bearing the surname "Saqib" authored these verses.The article analyzed the bibliographic details of the manuscript using library and document research methods, highlighting its notable features. The findings indicated that the poetry reflected the poet's engagement with new themes, particularly Indian romantic stories. Additionally, the text included Turkish verses and referenced to Fath Ali Shah Qajar, as well as elements of Indian culture. An examination of the biographies of poets known as "Saqib", especially Mohammad Hossein Saqib and Saqib Dehlavi—both listed in the Malik National Library's records—suggested that attributing this work to Mohammad Hossein Saqib was unlikely. Instead, Shahabuddin Saqib Dehlavi might be the more plausible author until further evidence would emerge.The manuscript comprised a preface, sonnets, quatrains, masnavis, odes, humorous pieces, and compositions of stanzas. Key themes included romantic tales, anecdotes, didactic and moral topics, descriptions, debates, and praise of the Imams. The variety of poetic forms and the originality of the subject matter, particularly in the fictional masnavis, warranted significant attention.