Imambara On Land Donated by Tughlaq Prince

Imambara Dallan

Dr. Mazhar Naqvi

Jaunpur is perhaps the only place in India where an Imambara exists on the land donated by a Tughlaq prince. This fact deserves more awareness in the wake of hostile attitude of Tughlaq rulers towards the devotees of Ahle-Bait-E-Athar. While Ghiasuddin Tughlaq and Muhammad bin Tughlaq did not exhibit any special reverence and preference to martyrs of Karbala, Feroz Tughlaq is infamous for persecuting Imamis during his regime. Hence, it should be considered as miraculous that a Tughlaq Prince granted land for erection of Imambara for holding Muharram related assemblies and rituals.

This unique Imambara is simple in structure and believed to be the second most important and oldest of Jaunpur city. It was constructed by Fatima Bibi who was popularly known as Bahwa Begum. Much is not know as to who was she and what was her connection with Tughlaq prince Naseeruddin Muhammad Tughlaq. Did she make any request to him or her family enjoyed considerable influence over the prince? The Imambara is located in Bhua area. The name of the locality has derived its name from the name of Bahwa Begum only. Most of the people don’t know as to who was Fatima Bibi. Over the years, Imambara has been repaired and renovated several times. There have been changes in its original design also. People also don’t call it Bahwa begum Imambara but describe it as Dhallan Imambargah. During Muharram regular majalis are held and famous Nauchandi procession of Jaunpur is also taken out from this Imambara(The article is based on the inputs available on the website of Jaunpur Azadari .Photo has also been taken from that website only)