"Waan" -Kashmiri Marsiya and its Advent

 

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Marsiya is derived from an Arabic word Marthiyya. It means lamentation for a departed soul. In contemporary world , it is however considered to be a poem composed mainly for commemorating the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (a.s) and other martyrs of Karbala. In Kashmiri language, it is known as “Waan”.The origin of Waan is traced to 14th century A.D, and great Sufis like Bulbul Shah and  Mir Sayed Ali Hamadani contributed much to its advent and popularity in congregations and recitals of Kashmiri Azadari.

Another noteworthy name behind the flourishing of Waan is  Hassi Bhat (1389 A.D). it was during the Chaks’ rule that Waan truly blossomed. Apart from Chaks, during the later phases of Afghan Rule due to efforts of  governors like Kifayat Khan and Amir Khan Kashmiri elegiac poetry also flourished. Initially the practice of reciting Marsiya was hereditary and upon reciting a Majlis, tokens of appreciation were presented to the authors and reciters but later on the practice of reciting and writing Marsiya didn’t stick to hierarchy. Even during Sikh rule Marsiya  progressed thanks to the efforts of devotees like  Khwaja Hassan Mir, Hakim Azim, Mirza Abul Qasim and many others .

Structure wise, a Kashmiri marsiya is called Mazmoon and is not restricted to just expression of grief but has many parts. It starts with praise of Almighty called (Hamd) as exemplified below :

Ya Allah Tche Baayis Mann-Fil-Quboor, Tchey Rahim Tchey Rahman,

Paanay Yohyi wa Yumeet Doputh Ya haya.

(Mazmoon-e-Marg)

This is followed Naat or praise for the Prophet (pbuh)

Yeli Aaw Hazrat Tis Qudratas Sapin Roshniyaah,

Taaban temi saayi ki anhaare Lail o Naharay

(Mazmoon Subuh by Zakir Khawaya Naqi).

Naat is followed by praise for Imam Ali (a.s) and the poem traverses the domains of Mojizas (divine miracles). Finally it reaches the core purpose of laments for Imam Hussain and martyrs of Karbala .

Myani Kani Maalikas Daepzem Salaam Lagas Qurbaano,

Dapith Ismailas Zabeeh-ul-lah Su Khaleel-ul-lah sapun ne Qurbaano,

Badal Fidyi suuzthas temi ma toti Hadiya korun paano,

Myani Hussainan Wandnas Jaan hyeath Zuv-e-Daano,

Tas ne kahn Qatal Gaah taani aav yeki draav chani wati marne maidaano….

(Mazmoon Asul-e-Din)

Reference ; Aerticle of Dr.Ejaz Husain Malek of JNU

 

 

Kashmiri Hindu Poet Premnath Shad

 

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

An octogenarian Kashmiri Hindu poet Premnath Shad deserves special acknowledgement  in Azadar World both as a great devotee of Hazrat Imam Hussain.

He has inherited  love for Imam Hussain (AS) from his father who was a regular participant in Tazia processions at Budgam.He recalls  “My father had three daughters. He was longing for a son. Therefore, he participated in Tazia and prayed for a son. One and a half years later, I was born. Since then, my father and I have been the biggest Hussainis,”

Born at Qazibagh, Budgam in 1934, Shad has been regular to Majalis and Mehfils organized to mourn and euologize Imam Hussain and his companions despite migrating to Jammu. “In fact, I have participated in the Majalis  when militancy was at its peak. I used to come from Jammu and recite Nauhas and Marsiya,” he proudly admits. .

Holding BA and B.Ed degrees, Shad retired as a government teacher in 1992. “I have also done a diploma in agriculture besides my BA and B.Ed. I served several schools and taught different subjects. In fact, I was doing farming till I migrated to Jammu,” he said.

Despite his old age and migration, Shad’s love for the Kashmiri language has not diminished. “I have written several poetry books in Kashmiri.  I am presently writing three books and they are all prose. In fact, in one of my books, I have a dedicated a chapter on Tazia. It is titled Marsiya,” he said.

In fact, Shad describes himself as `Hussaini’ and has been writing `Marsiya and Nawha’ even after migrating from Kashmir in 1990.  “Az tchu baye hajat zamanas sui Imam Aali Muqam…  Sui safar draaw wan rafaqat beqasan sui pasaban…., Loul chum, zun chum, yaqaan chum, toath chum Moula Hussain… Shad sarkham akh Hussaini ashiqa dar ashiqan,” these lines enumerate his love for Imam Hussain (AS) and martyrs of Karbala.

Reference ; Kashmir Monitor

Image Courtesy Google

Contribution of Chak Rulers in Revival of Shism

 Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

It is ironical that very little effort has ben made to create awareness about the immense contribution made by Chak rulers of Kashmir to protect persecution of Shias and promote Muharram related rituals during their reign. Two rulers Kaji Chak and Daulat Chak deserve special mention in this context.

It was Daulat Chak who revived the practice of reciting homily (khutba) with names of 12 holy Imams whereas Qazi Chak was the one to construct Imambara in 1518 in the valley.The blogger intends to write two three articles on the subject. Viewers are requested to enlighten with their suggestions and opinions. Appropriate references will also be given.  

Campaign for inclusion of Imam Hussain's name in Guiness Book of World Record

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi 

I wish to initiate a worldwide campaign for inclusion of Hazrat Imam Hussain and Karbala  in the Guiness Book of World Records as the historic figure who has been subject of the greaytest subject of poetry among all the languages of the world. 

I would like to specify here that the status of Imam Hussain's personality and his supreme sacrifice at Karbala is not going to be exalted by any such inclusion but the campaign aims at simply creating awareness about him among those not aware of his role in saving humanity and Islam from barbaric regime.

I request the readers to enlighten with their valuable suggestions on the proposed campaign.

Labbaik Ya Hussain