Professor Hadi Hasan An Introduction to His Life and Contributions

By Dr. Syed Ziaur Rahman

(Senior Resident, Dept. of Pharmacology, J. N. Medical
College, AMU, Aligarh)

Professor Syed Hadi Hasan was born on September 3, 1896 in Hyderabad. He

belonged to a very distinguished family of Saadat-i Barha (1). Among his
forefathers, Ata Hussain Tahsin, was a prominent scholar of Etawah,
Uttar Pradesh and father Syed Ameer Hasan was the Commissioner in the
Hyderabad State of erstwhile Nizams Rule.

Hadi Hasan received his early education in Hyderabad and then took the
B.Sc. degree from the Ferguson College, Poona. Thereafter, he proceeded
to England for higher studies on a scholarship of the Hyderabad State.
He joined the Cambridge University from where he took Tripos in Botany.
Hadi Hasan wanted to stay in England for some more time but at the same
time the freedom movement in India was gaining momentum under its able
leadership of Mahatma Gandhi and Ali Brothers. The movement exerted a
powerful influence on Hadi Hasan and he, therefore, rushed back to his
own country. On his return to India he plunged himself into the freedom
struggle and worked ceaselessly for the emancipation of the country from
colonial domination. His sincere and dedicated services for the cause of
India's freedom earned for him the admiration of Mahatma Gandhi and
several other senior leaders (2).

Hadi Hasan joined the Muslim University as Reader and Head, Department
of Botany. He was the nephew of Nawab Mohsinul Mulk Syed Mahdi Ali Khan,
a close companion of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. Unconcerned with his interest
in Botany, he soon distinguished himself as well-grounded scholar and
admirer of Persian literature and, therefore, he went to England once
again after taking a loan from the University. He passed very hard days
in England during his stay but with determination and courage he faced
the adverse circumstances and overcame all the difficulties. He obtained
the Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Persian from the London School of Oriental
Studies and on return from England he was appointed as Professor and
Head of the Persian Department (3). He served the Aligarh Muslim
University for a very long period with devotion and sincerity till
September 3, 1958
(4).

Hadi Hasan probably inherited his profound love for the Persian language
and literature from his Iranian mother. Besides his work at Aligarh, he
also took extraordinary interest in establishing separate departments of
Persian at the Universities of Hyderabad, Patna and Lucknow. He
dedicated his whole life to the cause of Persian language--enriching its
literature with his mighty pen, securing it a place of honour in the
curricula of Indian universities and endeavoring for the status of
Persian teachers in the country. He played an important role in
establishing a link between the academic and intellectual circles of
Iran and India. He represented India at the millennium celebrations of
Firdausi in Iran and his outstanding performance not only raised the
image of this Aligarh Muslim University but also strengthened the
cultural and friendly relations between the two countries (5).

Hadi Hasan was a prolific writer and published a large number of

original works in Persian, which were internationally acclaimed. Chief
among his several publications is; Studies in Persian Literature (1923),
A History of Persian Navigation (1928), Falak-i-Shirwn: His Life,
Times and Works (1929), Dwn-i-Falak-i-Shirwn (1930),
Radud-Din-i-Nshapr: His Life and Times (1940), Mughul Poetry: Its
Historical and Cultural Value (1952), Qsim-i-Kh (868-988 AH): His
Life, Times and Works (1954), The Unique Dwn-i-Qsim-i-Kh (1956),
Majmah-i-Maqlt (1956), Shakuntala, translated into Persian (1956),
Researches in Persian Literature (1958), etc, (6). He led the life of a
dedicated scholar till his last hour. At the time of his death his two
works entitled, Golden
Treasury of Persian Poetry and Qsim-i-Kh", Vol. II, were in the
press. He was preoccupied in the correction of proof of these works when
his appointed hour came. After the death of the author, Masood A. Mirza
Qaiser had the privilege of printing Qsim-i-Kh in 1963, while, Golden
Treasury of Persian Poetry was revised and edited in 1966 by his
illustrious student, Dr. M. Shamoon Israili.

Hadi Hasan was capable of casting the spell of his unique personality on
whomsoever he came across even at the first encounter. He was
sophisticated and refined to the very depths of his being because of
early care and training by his Iranian mother. So long as he was alive,
he attracted people of all shades of opinion around him with a magnetic
charm. He bore upon himself all the graces of his aristocratic origin
and the imprint of a vigorous, incisive and discriminating mind. He
inspired confidence and affection among his associates and admirers and
was always moved by a sense of charity and benevolence whenever he saw
anyone in distress (7). Close among his friends were Sir Sultan Ahmad
of Patna, Nawwab Zayn Yar Jang, Khan Bahadur C. B. Taraporevala, Mr.
Nawshir Chenoy of Hyderabad-Deccan, Honble Humayun Kabir, Mr. K. G.
Sayyidayn and Mr.
Inamur Rahman of New Delhi, Prince Rashiduz Zafar Khan of Bhopal,
Princes Burhanud Din and Najmud Din of Bombay, Mr. Nazir Husayn of
Madras, Mr. A. A. Faydi of Kashmir, Dr. Ali Asghar Hikmat of Iran, Dr.
Zakir Hussain, Col. B. H. Zaidi, Mr. Zia Ahmad (Badaunwi), Mr. S.
Bashirud Din (8).
Dr. Zakir Hussain, who was vice-president of India and a close friend of
Hadi Hasan, remarked Dr. Hadi Hasan was one of the most talented
persons I have met. Starting his academic career as teacher of science
a Professor of Botany he allowed his passionate love of Persian
literature, which he may have inherited from his Iranian mother, to
pervade and possess his mind, so that, he had to go back to the
University of London for higher research in the History of Persian
Poetry and become qualified for the post of Professor of Persian which
he secured on his return to the Aligarh Muslim University and held
almost to the end of his life. His valuable work as a scholar and
teacher, his brilliant achievement as an orator, but above all, the
paternal love and care which he bestowed on his students won for him
universal regard and affection. Though his corporal life has come to an
end,
yet he continues to live in the minds of his many pupils and friends
(9).

Hadi Hasan loved his wife very much. He dedicated one of his book,
Researches in Persian
Literature, to his wife, Begum Kishwer Hadi and remembered her death as
19.5.7 which depicts the complete chronogram of her demise, for 19 gives
the century and also the hour; 5 gives the month and 7 the day, i.e.,
1957 AD, 7 p.m., May the 7th(10).

Besides being a Professor of Persian, he was also deeply interested in

Mathematics, History, Astronomy and Sanskrit Drama. He translated
Kalidas Shakuntlam into English and, while staging it, used to play the
roles of different characters all by himself (11).

Hadi Hasan had many milestones of distinguished services for the Aligarh
Muslim University. He traveled throughout India in the instance of Dr.
Sir Ziauddin Ahmad, the then vice-chancellor, to raise subscription for
the establishment of the Medical College in Aligarh and single-handedly
collected a sum of rupees 30 lakhs. The establishment of a medical
college in the University was a long-cherished dream of his life. He saw
his dream fulfilled when he himself performed the inaugural ceremony of
the medical college after the name of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
Apart, he also got the opportunity of demonstrating his remarkable
administrative abilities when he worked as Provost, V.M. Hall; Dean,
Faculty of Arts, Incharge, Competitive Examinations; Incharge,
Employment Exchange etc. Whatever office he held, he brought dignity to
it and left behind his distinct mark of devotion, sincerity and selfless
service when he laid it down.

Hadi Hasan was a great humanist, patriot and a linguist of international

fame. In recognition of his services, President of India conferred him a
'Certificate of Honour' and Robe of Honour with an annuity of Rs. 1,500
in 1959. It is to be noted here that this scheme for award was
introduced in 1958 by Ministry of Home Affairs to honour the scholars of
eminence in Sanskrit, Arabic and Persian Languages. During the British
Rule, the title of "Mahamahopadhyaya" and "Shams-ul-Ulama" was being
given to such scholars of eminence. Thus Professor Hadi Hasan might had
been the second person who received this prestigious award after
independence (12). He was appointed as Professor for two years after his
retirement under the UGC's scheme. About a year before his death the UGC
selected him for continuing researches in Persian Literature and
sanctioned a grant of Rs. 4,000/- per annum. In 1960, the Imperial
Government of Iran bestowed on him its highest educational award, the
Nishn-i-Dnish of the First Grade Scientific Order, the highest
academic award of the country (13).

Hadi Hasan was an orator par excellence. His art of public speaking was
not only admirable but also enviable. He could move his audience to
tears or laughter whenever he so desired. He could speak English,
Persian and Urdu, especially the first two languages, with remarkable
fluency, ease and effectiveness. He was God-gifted with a prodigiously
tenacious memory and could quote anecdotes and fragments of poetry
extensively and without interruption or a sense of embarrassment. When
the Shah of Iran Mohd. Raza Shah Pahalvi and Queen Surrayya Shah Pahalvi
visited the AMU, he welcomed the Shah in Persian on behalf of the
Student's Union on February 2, 1956 (14). The Shah and the Queen sat
spell bound while Prof. Hadi Hasan was speaking. So impressed was the
Shah that when he rose to address the students he paid his tribute to
the great scholar-orator saying that should his college days return he
would deem it a privilege to become a student of Prof. Hadi (15).

Prof. Hadi lived in name and fame throughout his life due to his
sterling qualities of head and heart and brought great honours to the
university and nobility to the teaching community. He left this Universe
for his heavenly abode at 6.30 PM on May 23, 1963 and was laid to rest
in the University Graveyard the next morning.

References:
1. Mohd. Ameen Zubairi, Hayat-i Mohsin, Muslim University Press,
Aligarh, 1934, p. 2.
2. Anonymous, Aligarh Muslim University Contributions and
Achievements, Duty Society,
Centenary Volume, Aligarh, 1989, p. 75.
3. Ibid.
4. Kabir Ahmad Jaisi, Hadi Hasan Sahib, Hadi Hasan Hall Magazine (Urdu),
1985, p. 16.
5. Anonymous, Aligarh Muslim University Contributions and
Achievements, Duty Society,
Centenary Volume, Aligarh, 1989, p. 75.
6. Hadi Hasan, Researhes in Persian Literature - Qsim-i-Kh, Vol. II,
Baptist Mission Press, Calcutta, 1963, p. 172.
7. Anonymous, Aligarh Muslim University Contributions and
Achievements, Duty Society,
Centenary Volume, Aligarh, 1989, p. 76.
8. Hadi Hasan, Preface, Researhes in Persian Literature, Government
Press, Hyderabad, 1958.
9. Zakir Hussain, Foreword, Golden Treasury of Persian Literature, Ed.
Dr. M. Shamoon Israili, 2nd Edition, Indian Council for Cultural
Relations, New Delhi, 1972.
10. Hadi Hasan, Dedication, Researhes in Persian Literature, Government
Press, Hyderabad, 1958.
11. Asloob Ahmad Ansari, So was Professor Hadi Hasan, Hadi Hasan Hall
Magazine
(English),1985, p. 1.
12. Personal Communication, Professor Syed Zillur Rahman. He received
the same award in 1995.
13. Hadi Hasan, Preface, Researhes in Persian Literature - Qsim-i-Kh,
Vol. II, Baptist Mission Press, Calcutta, 1963.
14. Syed Ziaur Rahman, Our Distinguished Visitors, The Aligarian, AMUSU,
Aligarh, October 17, 1998, p. 43.
15. Anonymous, Aligarh Muslim University Contributions and
Achievements, Duty Society, Centenary Volume, Aligarh, 1989, p. 76.

Professor Hadi Hasan was born on 3rd September 1869 in Hyderabad. He was a close
relative of Mohsinul Mulk. His father, Syed Ameer Hasan was the commissioner in the
Hyderabad State and was a prominent landlord. Hadi Hasan received his early education in
Hyderabad. A holder of Tripos in Botany from Cambridge, he joined Aligarh Muslim
University as Reader and head of the Department of Botany. However, he was destined to
distinguish himself as an erudite scholar of Persian, and, therefore, soon sailed to England
again. He obtained a doctorate in Persian from the London School of Oriental and Social
studies. On return, he was appointed Professor and Head of the Department of Persian.

He dedicated his life to the cause of Persian language - enriching its literature with his
mighty pen, securing for it a place of honour in the curricula of Indian universities and
endeavoring for the status of Persian teachers in the country. He had translated Kalidass
Shakuntalam into English.

Professor Hadi Hasan was a prolific writer and an orator par excellence. His art of public
speaking was not only admirable but also enviable. When Reza Shah Pehalvi of Iran and his
Queen Suraiyya visited the University, Professor Hadi Hasan welcomed them on behalf of
the students Union. His oration and style of delivery left the shah and his queen
spellbound.

So impressed was the king of Iran that in his address, he paid rich tribute to him by saying,
Should my college days return, I would deem it a privilege to become a student of
Professor Hadi Hasan. Dr Hadi Hasan while attending the Firdausi centenary in Iran,
remarked, during the course of his lecture, that there was a time when Firdausi had revived
a king but now a king had revived Firdausi. The Shah of Iran, who was presiding over the
function, was so pleased that he took off his jeweled cap and put it on Dr Hadi Hasans
head. He was decorated with Nishan-e-Danish of the first Order, the highest academic
award of Iran. He along with Dr. Sir Ziauddin was instrumental in raising funds of over sixty
lakhs for the establishment of the Medical College. Dr. Hadi Hasan was invited to perform
the opening ceremony of the Medical College in the old Physics Department by the
then Vice chancellor, Col. B. H. Zaidi. On October 2, 1962, he inaugurated the Medical
College. He died on May 23, 1963 and was laid to rest in the University graveyard.
Hadi Hasan Hall was established in the year 1969. Initially, it was meant for medical
students only and was a part of R.M. Hall. However, later on, students from other courses
were also admitted. Recently, it has been reserved for the medical students. The present
strength of the Hall is 421.

PROFESSOR SYED HADI HASAN: An Overview to his life and

contributions

Hadi Hasan, name we all know, being residents of the Hall named after this mighty
personality, who contributed a lot in developing this University and with the help of Almighty
also played an important role in starting several courses including the prestigious Medical
college which is now better known as Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College. Here is an attempt
to make us aware of his life, ethics and contributions.
Prof. Syed Hadi Hasan born on September 3rd, 1896 in the city known for origin of Urdu
Poetry, Hyderabad. He was bestowed with a highly reputed and educated family. He
belonged to a very distinguished family of Saadat-I-Barha. Among his ancestors, Ata
Hussain Tahsin, was a prominent Scholar of Etawah, Uttar Pradesh and his father Syed
Ameer Hasan was commissionor in the then Hyderabad state of erstwhile Nizams Rule. He
was nephew of Nawab Mohsinul Mulk Syed Mahdi Ali Khan, a close companion of Sir Syed
Ahmad Khan.
Hadi Hasan was sophisticated to the very depths of his being because of early care and
training by his Persian Mother. He was capable of casting the spell of his unique personality
on whomsoever he came across even at the first encounter. He attracted people of all
shades of opinion around him with a magnetic charm. He bore upon himself all the graces
of his aristocratic origin and the imprint of vigorous incisive and discriminating mind. He
inspired confidence and affection among his associates and admirers and was always
moved by a sense of charity and benevolence whenever he saw anyone in distress.
After receiving his early education in Hyderabad, Hadi Hasan joined Ferguson College,
Poona to persue Bachelors degree in Science. Being brilliant in academics he was awarded
scholarship of Hyderabad state. Then he moved to England to persue his higher studies. He
took Tripos in Botany from Cambridge. Hadi Hasan was very efficiently persuing his
academics but at the same time in India Non cooperation movement by Mahatma Gandhi
and Khilafat movement by Ali brothers was taking momentum. The love for the country and
his patriotic ideology forced him to return and join the fight for independence. He worked
ceaselessly for the emancipation of the country from the British rule. Due to his sincere and
selfless dedicated services for countrys cause, he earned admiration of many senior
leaders including Mahatma Gandhi.
Hadi Hasan joined the Aligarh Muslim University as Reader and Head in Department of
Botany owing to his undisputed achievements in academics. Besides his accolades in
Botany, he soon distinguished himself as a well grounded scholar of Persian literature.
He again went to England by taking loan from university owing to his interest in Persian to
achieve doctorate in Persian. He passed very hard days in England during his stay, but with
strong determined mind he surpassed all the adversities and overcame all the difficulties.
He obtained Doctorate in Persian from London School of Oriental Studies.
After his return from England he was appointed as Prof. and Head of Persian department.
During his tenure he established separate departments for Persian at University of
Hyderabad, Patna, Lucknow. With his influential works he not only enriched Persian
literature but also secured it in the curriculum of the Indian Universities endeavoring for
status of Persian teachers in the country. He played an important role in communication
between Indian and Iranian Intellectuals. He represented India at the millennium
celebrations of Firdaus in Iran and his outstanding performance not only raised the image of
Aligarh Muslim University but also strengthened the cultural and friendly relations between
the two countries.
His contribution to Persian literature was immense. He also received international acclaim
for many of his works. Chief of his works are studies in Persian Literature (1923), A History
of Persian Navigation (1928), Falak-i-Shirwani: His Life, Times and Works (1929), Diwan-i-
Falak-i-Shirwani (1930), Radiud-Din-i-Nishapuri: His Life and Times (1940), Mughal Poetry:
Its Historical and Cultural Vlaue (1952), Qasim-i-Kahi: His Life, Times and works (1954),
The Unique Diwani-i-Qasim-i-Kahi (1956), Majmuah-i-Maqalat (1956), Shakuntala,
translated in Persian (1956), Researches in Persian Literature (1958) etc. He led the life of
a dedicated scholar till his last hour. At the time of his death his two works entitled, Golden
Treasury of Persian Poetry and Qasim-i-Kahi, vol.II, were in the press. He was preoccupied
in the correction of proof of these works w hen his appointed hour came. After the death of
the Author, Masood A. Mirza Qaiser had the privilege of printing Qasim-i-Kahi in 1963, while
Golden Treasury of Persian Poetry was revised and edited in 1966 by his illustrious student,
Dr. M. Shamoon Israili. He also dedicated one of his work to his beloved wife, Begum
Kishwer Hadi and remembered her death as 19.5.7 which depicts the complete chronogram
of her demise, for 19 gives the century and also the hour, 5 gives the month and 7th day,
i.e. 1957 A.D., 7 p.m., May the 7th.
Hadi Hasan was not confined to Persian but he was also deeply interested in Mathematics,
History, Astronomy, and Sanskrit Drama. He translated Kalidas Shakuntalam into English
and while staging it, used to play the roles of different characters by himself.
Prof. Hadi Hasan being a great humanist, Patriot and linguist of international fame, got
recognized by many institutions of the world. In 1959 the President of India conferred him a
certificate of honour and Robe of Honour with an annuity of Rs. 1500. This award was
introduced in 1958 to honour the scholars in Sanskrit, Arabic and Persian languages. Thus
Prof. Hadi Hasan might be the second person to receive this prestigious award.
In 1960, the Imperial government of Iran bestowed him its highest academic award, the
Nishan-i-Danish for the first Grade scientific Order.
Hadi Hasan had many milestones of distinguished services to Aligarh Muslim University, but
the silver lining is marked by his contribution in establishment of Medical college at
University due to which our hall is named after this Megapersonality. At the instance of Sir
Ziauddin Ahmad, the then Vice Chancellor he traveled throughout India and collected a sum
of Rs. 30 lakhs. The establishment of Medical college at AMU was a long cherished dream
of his life and he saw his dream fulfilled when he himself inaugurated the Medical college
named after our first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
Apart from his academic contributions he also had remarkable administrative skills. He
worked as Provost of V.M. Hall, Dean Faculty of Arts, Incharge competitive examination and
employment exchange. His methodology of working had ethical sense and he brought
dignity to it by his sincere and selfless work.
Owing to his professional accolades he was appointed as Professor for 2 years after his
retirement under UGCs scheme. UGC also selected him a grant of 4000 Rs per annum. He
served AMU for a very long period with devotion and sincerity till September 3, 1958.
Hadi Hasan was an orator par excellence. His art of public speaking was not only
admirable but also enviable. He could move his audience to tears or laughter whenever he
so desired. He could speak English, Persian and Urdu, especially the first two languages,
with remarkable fluency, ease and effectiveness. He was God gifted with a prodigiously
tenacious memory and could quote anecdotes and fragments of poetry extensively and
without interruption or a sense of embarrassment. When the Shah of Iran Mohd. Raza Shah
Pahalvi and Queen Surrayya Shah Pahalvi visited AMU, he welcomed the Shah in Persian
on behalf of the Students Union on February 2, 1956. The Shah and the Queen sat spell
bound while Prof. Hadi Hasan was speaking. So impressed was the Shah that when he
rose to address the students he paid his tribute to the great scholar orator saying that
should his college days return he would deem it a privilege to become a student of Prof.
Hadi.
Dr. Zakir Hussain, who was Vice President of India and a close friend of Hadi Hasan,
remarked Dr. Hadi Hasan was one of the most talented persons I have met. Starting his
career as teacher of science, a Professor of Botany, he allowed his passionate love of
Persian literature, which he may have inherited from his Iranian mother, to pervade and
possess his mind, so that, he had to go back to the University of London for higher research
in the History of Persian which he secured on his return to the Aligarh Muslim University
and held almost to the end of his life. His valuable work as a scholar and teacher, his
brilliant achievement as an orator, but above all, the paternal love and care which he
bestowed on his students won for him universal regards and affection. Though his corporal
life has come to an end, yet he continues to live in the minds of his many pupils and
friends.
Prof. Hadi Hasan lived in name and fame throughout his life due to his sterling qualities of
head and heart and brought great honours to the university and nobility to the teaching
community. He left this world for his heavenly abode on May 23, 1963 and was laid to rest
in the University Graveyard the next morning.
Posted by Syed Faisal 'f.one' Hasan at 9:32 P