May 29th, 2001

Shri K.V. Bhoopala Rao
Hyderabad

Dear Shri Bhoopala Rao Saheb,

I cannot find words to express my profound sense of gratitude to you for your generous response to my letter asking for help with information on the Qutub Shahis of Golconda. I have already read the Urdu book and made notes and am presently reading the English one.

In the “Itihaas” column published in the Deccan Chronicle of Sunday 27th May 2001 a mention has been made to the correct meaning of ‘Taana’ and a reference made to you which I hope has come to your notice.

I wish I could read Telugu to access the fund of knowledge there must be in your books on Bhagyamati and Taanaa Shah. If there is an Urdu or English version and it can be sent to me I shall have it xeroxed and returned with gratitude.

I wish I had contacted you earlier.

Would you know:-

Exchange rates such as those as between huns and guilders. Am I right in assuming that the hun was equivalent in value to four rupees?

Details of the Qutub Shahi contribution to

Telugu and its development?

Kuchipudi and its development

Am I right in believing that Dakhkhini had Marathi and Telugu in it and the advent of the Asafjahis brought in Persianization?

I do hope I am not imposing too much strain on you

With Best Wishes for all Good Health and Happiness

Yours in gratitude

Akhilesh Mithal