WEST ASIA

Al Kita, the Arabic translation of the Bhagavad Gita is selling like hot cakes in West Asia, where research scholars prize it as a scripture of great value. According to recent media reports, the holy scripture was first printed by the city-based oriental studies research institute of international repute Dairatul-Marifil-Osmania, about 70 years ago. Later, several reprints have been published in West Asia as the demand for is high.
 

Arab scholars study the book in depth for an insight into Hinduism and its religious laws and beliefs. The book has footnotes by way of commentary and explanation, according to Daira scholars.
 

Al Kita (the letter K is used instead of G, because there’s no gaf or ‘G’ sound in Arabic) is perhaps the first-ever authentic translation of the holy book in Arabic. Despite a heavy demand, the Daira could not bring out reprints earlier, due to lack of funds. The history of Al Kita goes back to the Mughal period. The Gita was first translated into Persian from Sanskrit about 450 years ago by Allama Faizi under the orders of the great Mughal emperor Akbar. A copy of the original Persian translation is preserved at the Royal Asiatic Society in Calcutta. However long before Mughal rule, universities in the Arab world have given deep recognition to the works of ancient Indian astrologers, scientists and mathematicians.

 
Bhagavad Gita, West Asia,  Hinduism,  Arabic, Al Kita, Mughals, Akbar, Royal Asiatic Society, Society, Culture