The papers contained in the "Diplomatic Correspondence" are drawn from records of the Daftar-i-Darul Insha, which trac-es its origin to the time of Asaf Jah I, founder of the Asaf Jahi dynasty of Hyderabad. Not much, however, is known about the early history of the Daftar. Its early existence is surmised by a collection of petitions contained in the "Gulshan-i-'Ajaib" compiled by Munshi Ram Singh and in the "Mansh'at-i-Jurat", written by Mir Musavi Khan Jura't. It is known that Munshi Ram Singh was in charge of the Daftar, when Asaf Jah I was the Subedar of Malwa, and that Mir Musavi Khan Jura't con-trolled its business when Asaf Jah I was the Subedar of the Deccan. Musavi Khan Jura't continued to hold office in the reign of Nawab Nasir Jung also. Owing to his old age, how-ever, he retired from the office in the succeeding reign of Nawab Salabat Jang, giving charge of his office to his son Mustaid Khan.
It is from the reign of Nawab Mir Nizam Ali Khan that a fuller account of the Daftar-i-Darul Insha is available. Records relating to his reign and of his successors' reigns have been pre-served in the Central Record Office.
The Daftar dealt with the Arzdashts submitted to the Mughal Emperors and the Farmans received from them from time to time. It also corresponded with the Mughal rulers, the Marathas and the East India Company, which was slowly but steadily entering the arena of Indian politics. The Daftar had acquired enormous importance and assumed the virtual status of an administrative-cum-political department in the later Asaf jahi period.
The chief executive of the Daftar was designated Mir Munshi or Nazimi-Darul-Insha indiscriminately. As the office re-quired personal contact with the ruler and gave access to the royal secrets, personal and official, the chief executive was in-variably chosen for his integrity of character, resourcefulness, and literary attainments. The procedure adopted in regard to the correspondence was elaborate. A particular hour of the day was assigned for reading over the letters and reports to the ruler, who gave verbal instructions in this regard and pointed out the saliant points to be stressed. The Munshis prepared the draft of the Farmans, Ahkams and letters as instructed. The draft was submitted to the ruler for his approval. The symbol of sanction "ص" was endorsed on the top and "الحق" at the bot tom of the draft. The calligrapher made out a fair copy of the draft under the supervision of the Nazim. It was resubmitted to the ruler. On final approval, the ruler inscribed the word ،،بيض " with his own hand at the end of the letter. The royal seal was then impressed. The subsequent process of its despatch and delivery was left to the charge of the Nazim of the Daftar.
Special style of writing was observed. Separate and specific forms of address suitable to the rank and dignity of the addressee were employed. A permanent establishment of the Munshis and copyists was maintained and a manual of rules and regulations for the transaction of business was codified.
A line of distinguished Nazims, who were the recipients of honours, titles, jagirs and mansabs, held this high office. In course of time, the office became hereditory, and passed on from father to son.
When other Daftars like Daftar-i-Mulki and Daftar-i-Peshkari came into being, gradually the importance of the Daftar-i-Darul-Insha decreased and its functions devolved on other offices. It retained only two important functions, reminiscent of its past grandeur, namely, its Nazim would pay an official visit on behalf of the ruler to the new Resident on his appointment, and would read over the credentials of his appointment in the Darbar. This convention continued to exist upto modern times.
In the year 1894, the Government took the initiative in respect of acquiring these Daftars into Government custody from the hands of the Jagirdars and centralised them in a sing a single Record Office. One by one these Daftars, including Daftar-i-Darul-Insha, were brought in and amalgamated with the Daftar-i-Diwani and Mal.
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