Historian and author Sajjad Shahid gave a talk called 'What is the Deccan?' on Sunday evening at the Qutb Shahi Tombs in Hyderabad. The event, hosted by a local group, explored how the Deccan region south of the Vindhyas formed its own identity. Mr. Shahid said the Deccan people are known for 'inkesari,' or humility, which sets them apart. He spoke about the Dakhni language, once common among the masses, which gained fame as a language of literature. "The only other place, apart from the Deccan, where the language of the masses became the language of literature is France," he said. He also discussed migration patterns, saying the flow of people into Hyderabad today reflects past movements. Migrants like the Mughals settled in the area centuries ago. Places like Moghalpura get their names from these early communities. Mr. Shahid stressed that the Deccan has always welcomed people regardless of race, religion, or origin. The talk also covered everyday life, including food, culture, and women's roles, showing that coexistence has always been key to the Deccan's social life.