Karbala On a Rare Commemorative Label

Dr. Mazhar Naqvi 

The above label or stamp was released by Hussain Day Committee- Bombay ( Now Mumbai) to commemorate 1300 years of the sublime sacrifice of Imam Hussain.Probably, This is the only of its kind stamp or label in the world.The blogger tried to trace the history of the committee or its office-bearers but failed.The committee no longer figures in the list of prominent Imami organizations of Mumbai.But it must have been a very active outfit could be gauged from the fact that Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, the first prime Minister of India, had sent the following  message upon coming to know about the completion of 1300 years of  Imam Hussain's noble sacrifice in 1361 A.H.:

   

“There is universal appeal  in this martyrdom. Imam Hussain sacrificed his all, but he refused to submit to a tyrannical government.He never gave any weight to the fact that his material force was far less  in comparison with that of his enemy. The power of faith is the greatest force, which regards all material force as nothing.this sacrifice is beacon  light of guidance for every community and every nation.”

The committee had printed it purely with commemorative interest.It is evident from printing on both sides in red colour with shrine of Imam Hussain.The side with English reads "1300 years  are being completed to the noble sacrifice of Imam Husein in Muharram 1361 Hijri January 1942 Hussain Day Committee Bombay.The side with Urdu text is translation of the English text and it reads as " Imam Hussain(A.S.) Ki Azeemushhan Qurbani Ko Terah Say Saal Muharram 1361 hijri January 1942 Mein Pure Ho Rahe Hain- Hussain day Committee -Bombay." 

It becomes quite clear from the words on the stamp that it was printed to create awareness among the people about the completion of 1300 years of Imam and his companions martyrdom at Karbala in 61 A.H.The committee used red colour also purposefully in view of its association with Imam Hussain. The blogger chanced upon the stamp while looking for material on Karbala revolution and thought it it appropriate to post it for those interested in knowing as to how 1300th anniversary of  Karbala tragedy was observed in Indian sub-continent?.Ironically,much material is not available.Besides, the message of Pandit Nehru, blogger also found appreciation of Committee's work in one of the editorials of Dawn-one of the leading English dailies of Pakistan.But it was launched from Delhi and the editorial mentioned was published in 1942 in its Delhi edition. 

ebay has preferred to call it as a label under the caption 'India Bombay Muharram 1942 IMAM HUSEIN 1300 Years'. The portal has put the label for auction with a minimum price tag of 20 US dollars.They have however not given any information about its owner or location.(References available on request.photo courtesy Google Image)