A firman is an epistle, and is derived from a Persian word which means command. The main text of this firman is written in Persian and in nasta‘liq script (a script known for its rounded and sweeping curves), and it concerns the donation of arable land in the district of Jalal Abad to a lady called Mah Banu as well as some other minor beneficiaries. It states that the proceeds from the land are to be used for maintaining their livelihood. Above the main text are a black seal impression and a calligraphic composition in red. The composition features Qur’anic verse 59 from Surat al-Nisa’ (The Women) and the seal contains the name of Mughal emperor Abdul Muzaffar Muhammad Muhyi ’l-Din ‘Alamgir (1618-1707), better known as Awrangzeb.
