Forgotten Shia General Ali Mardan Khan

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

The role played by Amir- Ul- Umra, All Mardan Khan in promoting the cause of ‘Hussainiyat’ has so far remained out of the gaze of history of Azadari in India.In Shahjahan's reign, he played an influential role in propagation of  philosophy behind ‘Karbala Revolution’ in Kashmir valley despite hostile atmosphere. His father, Ganj All Khan Zig of a Kurdish tribe, was close to Shah Abbas, the ruler of Persia (Modern Iran). He served as Governor of Kirman for over thirty decades.

After his death, Shah Abbas appointed his son, Ali Mardan Khan as his

Successor in Qandahar. After Shah Abbas’s departure for heavenly abode Mardan felt his future uncertain as his enemies and he surrendered in 1637-38, fort of Qandahar to Shahjahan's and joined his court at Lahore. He was given a mansab of 6000/6000.His 10 servants also received appropriate positions. Mardan was made governor of Kashmir. In 1639-40, he was given the additional charge of Punjab. He also led expeditions for capture of the Balkh and Badakhshan. In Kashmir, Mughal General Mardan constructed many canals, gardens and palaces.He also laid a garden was laid out on high ground.

During his second term as governor of Kashmir, he erected several water channels and fountains made. Mardan also erected a big garden in the  village Til with four stone walls. A large channel brought water from the back of the mountains to irrigate the garden. He gave the income from the fruit of the gardens for expenditure on Imam Raza’s tomb in Mashhad in Iran. In the middle of the Pir Panjal, he constructed a caravanserai in the name of the twelve Imams. At the exit of the Baramula pass he founded two villages and named a village after Hazrat Ali’s name. Ali Mardan died in 1656-57.

Source: Internet/Photo Courtesy Google images

Devotee of Holy Imams -Mughal General Mahabat Khan

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Zamana Beg Mahabat Khan Khan-i Khanan had, by a coup de main, seized Jahangir was a Shia by faith. He is the only Shia who captured the royal couple of Jahangir and Nurjahan for about six months.He lies buried at Dargah Shah-E-Mardan in New Delhi.He was a formidable General who took under captivity the royal couple while they were crossing Jhelum river and enjoyed regal favor under the regime of Shahjahan, a rare feat indeed.   

Mahabat Khan’s ancestors had descended from Imam Raza,8^th Shia Imam. His father Ghayur Beg had relocated from Shiraz to Kabul. Initially, Mahabat Khan did not exhibit his faith publicly due tohostile attitude of Mughal emperors but later on, he openly started professing his faith. He had costly jewels engraved with the names of the twelve Imams and wore them round his neck. He also placed on his head a costly woolen scarf embroidered with their names.

The General was in the habit of waiving of all debts ,irrespective of the amount involved if the defaulter swore in the name of holy Imams that he had no means to pay back debt.

Source: internet/Photo Courtesy Google images

Marsiya Writers before Anees & Dabeer

Dr. Mahar Naqvi

The incredible popularity given by Mir Anees and Mirza Dabir to Marsiya writing and recitation prompts one to believe as if there were no composers of elegiac poetry on ‘Karbala Revolution’.As a result, a large number of Marsiya reciters and composers remain unknown to Muharram mourners.   

For example, no one seems to be aware of the existence of a famous Marsiya reciter Shaykh Sultan. He belonged to the eastern part of Uttar Pradesh, most probably Ghazipur and garnered  mastery over his contemporaries in the royal curt of Delhi. Sultan used to recited Marsiyas eloquently with style. His voice was sensitive, deep and full of sorrow. Although he had no formal training in music yet he captivated the mourners with his tunes befitting for paying tribute to the martyrs. The mourners always responded to his presentation with wailing and grief.

Likewise, Mir Abu Turab and Mirza Ibrahim were also gifted Marsiya reciters of their era. Another was, Mir Darvish Husain who too enjoyed considerable popularity among mourners. In the declining days of Mughal empire, Mir Abdullah also emerged as an excellent marsiyago. A barber by profession, Jani developed taste for Marsiya reciting and soon earned much popularity. He was quite handsome with good command over music. An affluent landlord lavished Jani with costly gifts worth Rs. 1 lakh but he squandered money on extravagance. 

Next worth mentioning name is that of Muhammad Nadim. He was expert in selecting nerve-raking phrases and used most appropriate metaphors in his compositions. At times, He liberally used Marsiyas written by others in his    stanzas in an unusual manner. In 1803 one of Mir Abdullah Miskin's poems was printed in Nagri characters. Gilchrist has quoted Miskin's verses in his Hindustani Grammar,published in 1796. Garcin de Tassy translated some of them into French.

Another poet Khalifa Muhammad All Ghlasi, adopted  Sikandar as his

nom de plume(Takhallus). He hailed from Punjab but rsettled in Delhi. He was not mu educated but still his Marsiyas were free from linguistic pitfalls. His popularity did not fade despite refinements I the art of  Marsiya writing.

In the second half of the 18th century, names of several other many  Marsiya poets also figure.They included Mir Sayed Muhammad Taqi, alias Mir

Ghasi, Qiyamud-Din Qaim Chandpuri, Mirza All Qui! Khan Nadim Dehalvi, Banda  Ali Khan Lakhnavi, Mir Amani Dehalvi, Mirza Zuher

Khaliq Dehalvi, Shah Nuruf l-Haqq Tapan Azimabadi, Shah Mu-hammad Abul Hasan Fard Azimabadi, Qalandar Bakhsh Jurrat Dehalvi, Sheikh Ghulam Hamadani Mushafi, Ghulam Ali Rasikh Azimabadi, Ahmad Beg Qizilbash Dehalvi, Sadiq All Shah Haideri Farrukhabadi, Khwaja Ihsanullah Bayan Dehalvi, Mirza Muhammad Ismail alias Mirza Jan Tapish Dehalvi, Shah Zahurul-Haq Azimabadi, Qasim Lakhnavi, Ghulam Ghaus Khan Ehsan and Mazhar Mushtaq, Shani Azimabadi, Mahzun Azimabadi, Maulvi Jawwad All Azimabadi and Zahik.

Their names suggest that most of them were either from Delhi or Azimabad(Now Patna).Lucknow too had several prominent Marsiya writers. Another feature is that a number of them were Sunnis, indicating poets did not believe in Shia-Sunni ideological conflict and kept away martyrs from their own ideology or faith. These Marsiya writers enriched the Urdu literature and refined both Marsiya writing and presentation.

Source: Available on request

Hazrat Ali's Name on Sword of Aurangzeb

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi 

Mughal Emperor Alamgir Aurangzeb is perceived in India as a fanatic who destroyed temples, banned Muharram processions,slaughtered Hindus and  Shias alike and prohibited Music in is regime.Since his death in 1707, he has always been projected as a person who was fanatic and had no respect for Ahlebait-E-Athar. Howcver, his sword at display in the National Museum, New Delhi tells otherwise and exhibits his respect for at least Maula Ali. 

The inscribed verses on the regal sword read “Bismillah-i-Rehman-Al-Rahim. Nasrun Min-Al-Allah-I-Wa Fathun Qarib. La Fataha illa Ali, La Saifa-Illa Zulfiqar. La Yasmaoon Fiha Laghwan Wa La Kizzaban. Jazaun Min Rabbika Qabiyan”.(In the name of God, the beneficent, the merciful, (With) help from Allah, a speedy victory is near. There is no warrior but Ali .There is no sword but Zulfiqar. No vanity shall they hear therein (in Heaven), nor untruth (One will receive) recompense from the Lord, a gift." These lines echo the inscription that is said to have been written on the famed 'Zulfiqar' sword that the Prophet Muhammad(PBUH) gifted to his nephew and son-in- law, Hazrat Ali. In the center of the blade is a 'Tughra' with the name of Aurangzeb..

The sword is a single-edged 'Shamsheer'(Sword) and is made of fine watered steel. From the forte to the middle, the blade is profusely inscribed in golden letters with Arabic verses written in the 'Naskh 'script. However, the name of Aurangzeb is written in Nastaliq script. Calligraphically, the inscription is one of the best examples of its kind in the world and reflects Iranian influence. .

The sword is beautifully decorated with figures of fish, a tiger and a deer, accompanied by floral designs all in gold. The hilt is unique. It consists of straight quillons and a rectangular grip of steel fitted with ivory pieces on both sides. These ivory pieces are decorated with floral and fish-scale patterns. The sides of the grip and the quillons are also having floral and creeper designs like one of its blade.



Aurangzeb was born onn November 3,1616 in Dhod Malwa(part of modern Madhya Pradesh state of india to the famous couple Shahjahan and Mumtaz Mahal of Taj Mahal fame. His original name was Muhi Uddin Muhammad. He assumed title of Alamgir Aurangzeb after ascending throne and ruled India from 1658 to 1707.

Source: National Museum New Delhi

Qaseem Soleimani -Part-2

Dr. Mazhar Naqvi

Soleimani seemed to have sealed his fate in 2018 when for the first time he spoke what can be termed as an ‘emotional outburst.’ When Trump tweeted ““To Iranian President [Hassan] Rouhani: NEVER, EVER THREATEN THE UNITED STATES AGAIN OR YOU WILL SUFFER CONSEQUENCES THE LIKES OF WHICH FEW THROUGHOUT HISTORY HAVE EVER SUFFERED BEFORE. WE ARE NO LONGER A COUNTRY THAT WILL STAND FOR YOUR DEMENTED WORDS OF VIOLENCE & DEATH. BE CAUTIOUS!”

Soleimani retorted in a speeh delivered in Hamdan, about 300 kms away from Capital City Tehraan and tore the tweet of trumpt.the world saw for the first time, Soleimani could yell, wage his fingers and could shun his image as a cool leader if anyone dared to threaten Iran. He said “  The U.S. president … made some idiotic comments on Twitter. It is beneath the dignity of the president of the great Islamic country of Iran to respond, so I will respond, as a soldier of our great nation. You threaten us with a measure that the world has not seen before. First of all, it has been over a year since Trump became U.S. president, but that man’s rhetoric is still that of a casino, of a bar. He talks to the world in the style of a bartender or a casino manager.”

Trump took it as his personal insult and cast a dragnet to eliminate Qaseem Soleimani. White House should look at how huge crowds wailed, beat their chest and heads to mourn the death of a man who was a terrorist in the eyes of the marketer of violence all over the world to sell arms and ammunitions and infamous for assassinating powerful and popular leaders of the third world with the help of CIA.

Can millions of mourners cry, clutch pictures of martyr general and pass his coffin over their heads for a terrorist.?  Certainly  not. Now his blood is speaking through his daughter who is warning US like her father. She said “US will face a "dark day" for the killing. Crazy Trump, don't think that everything is over with my father's martyrdom".

In sharp contrast, Trump is trying to repeat what Yazid and Pirates turned Royal family of Saudi Arabia did after capturing power. Trump has declared to demolish holy shrines and heritage sites like Saudis and Taliban. Who can forget how Saudis demolished shrine of Lady Fatima and attempted to cause damage to the blessed resting place of her father and Prophet. Likewise, world still remembers how Taliban exploded with dynamite the statues of Lord Buddha in Afghanistan, fully ignoring appeals made by many governments. Iran is a culturally rich nation with two dozen Unesco World Heritage sites.

It is surprising Trump is not listening to the voice of his own people.US citizens have been on the street for preventing the impending war. They turned up in thousands to demand withdrawal of American soldiers from the Middle East. Their gesture is amazing and deserve appreciation, for none of them uttered even a single word against Soleimani. Can there be a better certificate for unblemished record of slain commander? While leading funeral prayers, supreme leader was in tears .So was the case with other leaders. It was a rare sight with head of the nation unable to control his emotions. Millions of mourners also expressed solidarity and behaved as if a calamity has befallen.

The developments are indicating that martyred Soleimani would indeed prove dangerous as compared to a living entity. His memory will haunt Iranians, Iraqis, Lebanese, Palestinians, Nigeria, Iraq, Yemen and wherever  Hussainis are settled worldwide. It is rightly said “every day is Ashura, Every land is Karbala” as world keeps churning out Yazid who had scant regard for the principles of equity and justice. He was full of lust , drunkard, perverted and gambler. It is irony that like Yazid he is occupying the position of the most powerful man of the world with almost similar track record.US citizens should hang their heads in shame for a man who is purely example of the old saying “Power Corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.  Soleimani is yet another victim of power hungry politicians or rulers and his death is an irreparable loss to all those who firmly believe that only Hussaini philosophy is answer to all wordily problems.May his soul rest in peace and his martyrdom should become cause for the collapse of all tyrannical regimes.May his martyrdom make the world a better place for all its inhabitants.    
Source:Internet/Google Images  

Martyred Soleimani is More Dangerous for America-Part -1

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

The tragic assassination of General Qassem Soleimani should be seen in the backdrop of circumstances leading to martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain. It was Yazid who had plotted to kill the grandson of the Holy Prophet and disgrace the survivors of Karbala. In 21^st century, Yazid has returned in the form of Donald Trump with vengeance, cruelty and barbarism. The world has witnessed in the past few days as to what was the popularity level of Soleimani with people mourning his martyrdom with tears, wailing, chest-beating in black attire. They also raised slogans like Karbala, Karbala, and Labbaik Ya Hussain. Labbaik  Ya Hussain. The obvious question arises as to why they link the tragic death of Soleimani with Karbala. The natural answer is the way Qassem has been handling US sponsored terrorism for the past two decades was not relished by Trump regime and Washington  is trying to justify the uncalled for assassination under the garb of protecting American citizens and humanity at large. The western media is also portraying Soleimani as someone who was responsible for innocent deaths and was involved in spreading terrorism in the Middle East. They seem to have forgotten the role played by Soleimani in curbing the anti-human approach of Abu Bakar Baghdadi led ISIS caliphate, bringing Iraq and Iran closer, protecting  Syria from the evil designs of America and holiest shrines with the help of Hizbollah.

The daughter of slain major general has rightly remarked that the martyrdom of his father won’t go waste and his death will indeed be avenged by Hizbollah. Her name is Zainab and her brave face has let the world know that she considers the messenger of Karbala Bibi Zainab as her role model. Who can forget Bibi’s valiant effort to keep alive the message of Karbala after the martyrdom of her brother in the most adverse and trying circumstances? She walked on fire and threw herself on Imam Zainul Abedeen to save him from Shimr-E-Maloon or else imamate would have come to an end. In her interview with a Lebanese channel, her firmness, composure and resolute was remarkable. She exhibited from her words that she has the guts to inspire all humanitarians to rise against Donald Trump who has brought the world on the brink of third world war for the sake of returning to White House.

Trump’s behavior only reminds how Yazid initially tried to brand Imam Hussain as a rebel (Maaz Allah) and when faced with heat of his own people strived to project as if he was not involved and his governor acted in haste and executed Imam and his companions without taking him into confidence. The same role is now being played by Saudi Arabia, telling the world that Riyadh was not aware of Trump’s plan. There can’t be a more blatant lie. Who does not know how intimate Saudi regime has been to Washington for several decades. It was at the behest of US, Saudi had funded Pakistan to start terror factories at various Madarsas. The strategy had resulted in the fall of Afghan government and emergence of Taliban to alarming propositions. Since then. World has seen advent of terror outfits in Nigeria, Syria, Iraq, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Philippines, U.K., Belgium, France and other countries as well.US tasted the bitter fruit of its own seed on 9/11.It shook the nation and US made all out efforts to eliminate Taliban but encouraged other terror outfits to protect its interest in oil rich Middle East. Under the garb of UN resolutions, White House entered Iraq and imposed economic sanctions whoever dared to oppose it move. Iran resisted and faced similar consequences. Syria too was a target but Russian friendship saved the skin of Asad government. Trump hardly utters even a single word what Saudis have been doing in Yemen. No human Right organization looks at the persecution of Shias and Sufis in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Gilgit- Baltistan, Nigeria, Malaysia and UAE.

Against this situation, Soleimani began his effort to tame US and Israel. He emerged as most powerful voice in support of Palestinian resistance. He had tremendous popularity across the Middle East, from Lebanon and Syria to Iraq and Yemen. He was architect of a unique strategy of blending anti-ISIS soldiers and state power. Under his leadership. Iran despite sanctions transformed itself into one of the premier military and diplomatic powers in the Middle East with Saudi Arabia as principal rival for hegemony over the entire region. Sulemani maneuvered a tactical alliance with Russia, provided those fighting against terror under the seal of Islamic State with arms, advice, and cash. As long time Supremo of special forces of battalion of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Soleimani also ensured Assad’s victory in Syria against civil unrest. Revered in the pockets of his influence and feared on the battle field Qassem could drive car from Lebanon to Israel without any barrier, could meet commoners and Ayatollahs with ease. He was modest with a tendency to avoid his admirers from any kind of hero worshipping like kissing of hands. In meetings, he preferred to listen more and speak less. Soloimani never raised his voice  yet he was considered as the second most powerful man of Iran after Supreme leader Khamenei. For America,he was a terrorist who was in the habit of allegedly targeting US diplomats and citizens without any substantial evidence.

Source: Internet/Photo Courtesy Google Images

      

Adeeb Makanpuri-Unsung Shair-E-Ahlebait

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Adeeb Makanpuri was a famous poet of Urdu and known for his Ghazals. But he was also a great devotee of Hazrat Imam Hussain and wrote many Nauhas, Qatas and Salams in praise of martyrs of Karbala. It is ironical that his contribution to elegiac poetry remains unknown to 

Azadar world even two decades after his death.

His original name was Muazziz and he was born in Makanpur village. He was gifted with a melodious voice and could even play Tabla. He had learnt Tabla from Haider Bhai who had settled in Makanpur after marrying a lady. Prior to his arrival in Makanpur to purchase horses for a small kingdom in Gujarat, Haider Bhai was chief of Cavalry in the royal force. He found Makanpur so captivating that he decided to leave his job and began teaching the art of Sozkhwani, Nauhakhwani and Marsiyakhwani to local people with Muazziz as one of his disciples.  

Being an old center of Azadari, Makanpur is famous as unique center of Muharram ceremonies from the time of Sharqi dynasty of Jaunpur. The shrine of Shah Madar-one of the descendants of 6th Shia Imam Jafar Sadiq A.S., always encouraged Taziadari. In all Tazia processions, his descendants who are known as Khadims   has been traditionally reciting Nauhas,Salams and Marsiyas. Muazziz also developed taste for reciting Nauhas being a Jafri Syed.

When Chaudhary Ashif Hussain,a poet par excellence, started a high school at Makanpur, Muazziz joined as a teacher and also learnt intricacies of Urdu poetry. Soon he earned as a national level poet and also hosted an All India Mushaira on behalf of Mela Committee. He however never attended any engagement during Muharram and considered his solemn duty to present his elegiac poetry   on 9th and 10th day of Muharram.  

His Nauha “Allah woh Shah Ke Madadgaar Bahattar “is still recited by local Anjumans. He took Adeeb as his “Takhallus(Pen Name) and till his last breath continued writing. His son Shohrat Adeeb is also a good poet and writes elegiac poetry. Internationally acclaimed poetess Shabeen Adeeb also flourished under the care of Adeeb Makanpuri. It was Adeeb sahib who offered her to recite one of his Ghazals  when health did not permit him to perform on stage,Shabeen was just 9 year old. She was an instant hit because of her voice. Shabeena too writes poetry in praise of Ahlebait –E- Athaar.

Zair Adeebi is another poet who is carrying on legacy of Adeeb Sahib. Zair no longer lives in Makanpur but comes to take part in Muharram ceremonies at Makanpur. It is impact of Adeeb Sahib’s poetry that over a dozen young poets from Makanpur are making waves in the field of elegiac poetry with Urooj  Makanpuri playing a leading role. Of late, Noman Makanpuri, grandson of Adeeb Sahib, has earned quite a reputation in Naat and Nauha rercitation at a fairly young age.

Source:Personal Observation and Oral statements of area residents.    

Lado sakhan Ka Tazia in Lucknow

Shahi Julus of Muharram  in Lucknow

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Nawabs of Lucknow are credited with making Muharram ceremonies into a mass movement in 18^th century but contribution of economically marginalized women in commemoration of martyrs of Karbala  remain unnoticed. Lado Sakhan is one such woman. She was poverty stricken yet she kept a Tazia at her house without fail.

It is on historical records that when Nawab Asaf Ud Daula wanted to erect world famous Bada Imambara, Lado’s house proved to be a barrier. The lady refused to sell her house when royal employees approached her. Nawab then visited her personally and asked as to what was preventing her from selling the house even at exorbitant price. The lady replied as to how could she sell house where she has been keeping Tazia of Imam Hussain for several years.

When Nawab informed her that he intended to built an Imambara ,she agreed to shift elsewhere with the condition that her Tazia will be part of the procession not only in Asafud Daula’s life time but by her successors as well.She refused to accept a single penny for leaving the place. Finding her unrelenting, Nawab included the name of her Tazia in the royal decree.    

Since then, her Tazia is being kept at Bada Imambara on 28^th day of Zilhij,two days prior to commencement of Muharram.On 1^st of Muharram, Tazia of Lado Sakhan is taken out as part of Shahi(Royal) Muharram procession. As a mark of respect to the commitment made by Nawab Asaf ud Daula, Hussainabad trust takes care of Tazia. But devotees consider it as Tazia of Nawab as no one ever mentions name of Lado Sakhan.

Her name is preserved only in records and there is urgent need to create awareness about the origin of Lado Sakhan ka Tazia.The religious scholars of Lucknow can do sobut it is suprisinfg that they have not paid any attention to the contribution of an eccnomically marginalized woman or acknowledges the fact that despite her poverety, she did not accept money for vacating her house for the sake of Azadari.

Source :Personal observation and visit/talks with officials of Hussainabad Trust/Photo Courtesy Google images    

Forgotten Azadar of Patna Imambandi Begum

 Imambara Imambandi Begum Patna 

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

The contribution of Imambandi Begum to promotion of Azadari in colonial Bihar has not been acknowledged so far. Way back in 1890, she had created a Wakf of the properties procured after much litigation for almost over three decades. It is on this property the famous Gulzar Bagh Imambara stands as the hub of Azadari in Patna city. Apart from Imambara, a mosque and her own tomb also exist.

Much is not known about the early history of Imam Bandi Begum.From court proceedings, one comes to know that she was widow of Nawab Ahmad Ali and inherited property from Tasadduq Hussain and Taqi Hussain, stated to be brothers of Nawab Bahu Begum of Awadh whose property were located from Farrukhabad to Patna.

Imambandi Begum was a great philanthropist and she did much for women education also, besides ensuring that martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his companions should continue even after her death. She seems to have been fed up of series of litigation to get back her property and created trust of her sprawling estate for the purpose of charity and  Aza-E-Hussain.  The trust is now under the care of Bihar Shia Wakf Board.

The Imambara is also symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity.Of many tenants, there are 45 Hindu traders who have been successfully running their respective businesses for generations without any difficulty. All of them are full of praise for Begum Sahiba and hold her in high esteem. They also extend helping hand in preparation of Muharram ceremonies and donate generously as well.

In her life time, Muharram ceremonies were restricted to 12 days, followed by Chehlum of Imam. Now Azadari like rest of Shia world stretches for two month and old days. The most famous processions undoubtedly Bahattar Tabut procession Imambara is well maintained but her own tomb lies in neglect. Modern Shia youths are also not much aware about Begum and prefer to call Gulzar Bagh Imambara whereas in revenue records it is mentioned as Imambara Imambandi Begum.

A few decades back, one Mr.Jafri had compiled the history of the family of begum but its manuscript is no longer available. In a visit to Imambara, the blogger had asked about copy of the book but was informed by the caretaker of a small book shop that it could be available at Khuda Baksh Oriental Library but  the Director when approached could not be of much help.

Source: Personal Visit to Imambara/Photo Courtesy google Images 

Taziadars of 57 Hindu Villages of Bihar

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Residents of as many as 57 villages without Muslim population take out Tazia processions every year during Muharram to keep alive what they call as Ganga- Jamuni Tahzeeb ( Composite Culture).It seems surprising, for Bihar had recorded several cases of mob lynching in the recent past.

Bhatvigaha is a village with over 1200 inhabitants but none of them is Muslim. Yet Muharram has not lost its sheen. Residents not only take part in Tazia procession but also prepare it. They sit close to Tazia and recite elegiac poetry throughout the night. Simlarly, Sachin Kumar observes Muharram for full 10-days.He is a government employee but takes leave for Muharram every year to attend Tazia procession in Kushahan village. Locals reveal that the Hindus have been observing Muharram for the past three generations. The tradition began with the birth of a child in the house of Jeth Rajvanshi.

Taziadars include a lady devotee as well. Her name is Sunaina devi and she resides in Jahanabad.Karuna,Beldari and Bhabhnauli villages have Hindu Tazia makers.

Prominent among them are naresh rajvanshi,Satendra and Chotu.Bharsanda,Karigidhi,Sonve,Bandhi,Jehaldeeh,Chaibe and Chonuvigaha are some of the villages where there is no Muslim but Hindus have the permission to take out Tazia preocessions.In Sirdala,100 families have permission for taking out Tazia procession. Of these, only 40 are Muslims.

Historians say that during partition many Muslim families migrated to Pakistan. In pre-partition India, Hindus and Muslims used to observe Muharram and celebrate Durga Puja together. As the custom was being followed for centuries, the villagers remained unperturbed  and decided to carry on Taziadari even after the departure of Muslims.

These villages are probably only pocket of India where residents of 57 villages without a single Muslim soul perform Taziadari and hold Karbala martyrs in great esteem. Nonagenarian Rajvanshi proudly recalls that his elders did not stop Taziadari even when India was in flames as fallout of partition. He clarifies that Imam Hussain was above caste, creed and religion. His very name propels people to resist persecution.”I will not become a Muslim by simply taking part in Taziadari”.

He regrets “ it is not Hindus but Saudi Arabia funded religious preachers who oppose observance of Muharram but we have never paid any heed to their ill-conceived advice.”          

Hindu Taziadars of Amjhar Shareef in Bihar

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

The story of Amjhar Shareef village of District Aurangabad in Bihar is similar to Alipur about observance of Muharram with harmony and tolerance. Like Alipur, the Hindus also have been preparing Tazias for decades. In 2019, Kameshwar Chaudhary, Rameshwar Chaudhary, Surendra and Pintu had earned accolades for preparing a very attractive Tazia.

According to Tazia makers, as many as 75 Hindu families of the village observe Muharram with solemnity and even keep fast till burial of Tazias. Village head, Arif Rizvi, attribute the participation of Hindus to the blessings of Sufis. He said “ it was Sufis who began preaching about tragedy of Karbala from their hosepipes and encouraged Taziadari wherever they settled.

As they always showed great respect to people from all walks of life and offered solace to humanity, both Hindus and Muslims began participating in Muharram ceremonies. He thanks Allah that the Hindus and Muslims of the area have never fallen prey t separatist forces and carrying on the legacy with traditional enthusiasm.

Source: Internet

Hindu Tazia Makers of Alipur-Darbhanga

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Members of Mahto community of the Hindus have been keeping a Tazia as a thanks giving to martyrs of Karbala in Alipur village of Darbhanga district in Bihar for the past six decades. It is stated that one Virendra Mahto once fell severely ill and his mother prayed for his recovery at the local Imambara of Mir Sahib. The ailing Virendra had a miraculous recovery. As an expression of gratitude, his mother started keeping Tazia from the next year onwards.

His son also carried on legacy. The other members of the community also joined them. They prepare Tazia with their own hands and never purchase it. Almost the entire community knows the art of Tazia making. Hindu Tazia makers also strive to prepare the very best replica of Imam Hussain’s tomb as they have to compete with 21 other Tazias that are brought out by Muslims.

Alipur is alarge center of Taziadari. There are close to dozen Muharram committees and most of them take out their respective Tazias. They assemble in a ground where Tazias of Muslims meet the replica of Mahto community with several associated customs. The custom is known as ‘Milaan’ ceremony and it is undoubtedly the most awaited moments in Alipur Muharram.  

Hindus and Muslims both opine that Milaan is symbol of religious tolerance and example of inter-faith understanding. The local police make elaborate security arrangements for the occasion as large numbers of devotees come to Alipur to be witness of the ceremony. The organizers still remember the words of a former station House Officer who had remarked  ”Alipur is amazing. I have remained posted at several places but nowhere else I witnessed such a bond for Imam Hussain among Hindus and Muslims”.

Source: News 18

Tazia Artist Rakesh of Makanpur

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

His name is Rakesh. He has been preparing ‘Budhiya Wala Tazia’ for the past one decade.He is rersident of Makanpur Sharif, the headquarters of Madariya Sufi order and one of the oldest centers of Taziadari in India. Under his influence, several other Hindu families have started taking part in the Muharram ceremonies. His first cousin Ram Kali who is settled in Farrukhabad district, comes to Makanpur, about 65 Kms from Kanpur City, every Muharram and had got renovated the famous Imam Chowk known as Topchi.

Rakesh has his house near Imam Chowk of Mir Syed Hasan, the ex-Zamindar of the area and first cousin of Nawab Mohsin-Ul-Mulk. He started taking interest in Tazia making from his teenage under the watchful eyes of his neighbor Shabbu who excels in the art. He considers Shabbu as his Ustad. On 9^th of Muharram, he takes grave like structure made of bamboo sticks for a bath in the river Ieesan and takes himself bath. Then, he brings back the structure to be covered with red and green Musallas(Sheets made of silk and richly ornamented).He keeps his head covered while preparing Tazia. He ensured thattazia is prepared on time as Makanpur has the tradition of keeping Tazias at Imam Chowks  at specified time and even delay by few seconds is considered as a bad omen. A cracker is burst to herald that Tazia is ready and a few minutes later, the relic goes to imam Chowk to the beating of drums. At chowk, Rakesh made offerings to Tazia on behalf of devotees. In a personal interview, Rakesh told the blogger that he awaits Muharram throughout the year. Preparation of Tazia gives him peace and he claims to have full knowledge of Karbala’s history.  

He said “my parents also used to show great respect to Tazia but never prepared it." He too was apprehensive as to whether he will be allowed to prepare Tazia or not? However, when he expressed his willingness, everyone welcomed him. Since then, he has remained associated Muharram ceremonies. Ram Kali who was childless prayed for a son before Tazia on the suggestion of Rakesh and she got her wish granted in a year. As thanksgiving, she offered Musalla and also got renovated imam Chowk. The other members of Dalit families also join now in Muharram procession and even carry Tazia on their shoulders.

Makanpur is land of religious tolerance. Hindus and Muslims hold in high esteem Hazrat Badi Uddin Zinda Shah Madar ,a 15^th century Sufi who had chosen the village as his last resting place. It was he who had started Taziadari during Sharqi period. The villagers offer eatables to devotees for two days and the Hindus also run Langar for vegetarian devotees. Anmol Gupta is one such Hindu. He suspends his business during Muharram and prepared puris himself. His little sons also help him. Nirmal Gupta,Manoj Gupta, Shivam, Anil, Ram Asrey and sons of Shri Kishan Gupta also dole out money generously for Langar.

Shri Kishan Gupta was a poet who also wrote nauhas. One of his Nauhas is still recited by Anjuman-E-Jafaria.He was fluent in Persian and Urdu and learnt the art of Nauha writing from Adeeb Makanpuri,the best known poet Makanpur has ever produced. Shabeen Adeeb ,the internationally acclaimed poetess, is also disciple of Adeeb Sahib.

Source:Personal observation and talks