– Raheem Khan
Tonk: Tonk has been renowned for its calligraphy, a centuries-old art form that has earned the nawabi city an esteemed reputation on the international stage. This rich cultural heritage continues to thrive through the dedication of talented artists.
Recently, a national-level calligraphy competition was held in Aurangabad, attracting participants from across India, including Telangana, Maharashtra, Kashmir, and Rajasthan. Ustad Zafar Raza Khan and his student Shahjahan, both from Tonk’s Markaz-Talimul-Khutut institute, represented their city at the Second All-India Quranic Calligraphy Competition. The event was organised in collaboration with Maulana Azad College of Arts, Science, and Commerce (Aurangabad) and the Iran Culture House, Mumbai and New Delhi.
Participants were initially shortlisted based on online submissions of their work. Those selected were invited to the competition held on December 27. Among the contenders, Tonk’s calligraphers distinguished themselves, securing the top two honours and bringing glory to their city.
Ustad Zafar Raza Khan received high praise for his exceptional skill in the Nasta’liq script. While judges unanimously considered his work the finest, he was awarded the second prize due to international competition rules. These rules stipulate that if only one individual meeting the standard for first place remains in the competition, the top prize is withheld, and the second prize is awarded instead.
Shahjahan, another participant from Tonk, triumphed in the Naskh Arabic (Osmani Naskh) script category, winning first prize. Their achievements underscore the exceptional training provided at Markaz-Talimul-Khutut, a new institute established in Tonk on January 1, 2024.
The institute has rapidly gained prominence, thanks to its internationally acclaimed instructors, Ustad Zafar Raza Khan and Ustad Khurshid Alam. Both are celebrated as among the finest calligraphy masters globally. Their dedication has elevated the institute and inspired a new generation of artists to master this ancient art form.
The institute’s officials attribute their success to the hard work of their students and faculty, pledging continued efforts to preserve and promote the art of calligraphy. This achievement is a source of pride not only for Tonk but for Rajasthan and the entire nation.
