Rare Photograph of Tazia In Nawabi Bhopal

The Muharram at Bhopal: Procession of the Tazias by Louis Rousselet.  In India and its Native Princes, Bickers & Son, London, 1878

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi 

Bhopal, the capital of Indian province Madhya Pradesh, is no longer considered to be a leading centre of Taziadari.But during the rule of Begums of Bhopal, Tazias (replica of the shrine of Imam Hussain at Karbala in Iraq) were taken out with royal pomp and show. Both ruler and ruled, Hindus and Muslims used to pay their respect and tributes to the martyrs of Karbala like many other princely states of British India. An idea about the grandeur of Taziadari in Bhopal can be formed about the portrayal of Muharram observance by Louis Rousselet and brought out by Bickers & Son, London, 1878.In the picture,Tazuia is placed on a richly embellished elephant with well-attired Mahaout. Another elephant follows the elephant carrying the tazia with two attendants.A third elephant also seems to be part of the procession. People are however exhibited rallying around the elephant with tazia placed on it . 

 Apart from religious importance,  Muharram also believed to be at the bottom of the introduction of famous Bhopali Gutka. The Gutka came into existence during the mourning month. The famous Zari Batua (pouch) also originated as a sequel to keep and carry Gutka. Besides Begums, Raja of Islam Nagar Vijay Ram also had a Tazia prepared. Besides making Tazias and holding Majlis several other acts of philanthropy are undertaken. They included offering water and Sharbat, feeding poor and have-nots and distributing alms. The biggest and oldest Tazia of Bhopal is said to be that of Mangalwara eunuchs. The Tazia of courtesan Nanhi Bai was also was also a major attraction before Independence. But when she moved to  Mumbai she took her Tazia with her and the city lost an important constituent of Muharram, ceremonies. In Bhopal, Tazias are made of Bamboo sticks and papers of various kinds.They are  lightweight and eco-friendly as they degrade in water sometime after the submersion. Tazias are mostly submerged in the Upper Lake on the banks of Karbala. But many people also bury them. (Reference Available on request)