Chehlum-2016 in Kanpur-A Report

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Chehlum of Imam Hussain was observed with great solemnity in Kanpur City. Tazia,Zari and Alam processions wend their way to Gwaltoli Karbala after originating from their respective Imambargahs and Chowks located mainly in Colonelganj,Patkpur,Jajmau,Babupurwa,Chamanganj, Talaq Mohal, Chamra Mandi, Iftikharabad,Sakera State,KDA Colony and Juhi areas.

As usual, the maximum number of devotees turned up at Imambargah Hadi Begum in Chotey Miyan Ka Hata  to attend majlis before the start of historic and one of the oldest Chehlum processions of the region. Maulana Zaheer Sahib from Lucknow addressed the majlis and recalled in a voice choked with emotions as to how Hazrat Zainab and Imam Sajjad had observed Chehlum of Imam Hussain after the massacre of Karbala. Immediately after majlis, Anjuman Moinul Momneen began Nauhakhwani and devotees beat their chests thunderously to the tunes of Nauhas written by Allamam Muntasir Zaidpuri for Chehlum of martyrs of Karbala.

The second important procession was taken out Anjuman-E-Rizviya from Patkapur locality. Participants wept bitterly when Anjuman like yesteryears began reciting Nauha with the wordings “ Bhai Ki Qabr Hil Gayi Khwahar Ke Bain se, Zainab Lipat gayi Hain Mazar-e-Hussain se’ .Other Anjumans such as raza-e-Islam, Aza-e-Hussain, Firdausia, Jafaria,Zulfiqar-e-Haidery, Panjatni, Anwar-E-Panjatni,Abu Tarabiya and Mohammadia also took out  Alam processions and paid tributes to martyrs through Nauhas,salams and rawaits .

Apart from Gwaltoli,devotees also assembled at large number at Badi Karbala Nawabganj to have a glimpse of Zari Mubarak that has been erected with wood work as an exact replica of Imam Hussain’s Zari at Karbala. A large number of Hindu women were seen praying before the zari Mubarak. Tazias and Zaris were brought out by devotees from Machli Tola, Farashkhana,Lakarmandi,Coolie Bazar and Gammu Khan ka Hata.

A few Anjumans recited their new Nauhas and Salams in Gwaltoli before culmination of the processions. A keen contest was witnessed between  Anjuman Raza-E-Islam and Anjuman-E-Rizviya. Anjuman Jafaria and Mohammadia also earned applause for their efforts.

Prominent among those who played a vital role in making arrangements for peaceful observance of Chehlum included Kalbe Abbas,Mirza Nadir Hussain,Jani Miyan,Maulana Bachchan, Israr Hussain Zaidi, Musheer Abdi, Nawab Mumtaz, Salmi,Nawab Farhat, Nawab Hussain,Waqar Zaidi , Muzaffar Raza,Meesum Rizvi,Haider Raza and Sanjay.

On the eve of Chehlum, Shabbedaris were organized by different Anjumans.Maulana abbas Mehndi addressed majalis held at Shabedari of Anjuman Ghunche raza-e-Islam, Imambargah Rizwan Saheb and Imambargah Chotey Sahib. Anjumans recited Nauhas in all Shabbedaris till dawn.(report is based on personal participation and inputs received from office-bearers of Anjumans) 

Chehlum Procession and Its Unsung Founder

A View of Largely Attended Chehlum Procession of Lucknow 

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Chehlum of martyrs of Karbala will be observed with great solemnity in Lucknow tomorrow. Tazia processions will also be taken out to mark the occasion. But no one will remember name of the great devotee who had introduced the custom of Tazia procession on the day of Chehlum in Lucknow. He deserves due acknowledgement from azadar world, for he had started the procession against the wish of the ruling Nawab. His name was Mir Ahsan and he was a famous ‘marsiyago’ (poet who compose elegy) during the regime of Nawab Saadat Ali Khan.

Historians have written that Mir Ahsan had built an Imambara in Patanala locality of Lucknow and used to perform Azadari rituals from the early days of Saadat Ali’s regime. Initially, he observed Muharram rituals till 10^th of Muharram but absence of any procession on the day of Chehlum always haunted him. Hence, he decided to take out a tazia procession on Chehlum. His action extended period of Muharram mourning till Chehlum (40^th day of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain and his companions) as other devotees also began taking out Tazias and Alams  on Chehlum in the subsequent years. Nawab who had initially expressed annoyance over the extension refrained from issuing any instruction against the introduction of custom in view of the religious sensitivity involved in the issue.

In due course of time, Chehlum processions began throughout Awadh kingdom. Unfortunately, there is little awareness about Mir Ahsan In Lucknow. The tradition started by him has grown both in popularity and grandeur but he remains forgotten. Even Imambara erected by him is not traceable. From the account of historian, Agha Mehndi, one comes to know only that Imambara of Mir Ahsan was purchased by a renowned Zakir-E-Ahlebait Mirza Muhammad Akhbari. After his death, Mirza was buried inside the Imambara only and his grave was visible till 1958.What happened to the structure later is now a mystery.(References available on request. Photo Courtesy-Google Images).          

Hussaini Eunuchs(Kinnars) Repeat History

Imam Chowk Erected by Eunuchs(Kinnars) at Kunwarpur

Dr. Mazhar Naqvi

History has repeated itself in a moderate way at Kunwarpur village of district Fatehpur. Adjacent to their existing mosque, Kinnars, called as Khwajasaras and eunuchs, have erected an Imam Chowk to keep Tazia every year during Muharram. They are also planning to build an Imambargah in and around Imam Chowk in days to come. The state President of Kinnars Iqbal Bhai and his close aide Nabbu Bhai have primarily been responsible for the erection of Imam Chowk and introduction of Taziadari in Kunwarpur that happens to be a famous headquarter(Gaddi) of Kinnars from Nawabi era.

As Iqbal Bhai and his associates are not nobles or influential courtiers like their illustrious predecessors like Almas Ali Khan, Jawahar Ali Khan, Tahseen Ali Khan and Javed Khan, they have not been able to erect imam Chowk like Imambaras and Dargahs  built by Khwajasaras of Awadh Nawabs but their spirit surely reflects that they are not at all inferior to anyone as far as love for martyrs of Karbala is concerned. The idea of erecting Imam Chowk came to the mind of Iqbal Bhai after the renovation work of Kunwarpur Karbala started a about two years back.kinnars had also heard a story that there used to be a Tazia procession from their mosque on 10^th of Muharram. The mosque too was in a ruinous condition. Then, Iqbal Bhai got the mosque reconstructed and after it decided to reintroduce Tazia procession from this year.

Nusrat Hussain, who took keen interest in the reintroduction of Tazia procession told the blogger that Imam Chowk was completed in few days and Kinnaras from far off places came to take part in Tazia procession. Even Non-Muslims and other communities residing in Kunwarpur attended the procession with reverence. The procession started from Imam Chowk and culminated at Karbala Kunwarpur on yaum-e-Ashura. Iqbal Bhai and Nabbu Bhai remained present on the occasion.

It is worth mentioning here that Khwajasaras like Almas Ali Khan and Jawahir Ali Khan were great azadars(mourners). Imambargah built by Jawahar ali Khan is a famous azakhana of Faizabad city. Khwajasaras like Javed khan and Tahseen Ali Khan also built Imambaras and complex like Shah-e-Mardan of Jorbagh in New Delhi. Almost all Khwajasaras promoted Azadari but their role diminished once they lost royal favors and become jobless during British era. They started eking out their living through the collection of ‘negs’ from the families of newly born children or by dancing at wedding ceremonies and praying for the welfare of the copuple. Majority of Kinnars live in poverty and hence, erection of Imam Chowk is to be seen against the backdrop of their present condition. Their efforts need appreciation from devotees of Imam Hussain as they have not repeated history in a moderate way but also created it by showing their magnificent spirit.(References available on request.)  

     

Prophet & Imams on the Walls of Hussaini Mahal

Outer View  Hussaini Mahal- Bijapur

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

In the previous post, the blogger has written about the history of Hussaini Mahal of Bijapur. It was revealed in the post that Hussaini Mahal was erected as an Imambara for observance of Azadari rituals  during the first 10 days  of Islamic month of Muharram by an Adil Shahi ruler and people wrongly call it as Pani Mahal. Not to make the post very lengthy, the blogger had not mentioned a unique feature of Hussaini Mahal. To set the record straight, now the blogger is going to discuss the existence of the epigraphs on the elevation of the inner walls of Hussaini Mahal , containing  the Persian poetry in praise of the Prophet,  Imams and the martyrs. While details of each epitaph is being given as under, it is worth mentioning here that two of them are no longer readable:

In the right line of the left flank, from top to bottom epitaphs says ,

Muhammad ,the Prophet) is the head of Prophets, the trustworthy messenger and friend of God

To the extent He the Prophet) is the fountain head of seven and four.

Hazrat Fatima  is light of Prophet’s eyes.She was what a celebrated wife of "King of the Braves, Hazrat Ali'.

Imam Hasan was selected from God, he was imam of the creatures. 

In the left line of the right flank, from bottom to top, it is mentioned :

From him(Imam Hussain) the moon of religion received light and brilliance.Imam Husain is a leader of religion, he is  "King of Karbala. He is light of eyes of the Prophet, a friend of God.

Ali, son of Imam Hussain is a strong and powerful man.

In the right line of the right Flank from bottom to top, the verses describe :

Imam Baqar is a skyof reward and protector of religion.

The astray seek path from him.

From the learned Imam Jafar Sadiq.In the world, entire religious Knowledge came to be manifested.

In the left line of the left Flank from top to bottom, it is written:

The King of World and religion Muhammad Taqi.Whose doors of virtues are equivalent to sky.

Ali Naqi is a famous guide or counsel of sanity. He is Imam of the World and King of the treasure of pearls

 Between the lines on the top of the right Flank, it is figured out :

Hasan Askari is chief of the braves and courageous. From him the virtuous get honor and prestige.

Between the lines on the top of the left flank, Imam Mahdi, the awaited one, has been eulogized :

World’s Imam, a man of Holy Quran. Imam Mahdi Who guides the men and jinne and follows the right path

 In the bottom of left flank, the calligraphist has taken credit if his work:

It has been written by the slave of the court Naqi al Husaini, AH. 1081 corresponding to AD. 1670

Hussaini Mahal is probably the only Imambargah of  pre-Mughal period where so many verses are on the interior walls of the holy structure  in praise and greatness of the Prophet, his family and  the  Imams. (References available on request-Photo Courtesy Google Images)

Imambara Hussaini Mahal-Forgotten & Now Called As Pani Mahal

Shadow of Hussaini Mahal In Water Surrounding It @ Bijapur 

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Pani Mahal is one of the most prominent monuments of Bijapur. Most people consider it as a palatial palace built by an Adil Shahi ruler. However, their belief is not in accordance with the historical facts. During Adilshahi period Pani Mahal was not erected like other famous palaces such as Farukh Mahal, Champa Mahal, Solathambi Mahal, Gagan Mahal, Anand Mahal etc.  It was built as an Imambara to observe Muharram ceremonies and known as Hussaini Mahal. After the fall of Adilshahi dynasty, people forgot its original name due to discontinuation of Muharram rituals during the Mughal rule under Aurangzeb. They started calling it as Pani Mahal owing to presence of water surrounding it. Some people even call it as (Bijapur ki Boumbvi(Navel of Bijapur).It is unfortunate that no efforts have so far been made to correct the historical wrong done to Hussain Mahal. There is no mention of Pani Mahal in any contemporary historical account. Hussaini Mahal however figures  the works of Mulla Nusrati titled Ali Namah, the Tawarikh-e-Haft Kursi of Asad Khan Lari and his successors, and a chronogram the  Bosateenus Salateen  of Mirza Muhammad Ibrahim Zubairi.

History reveals that during the period of  Ali Adil Shah II, it was decided to earmark a place in the center of the outer walls of the fort to hold Muharram ceremonies. Later, Hussaini Mahal came to existence in the eastern wall of the fort and it was used to hold gatherings to remember the martyrs of karbala from 1^st to 10^th of Muharram. The date of the construction the religious structure originates from three Persian couplets composed by the ruler himself with the pen name of shahi under the title 

Tarikh-e Sharf Bruz in his  Kuliyat-a poetical composition. By applying Abjad system, the couplets give the year of construction as 1669-70 AD. In the entire history of Bijapur,names of the palaces erected by the rulers denote topics like leisure, wealth, pleasure justice, welfare, sky and grandeur. Hussaini Mahal is an exception because it has been named after the king of the martyrs. Hussaini Mahal has engraved epigraphs, motifs on doors, depiction of Cyprus tress, Alams, fruits and creepers, indicating the inclination of the structure towards Muharram related rituals. Hussaini Mahal has no majestic entrance but has three large arches. No Durbar (Hall of audience) or royal apartments are attached to it. There is an urgent need to conduct research on Hussaini Mahal as to how Majalis and Azadari was observed during the regime of Ali Adil Shah who had openly declared his Imami faith. Hussainis should also urge the government to create awareness about Hussaini Mahal and initiate steps to   request people of Bijapur to stop calling it as Pani Mahal.(References available on request. Photo Courtesy-Google Images)   

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) 

How Zuljinah Became Part of Muharram Processions?

Zuljinah of Jaunpur Inside Gomti River.

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Zuljinah, the loyal horse of Imam Hussain, has been accompanying Muharram processions for centuries in Indian sub-continent. However, there is no authentic research work so far as to who introduced the ritual as a part of Marasim-e-Azadari in the sub-continent. In major cities of India and Pakistan, Zuljinah processions are quite famous and attract huge crowd of devotees. In Kolkata, non-Muslims form beeline to feed the steed and take the leftover as ‘Tabbarubk’(Prasad or offering).In olden days, landlords used to purchase horses for Muharram processions and no one was allowed to ride it.Taking care of Zuljinah was a collective responsibility and caretakers were also retained to train them how to wal in the processions.

While recently browsing on Muharram rituals in Jaunpur district of  Uttar Pradesh, the blogger found an interesting account of the introduction of  Zuljinah as part of Ayam-E-Aza processions. The legend has been prominently displayed on the website dedicated to Azadari in Jaunpur –A city that is the second  largest center of Muharram ceremonies after Lucknow. The legend attributes the inclusion of Zuljinah by a warrior of Mughal emperor Humayun. His name was Syed Ahsan Akhwind Mir. He was in the service of Shah Tahmasp of Iran. Humayun had won back the crown of Hindustan with his help. Shah had also sent some of his brave warriors and commanders to help Himayun in strengthening his empire.

Syed Akhwind settled in Jaunpur.He is also credited with erecting a number of Imambaras in the city and some of them still exist.Later, he introduced Zuljinah as part of Muharram procession on the pattern of Iran where he had witnessed as to how much significance was attached to the faithful steed of Imam Hussain in view of its exemplary role at the battle of karbala. Every Imami knows how the wounded Imam had urged Zuljinah to bow down so that he could place himself on the arid land of Karbala for his last Sijda and how the loyal animal had spread its legs in response despite hunger and thirst. It is narrated that Imam had even apologized to Zuljinah for not being able to provide water and food to him. Apart from this account, the blogger has not seen any other mention about the history of Zuljinah’s participation in Muharram processions in Indo-Pak.If anyone wants to supplement and wish to make this article more readable, please fell press to comment and enlighten.(References available on request. Photo Courtesy Googles Images ) 

400- Year Old Haloka Tazia- Symbol of Hindu-Muslim Unity

Haloka Tazia Moving in Procession 

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Haloka Tazia of Nasik city of Indian state of Maharashtra is a fine example of Hindu –Muslim Unity for the past 400 years. The Tazia is prepared jointly by Hindu and Muslim devotees and considered to be the senior most among Tazias taken out in Nasik during Muharram. The devotees prepare it in Imamshahi Ashurkhana(Imambargah) located in old Nasik locality and received salutation from other Tazias  when it is carried in a procession. Apart from Muslims, thousands of Hindus are also followers of Tazia. It is the Hindus who list Tazia after its completion on 1^st day of Muharram and place it in Ashurkhana so as to enable people to have a glimpse (Darshan or Ziarat) of it. Hindu devotees shoulder Tazia on 7^th of Muharram and again on Yaum-e-Ashura. They have been doing so for the past four centuries uninterrupted. In Nasik, it is the only Tazia that is buried whereas its other counterparts are usually immersed in Godavari.

For the past several generations, Noor family of Nasik has been the custodian of Haloka Tazia. It is they who reveals the history of Haloka Tazia and rituals associated with it. The tremendous popularity of Haloka Tazia among Hindus is miraculous and symbolizes how deeply the martyrdom of Imam Hussain has inspired people irrespective of caste, creed, religion or region. People of Nasik is proud of Haloka Tazia and considers it as their pride and honor. Their love for Imam Hussain  becomes more praiseworthy, considering the status of  Nasik as one of the most holiest cities of Hindus and that also hosts ‘Kumbha’ after every 12 years.(References available on request. Photo Courtesy Google Images)     

Shrine of Imam Muhammad Baqar's Son

Imamzadeh Complex Azerbaijan

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Imamzadeh Complex is undoubtedly the most popular and revered Imami shrines of Azerbaijan. It is considered as one of the sacred sites in view of its status as the last resting place of Imam Muhammad Baqar’s son Ibrahim. Located about 7 kms from Modern Ganja City, the complex is also called as ‘Blue Mosque’ after its recent major repairs and restoration undertaken on the directives of Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev.. While mausoleum of Imam’s son is the most noteworthy from the point of view of Central Asia architecture style, the complex also contains small mosque, funerary monuments, houses like Caravan Sarais (Inns) and a large cemetery.

It is believed that the mausoleum was built either at the end of 14th or beginning of 15th century. The other structures like the mosque, vault and other tombs traces their origin to 17th century. All of these buildings were maintained as great religious-historic complexes. Before the recent restoration, the mausoleum was last  restored by the initiative of Russian Army’s Major-General Israfil bey Yadigarzadeh in 1878-79 from his own means. The photographs taken by an unknown person in 1878 clearly reveal that the original structure of the shrine aned complex  has changed considerably during the repair works. The mausoleum now looks like  tower-cupola types of buildings. A two-storied arch shapes the extension of the mausoleum, surrounding the central kernel from three sides, with a portal from the eastern part. The mausoleum is built of square bricks and cylinder part of its  east half has inscription in Kufi handwriting. This inscription indicates as if the mausoleum was built in 13^th or 14^th century but an inscription in Arabic gives a specific idea about the death of Imam’s son and his subsequent burial at the complex. The inscription reads “  He is eternal from God. This is the honorable heaven garden of the son of Imam Mohammad Baghyr – salam to him – Movlan Ibrahim. He died after 120 years of his grand-father’s death – let Allah’s blessings to him.” After repairs and renovation, the complex has turned into a sanctuary of pious people. Devotees not only from various parts of Azerbaijan but from other countries also visit it. Besides offering antiquity of the city of Ganja, the complex also manifests its place and repute in the Islamic world in view of its architecture, engravings, tile work and beautifully designed exterior and interiors. (References available on request. Photo Courtesy Google Images)

Najm Afandi- Forgotten Marsiya Writer

Najm Afandi

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

“Sha'ir hoo jinka Najm woh hain wajah-e-kainaat

Mumkin hai ta-abad mera naam-o-nishaan rahe”

(Najm is poet of those for whom exists the universe,

My name may last until existence of the universe)

Najam Afandi had composed the above couplet with the hope that his contribution to Karbala literature will be acknowledged by Imamis for a long time. Ironically, he remains unsung despite being a great Shair-e-Ahlebait of Indian sub-continent. Imamis who play an active role in observance of Muharram ceremonies never think of organizing a seminar on his life and works nor encourage recital of his marsiyas during majalis. The apathy towards him is quite appalling in view of his family’s great contribution to Azadari and his own status as a Marsiya-Writer. Najm was born in Agra in1893. He shifted to Hyderabad Deccan later from where he went to Pakistan in 60s where he breathed his last in 1975.

 On his death , Shair-E-Inquilab Josh Malihabadi had remarked”I held Najm's verses and poetry in great esteem which has no match, with his death Urdu is desolate."Najm’s  father Bazm Afandi was also a great marsiya writer but his work is no longer available. Najm married once and had 7 children, the eldest one being his only son,  Sohail Afandi who was an internationally acclaimed Zakir-e-Ahlebait and died in Hyderabad Deccan last year. Najm’s grandson Asghar Afandi is also a religious scholar and speaker of international repute. He is settled in Hyderabad Deccan. Imamis should draw inspiration from Dr. Taqi Abdi who has done extensive research on Najm and tried to preserve his work. He deserves appreciation in view of the fact that he is a pathologist by profession yet he takes off his time from his busy schedule to conduct research on forgotten Shair-E-Ahlebait and marsiya writers.   (References available on request.Photo Courtesy-Google Images)

Mughal Emperor's Exemplary Love for Maula Ali

Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah 1st

Dr. Mazhar Naqvi

The seventh Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah 1^st does not occupy the pages of Indian history the way he should as a great devotee of Maula-e-Kaynat Hazrat Ali Ibn Abi Talib. After ascending the throne, he had inserted the declaration of Hazrat Ali as Wasi in the Khutba (public prayer) delivered  for the monarch  every Friday. His move however sparked off controversy and anti-Ahle-bait forces opposed the insertion of word wasi in the Khutba. The emperor refused to backtrack  but a section of people continued to oppose. The emperor then  visited Lahore  in September 1711  and had discussions with Haji Yar Muhammad, Muhammad Murad and other well-known men and scholars. He read "books of authority" to justify the insertion of  the word wasi.  But Yar Mohammad remained defiant. With the help of emperor’s brother Azim Ush Shan, Yar Mohammad started recruiting soldiers to overthrow Bahadur Shah.

The emperor preferred to stick to his decision and got the Khatib(Chief Reciter) of Badshahi Mosque arrested after holding him responsible for the trouble. It still remains a mystery as to why the word wasi was not included when khutba was read out at the Badshahi Mosque on October 2, Most of the historians are of the view that Bahadur Shah tried to avoid a fresh confrontation in view of certain other pressing problems confronting him. He thought of buying time to consolidate his kingdom and then reintroduce the altered Khutba. Destiny however did niot permit him to do so , for he died on February 27,1712.Born on October 14, 1743, he was the third son of emperor Aurangzeb and his Muslim Rajput wife Nawab Bai. He never appreciated religious policy of his father who had banned Muharram during his regime. Bahadur Shah made unsuccessful attempts to dethrone Aurangzeb but the latter always proved too smart to his son’s conspiracies. Aurangzeb imprisoned Bahadur Shah several times but appointed him governor of Agra, Kabul and Lahore between 1696 and 1707.

In January 1712,his health worsened and he breathed his last in Lahore. His body was brought to Delhi where he lies buried in the court yard of Moti Masjid in  Mahrauli. During his short-lived reign, Bahadur Shah tried to adopt a liberal policy but followers if his father’s fanaticism did not allow him to do so. They forced him not to follow the rules of governance framed by Hazrat Ali. The Mughal empire paid a heavy price for it and it disintegrated in a quick span of time.(References available on request.Photo Google images).  

Bada Imambara Bilgram and Its Renovation

An Old Photograph of Bara Imambara-Bilgram's Renovation

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Bilgram has not received the attention it deserves from Muharram mourners. The history of Azadari in Bilgram dates back to the Mughal period and it has not lost its sheen till today, thanks to arrival of Bilgramis from all over the world to observe Muharram ceremonies at their native place. Bilgram is a historic but small town of district Hardoi. But it was an important settlement before the advent of Lucknow. Imamis have been inhabitants of Bilgram since 13^th century. They trace their lineage to Syed Muhammad Sughra who had arrived in India during the period of Sultan Iltutmish. He commanded a well-trained army and conquered the area in and around Bilgram from local rulers called  ‘Bharas’ in 1217-18 AD. They made Bilgram their headquarters and emerged as important power brokers in southern part of Awadh. Due to their scholarly pursuits and command over warfare, they developed Bilgram both as a center of Muharram ceremonies and seat of learning. Apart from producing affluent landlords, Bilgram also produced eminent scholars and personalities like Allama Azad Bilgrami (1704-1786), Syed Ali Bilgrami(1851-1911), Imad-ul-Mulk Bahadur Syed Hussain Bilgrami(1842-1926), Sursuba of Malwa and Isagarh estate Khan Bhadur Syed Ali Bahadur Bilgrami.

The Historic Tazia of Bilgram with dome of Dargah Hazrat Abbas in the Backdrop

Descendants of Syed Sughra also introduced Marasim-e-Azadari and Taziadari in Bilgram for two month and eight days at a time when Muharram observance in most of the parts of India was restricted to first 12 days.They also built an impressive Bara Imambara in Bilgram much before the construction of world famous Bara Imambara by Nawab Asaf- Ud- Daula in Lucknow by the end of 18^th century. They also built a Dargah of Hazrat Abbas that is believed to be 300 years old.  Important  Muharram processions and ceremonies take place in Bilgram on  6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th of Muharram , followed by  Chehllum, Bahattar Tabut and Chup Tazia processions of Bilgram are also quite famous and draw crowd of devotees from far off places to pay tribute to the martyrs of Karbala. Being very sensitive to their Muharram legacy, they began renovation of Bada Imambara after vagary of weathers left it in a dilapidated condition. The renovation began in 2006 and continued for several years. The untiring efforts of Imamis have restored the lost glory of Imambara and the new complex easily accommodate the crowd of devotees during each Muharram. Imamis have also given a facelift to Dargah of Hazrat Abbas and its dome and minarets seem to a replica of his shrine in Iraq. Bada Imambara complex also contains the grave of Syed Ali Bilgrami in its front courtyard.Notably three Anjumans, Committees formed especially to conduct Muharram ceremonies namely Anjuman Bazm-e- Hussainiya Qadeem, Bazm-e- Azaay-e-Hussain and Gulzar-e-Hussaini supervise and organise programs related to Ayam-E-Aza. (References available on request.Photo Courtesy Google Images )

Muharram In Kalighat Painting

A Typical Kalighat Painting of Tazia

Dr. Mazhar Naqvi

Representation of Muharram in Kalighat style of painting has remained out of the gaze of Azadar world. There is need to create awareness about depiction of Muharram in Kalighat paintings, for they symbolize as to how non-Muslims attached great significance to tragedy of Karbala. Kalighat school of painting had originated in 19^th century in the vicinity of famous temple of Goddess Kali in Kalighat area of Kolkata in Bengal. From early 19^th century till 1940, these paintings were sold as pilgrimage and tourist souvenirs not only at the shops and stalls of Kalighat area but also at other temples of Kolkota, formerly known as Calcutta.  

Professional artists from rural pockets of Bengal known as ‘Patuas’ mostly painted these inexpensive paintings prepared with swift brush strokes on cheap paper initially. Later on, these paintings developed into a distinct school and even the British patronized. The work of Patuas then found place in the home altars of affluent people. Despite its link and origination from a famous Hindu tem­ple, the painters did not restrict themselves to depiction of only Hindu Gods or Goddesses. Rather, they tried to capture in their work popular rituals and customs of other religions as well. As Muharram was observed with grandeur in Bengal from the time of Mughal Governor Shah Shuja, Patuas also included Tazias, Duldul, Processions  and Alams in their paintings.  

Unfortunately, very few such paintings have survived. They were lost as they were prepared on cheap paper or cloth and demise of the Kalighat painting school before independence. In some museums out of India, Kalighat paintings are preserved. University of Pennsylvania Museum is one such place. Maxwell Som­merville had given Kalighat paintings to the university way back in 1895.He was one of the most colorful characters associated with the early days of the Museum. (References available on request. Photo Courtesy-Google Images)