Muharram Paintings At Dhaka Museum & Their Acquisition

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Thanks to the generosity of an aristocrat, Bangladesh National Museum now probably has the best collection of  watercolor paintings of British Bengal, portraying Muharram processions in Dhaka. Drawn in 19^th century, these paintings were in the possession of Khan Bahadur Abul Hasnat who donated them to museum after its curator Professor Ahmed Hasan Dani made a courtesy call to the aristocrat. Khan Bahadur treated him with a lavish meal and then showed him the rare paintings. Then, much to the astonishment of the curator, he said” Professor Dani, you can take them and they are yours”. A grateful curator accepted his offer and even though the museum was short of space, Professor accommodated them in one of the galleries somehow as a mark of respect to the generosity exhibited by Hasnat. 

There are total 17 paintings that portray Muharram processions. They are of the average size of 24x 18 inches. Mystery shrouds the painter of the series. It is generally believed that Alam Musawwir painted them but Najma Khan Majlis in the book “Dhaka-Past,Present ,Future” thinks otherwise."A close examination of the minute details, difference of techniques and styles shows that a number of painters must have collaborated in these paintings", Majlis claims. Further, Musawwir means painter and so mention his name could just be epithet. Even scarce details are not available about lifer and works of Musawwir. The material available just suggests that he was a contemporary of Naib Nazim Nusrat Jung (1785-1823).As Jung was an art connoisseur, it is also believed that he might have behind the commissioning of these paintings. The blogger has already written about Musawwir in an earlier post under the caption” Muharram in Colonial Paintings”.

The paintings say a lot about the society and culture of those times, making them a must-see for those interested in the history of Dhaka - routes, buildings and  attires of people. The paintings depict more or less all men walking barefooted with ‘Tazia’. In some paintings, beggars are seen asking for alms whilst women and children watch over from their houses. Englishmen and Half-naked Sadhus are also seen. The predominance use of red, blue, ochre, beige and sepia palette with a visible influence of European and oriental elements is considered to be another unique feature of these paintings.

Details available with the museum also reveal that before landing in the custody of Khan Bahadur, these paintings were in possession of Nawab Shaista Khan’s family. These paintings amply demonstrate as to how grand Muharram processions used to be in Dhaka and how they are taken out on a subdued note in the recent years. The paintings also remind the participation of people from all walks of life in the Muharram processions in contrast to attendance of mostly Imamis now. These changes have occurred in Dhaka due to emergence of orthodox religious clerics who have been working with the agenda of removing Hussaini Ideology from Bangladesh at the instance of petrol-rich Muslims nations under the influence of Wahabism. It was they who had masterminded blast at Hussaini Dalan, the symbol of Imami faith in Bangladesh. 

Hussaini Dalan with Devotees Hours before Blast. 
(References available on request. Photo Courtesy Google Images)

Forgotten Builders of Imami Shrines in Sindh-Talpur Rulers

Zareeh Mubarak Of Imam Hussain at Khairpur

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

The contribution of Talpur dynasty to propagation of the message of Imam Hussain has not been acknowledged. The efforts made by successive Talpur rulers seem to be a forgotten page of history when compared to the awareness about the similar contribution made by their well-known counterparts of Awadh and Qutbshahi kingdoms. Talpur as dynasty has flourished in the latter half of 18^th century in Sindh province of Pakistan. Its first ruler Mir Fateh Ali Khan constructed the first replica of Imam Hussain’s shrine at Karbala in Iraq. The first Zareeh  or Shabeeh(replica) was placed in Tondo Agha area of Hyderabad(Sindh).Another Zareeh found place in Tondo Noor Mohammad.Both these Zareeehs were made of Gold. The third Zareeh was placed in Tondo Mir Mohammad in Hyderabad and it was made of wood.

The sole objective of Talpur rulers to initiate the installation of holy replicas of Imam Hussain’s shrine was to enable poor people to have a glimpse and idea about the original shrine of Imam Hussain. Initially, very few people used to turn up to have a glimpse of these replicas but their numbers swelled to thousands in days to come. The increase in their numbers resulted in the construction of similar replicas in other parts of Sindh. Apart from replica of Imam Hussain’s majestic mausoleum, replicas of Imam Ali and Imam Raza at Najaf and Mashhad were also commissioned. These shrines served two purposes. The first, they represented the original mausoleums of holy Imams in Iraq and Iran for the locals and second they were used by scholars to deliver lectures on the philosophy of the Holy Prophet and his Ahle-Bait.

The last ruler of Talpur Mir Murad Ali even sent two masons to Karbala in 1953 to see the original shrine of Imam Hussain. On their return, the ruler asked them to imitate the original shrine at Khairpur. These masons erected a replica flanked by two minarets resembling what they had witnessed at Karbala. Some of Zareehs commissioned during the rule of Talpur dynasty were displayed as part of Muharram processions. Till British period, poets used to recite their Kalam(Poetry) at these shrines but the tradition is no longer as popular as it used to be during the reign of Talpur dynasty. However, there is no dearth of poets in Sindh who still compose poetry on the tragedy of Karbala but they don’t recite them at the shrines like their predecessors. Like the tradition, awareness about Talpur rulers and their contribution to development of shrines associated with Imami faith has also nosedived with the passage of time. They are not as popular as Muhammad Quli Kutb Shah or Nawab Asafuddaula-builders of World famous Badshahi Ashurkhana (Hyderabad-India) and Bara Imambara (Lucknow) respectively.(References available on request.Photo Courtesy Google Images)

Factors Behind Blasts at Imami and Sufi Shrines -An Analysis

Shrine of Imam Hussain at Khairpur(Sindh- Pakistan)

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

The recent blast at the shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar should not only be perceived as an attack on Sufi ideology. Rather, the attack also needs to be analyzed against the backdrop of well-known affection of Sufis to Imam Ali and Ahlebait-e-Athar as well. Separatist forces in Pakistan have been bombing both Imami and Sufi shrines for the past several years. They consider the existence of these shrines and teachings of Imams and their Sufi followers as a barrier to their ongoing campaign to strike terror all over the world in the name of purifying Islam.

Such forces are now focusing on Sindh as the province has proved to be a safe zone for the admirers of Imam Ali who had taken shelter there following persecution from Umayyad and Abbasid rulers and the likes of them that followed later. As a result, Sindh has many Imami and Sufi shrines. Over centuries, these holy complexes have been used a center of learning and propagate the true tenets of Islam. Fanatics found the lectures and devotional practices delivered and observed at such shrines contrary to their beliefs based on the misinterpretation of the verses of Holy Quran and fabricated ‘Hadeeths’. Since their efforts have not at all reduced the popularity of Imami or Sufi shrines and they are frequented by hundreds of thousands of devotees on daily basis, followers of outfits like ISIS keep attacking them out of frustration.

Under such circumstances, it becomes incumbent upon those who believe in the teachings of Panjatan and Sufi orders who consider Maula Ali as the source of their origin to initiate campaign to preserve the composite culture. The survivors of terrorist attacks have repeatedly shown exemplary courage after each such tragic raids on their processions or complexes. The caretakers of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar Dargah deserve salute for restarting ‘Dhamaal’ within few hours after the blast. Their courage reminds the courage exhibited by processionists of a Muharram procession who continued to march ahead while blood-stained dead bodies of their counterparts lay on the street after the blasts in Peshawar. This courage comes to them being the flag-bearer of Karbala Revolution. They know that Imam Hussain had offered sublime sacrifice at Karbala to shook the conscience of man and make him aware of what is good or bad for humanity? Hence their spirit is not dampened by repeated attacks on the shrines they love and visit. Rather, each terrorist attack propel them to take a fresh vow to keep frustrating the anti-humanity approach of those who had raised the cry of Allah- Ho- Akbar after martyring Imam Hussain-the grandson of Holy Prophet. And their existing followers are now killing innocent people with Allah-Ho-Akbar on their lips. All true followers of Islam should feel obligatory on their part to protect shrines associated with Imams and their saintly followers in whatever way is possible for them and counter the ideology of fanatics vehemently.  (References available on request. Photo Courtesy Google Images)

Hussaini Dalan's Silver Replica In Bangladesh

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Among the proud possessions of Bangladesh National Museum also figures a replica of ‘Hussaini Dalan” that was made by a Hindu Ananda Hari Karmakar. Before its acquisition by the museum, the replica was in the possession of Dhaka’s Nawab family. Made of ‘Filigiri-Work in Silver’, the replica finds place in the department of Ethnography and Decorative Arts of the museum.

Husaini Dalan is located in Old Dhaka area and is the most  famous Imambara of Bangladesh. It is widely believed that it was erected by one Mir Murad due to claim made by James Taylor in his account. .However, Hakim Habibur Rahman refutes it and described  Nawab Nasrat Jang as its builder. The local tradition give credit of Imambara’s reconstruction to Nawab Jasarat Khan in the second half of the eighteenth century. Husaini Dalan stands on a high platform. A flight of steps on the east reaches its floor. The southern exterior presents an attractive facade. A series of columns, supporting a long beam, is flanked by octagonal chambers in three stages. On each side the top of the octagonal chambers is crowned with a dome. The building has kiosks at the four corners above the roof.

The replica prepared by Karmakar in 1905 is a perfect facsimile of the building of Hussaini Dalan. All the main features of Husaini Dalan are profusely filigreed on the replica. Records of the museum reveals that it was acquired in 1970.Since then it has been an attraction among the visitors. It may be mentioned here that Bangladesh National Museum was formally inaugurated in 1973 but it was established way back in 1913 under the name of Dhaka Museum.(References available on request. Photo Courtesy Google Images )

Lal Shahbaz Qalandar Shrine Blast- A Dangerous Sign

Security Officers Inspecting Blood-Stained Floor of Lal Shahbaz Shrine 

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

By turning red the shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar with the blood of innocent ‘Zaireens’(pilgrims),ISIS  has exhibited once again its ‘Zero Tolerance’ policy against any place that accepts devotees without asking questions about their caste, creed, language, religion or  political affiliation. Ever since its formation, ISIS has targeted at regular intervals shrines that are revered by a large section of Muslims be it Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Middle-East, India or Pakistan. Imambargahs and Sufi shrines have specifically been its target, for their existence prevent people from turning fanatics or perpetrate violence or barbarism in the name of Islam.

Pakistan government has launched a nationwide campaign against terrorists. Islamabad has even warned Afghanistan to stop harboring terrorists and handover them to Pakistan in strongest terms. Nawaz Sharif government has also asked Afghanistan to either eliminate terrorists or face consequences. Pakistan had hanged a number of terrorists after witnessing tragic attacks at several places. But nothing seems to deter terrorists in Pakistan and they continue to hold to ransom the entire nation.

It is a well-known fact that Pakistan has been harboring terrorists from the time of General Zia-Ul-Haque. The successive regimes have also not been able to suppress fanatics and political leaders like Benazir Bhutto has fallen prey to bullets. Of late, Pakistan has been trying to initiate campaign for elimination of terrorists following pressure from different quarters. The move of the government is unacceptable to fanatics who have been enjoying the government patronage so far. Hence, they have escalated violence with the attack on the shrine of Red Falcon Lal Shahbaz) in Sindh province. Prior to savagely bombing the shrine of Shahbaz Qalandar, for similar terrorist attacks have been carried out in Pakistan in the past few weeks.

Nobody knows for how long such barbaric attacks will continue to be witnessed in Pakistan? If past is any indication, Pakistan government has proved to be simply helpless against terrorist outfits. It is not ironical but also a dangerous sign. If ISIS has managed to spread its tentacles so deeply in Pakistan, India needs to be very careful and cautious. ISIS has repeatedly exhibited its ability to attract talented educated youths. It is also frequently proved as to how ISIS using children for fulfilling its nefarious designs.

The situation therefore calls for immediate attention of all those who believe in the true Islam. ISIS is against Sufism as it is considered to be moderate fact of Islam and enjoys more acceptances among Western countries and US. Likewise, ISIS oppose Imami ideology because of its known opposition to all sorts of oppression and exploitation that Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphs and their modern followers have been carrying out in the name of purifying Islam with the help of paid Mullahs.       

Women Crying after losing their near and dear ones. 

They attacked Sehwan shrine in view of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar’s known love for Maula Ali and his love for his Ahlebait. It is widely believed that the  famous quatrain associated with Lal Shahbaz Qalandar is: Haydarium Qalandarum Mastum. In the quatrain, Shahbaz  Qalandar declares his love and devotion for Hazrat Ali. The quatrain has been used in qawwalis and nauhas (elegies) and signifies the deep affection the Qalandar had for the household of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad.Another ritual associated with the shrine  is the ‘Dhammal’( ecstatic Sufi dance).Some Islamic scholars consider  Dhammal origin from the Persian  phrase deh meel, or ‘ten mile’.They opine that Dhammal originally was not a ‘dance’ at all, but developed in its present form as by Shahbaz Qalandar  as a tribute to the sufferings of the martyrs and prisoners of Karbala.It is for this reason the blast was carried out at the shrine when Dhammal ritual was underway.

Serene Shrine of Lal Shahbaz qalandar on a Normal Day.

There are numerous versions about  Qalandar’s arrival in Sindh.But it is generally believed he  came to Sindh in late 12th or early 13th century AD.Hisd originalname was Syed Usman Marwadi and title Lal Shahbaz. He is  a descendant of the Holy Prophet  from the lineage of Sixth Imam Jafar as-Sadiq. His Urs  or death anniversary, is observed every year in the Islamic month of Shaaban. People of different sects and religions converge upon his mausoleum to escape the humdrum troubles of modern life.Hiss tomb is a place where the formal and the non-formal; the orthodox and the heterodox; the worldly and the spiritual meet and perhaps this feature of the shrine irked ISIS and it carried out blast that claimed over 200 lives and left several hundreds wounded .(References available on request. Photo Courtesy Google Images)

Shaista Amber's Unique Initiative

Amber Mosque in Lucknow 

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

The President of All India Women Personal Law Board, Mrs. Shaista Amber has introduced a model that needs to be replicated at all religious shrines to overcome energy crisis. She recently got installed solar energy panels at Amber Mosque in Lucknow and invited people to create awareness among them to utilize solar energy.

Mrs.Shaista Amber

Her exact words were “God has given us the Sun. We want to send across the message that we should protect and utilize God’s gifts”. On being asked as to how the idea of getting the panels installed at the mosque struck her mind, she said “ I have been pondering over the installation of solar energy panels ever since Lucknow too started facing frequent power cuts. Instead of crying over the power cuts, I thought it appropriate to get solar panels installed. The mosque was an obvious choice, for Allah’s house should get priority”.

Mrs. Amber has won accolades for her initiative. People feel that her move would encourage caretakers of other mosques and shrines to produce solar energy to meet demands for power.

Her initiative surely deserves praise, for apart from taking issues related to plight of Muslim women, now she has launched a campaign for yet another noble cause.May Allah keeps her spirit high and grant success to her endeavours. (Photo Courtesy-Google Images)  

Shah Madar's 600th Urs Concludes at Makanpur

A View of  Urs Ceremony at the Shrine of Shah Madar

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

The 600^th Urs of Hazrat Badi- Ud-Deen Zindashah Madar concluded with traditional solemnity at Makanpur village of Kanpur district early today. Lakhs of devotees converged at the shrine of Shah Madar to attend Urs ceremony from different parts of the Indian sub-continent and abroad. As usual, Shghal-e-Dhammal by Malangs after the arrival of ‘Kishti’(Little boat) proved to be the most unique feature of Urs. People awaited the arrival of Kishti and Malangs with patience after entering the sprawling courtyard of Dargah Sharif hours before the scheduled commencement of Dhammal. They did so in the apprehension that any delay on their part may deny them entry into the courtyard due to heavy presence of devotees in and around Makanpur for the past three days.

Shah Madar ranks among the earliest Sufis to arrive in India. He was born in Alleppo( Syria) and has many legends associated with him. He had left his home at an early age in search of truth. He reportedly saw the Holy Prophet in a dream who entrusted Maula Ali with the responsibility of spiritual guidance of Shah Madar. Maula Ali appointed Imam Mehdi(A.s.) to train Shah Madar in spirituality. After completion of his training, he was directed to go to India and serve people through the teachings of Islam.Shah Madar arrived in India through Malabar coast and visited many a places. He spent considerable time at Jaunpur and Kalpi. Finally, he settled down at Makanpur and obtained ‘Purdah’ around 1431/32 A.D. Since then, his shrine has been a popular place of pilgrimage.(References available on request. Photo Courtesy Google Images)

Muharram Painting by Italian Artist

10th Muharram Painting 


Fausto Zonaro 

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

"After witnessing the procession I wish I were able to meet this man they mourn for". This was the spontaneous reaction of famous Italian painter Fausto Zonaro after he happened to watch a Muharram procession on Yaum-E-Ashura in Istanbul. Solemnity of the procession deeply touched the painter and inspired him to paint the Ashura procession. The effort produced the painting that is renowned all over the world as 10^th of Muharram. The ‘man’ in his reaction refers to Hazrat Imam Hussain who was martyred on 10^th of Muharram at Karbala. He was grandson of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad and brutally killed with his small band of companions by the oppressive forces of Caliph Yazid. Imam Hussain had to face wrath of Yazid for not paying allegiance to his anti-Islamic deeds in 680 AD. Since then, processions are taken out on the day of his martyrdom all over the world.   The reaction of Zonaro also reveals that he had not only watched the procession but also tried to find out as to why it was being taken out? His painting exhibits the solemnity of the occasion and somber mood of the participants. It was perhaps the disciplined and solemn approach of the precisionists that propelled Zonaro to probe and get inspired from the sublime sacrifice of Imam Hussain to the extent that he wished to “ meet the man they mourn for” .

Fausto Zonaro was born on 18 September 1854.He is best known for his realist paintings of life and history of the Ottoman Empire. The turning point in his career occurred however in 1891, when he fell in love with his pupil  Elisabetta Pante in Venice. He travelled to Istanbul ,capital of Ottomoan empire with Elisabetta.In 1892,he married his pupil and gained patronage in aristocratic circles.In 1896, he was nominated as the court painter. During his stay in Istanbul, Zonaro witnessed Ashura processions. In 1920, he separated from his wife and began living with his daughter. Nine years later, he died on 19 July 1929.(References available on request. Photo Courtesy-Google Images )

Imam Zainul Abedeeen's Maxims on Life Management

Dr. Mazhar Naqvi

Belated Greetings on the joyous birth anniversary of Imam Zainul Abedeen. A large number of Imamis believe that the fourth Imam was born on 15^th Jamad-ul-Awwal. Some of their counterparts believe 5^th of Shahan as his birth anniversary. But this difference should be ignored as Imam who is also popularly known as Beemar-E-Karbala deserves to be remembered every day. His dedication to prayers, supplications, literary pursuits and service to the destitute remains matchless even today. After the martyrdom of his father Imam Hussain at Karbala, the fourth Imam kept the Karbala revolution alive despite detaching himself from worldly affairs. In a previous post, I have written about his unique personality and ordeals. Hence, on the occasion of his birth anniversary, I am producing 10 maxims of Imam Zainul Abedeen.By following these maxims, a person can lead an exemplary life in both the worlds :

1- The greatest of people is that who does not see the world as great.The richest of people is that who is satisfied with what Allah has chosen for him.

2- Avoid telling lies, whether they were significant or venial, or in serious or humorous situations, for a man who tells a trivial lie will surely dare to tell a big one.The whole goodness is to protect yourself (against all that which is unacceptable).

3-Do not associate, talk, or accompany five classes of people. i.e. Beware of associating with the liar, for he is as same as mirage: he shows you the near as remote and shows you the remote as near., Beware of associating with the sinful, for he will disappoint you for a single bite or even something less valuable. Beware of associating with the stingy, for he will let you down when you are in urgent need of his property. Beware of associating with the foolish, for he harms you when he intends to do you favor. Beware of associating with the disregardful of his relatives, for I found him cursed in the Book of Allah.

4-Knowledge and the perfect religion is to avoid intruding into unconcerned matters, dispute others rarely, show clemency and steadfastness, and be well-mannered.

5-The very hypocrite is that who warns people (against evil deeds) but he does not stop committing them and orders them (to do good acts) but he does not do (such acts). 


6-Satisfy yourself with that  have been  given to you and you will be the most abstinent of people. Carry out the duties that have been made incumbent upon you and you will be the best worshipper of people. Avoid acting matters that have deemed forbidden and you will be the most pious of people.

7-Many are those whom are deceived by commendation. Many are those whom are swindled by the firm covering up (of their sins). Many are those whom are trapped by favors and graces that they receive.

8- Be with those who abstain from (chasing) the worldly pleasures and desire for the (permanent bliss of the) life to come.The abstinent are those who betake the land of Allah as mat, dust as bed, rocks as pillow, water as odor, and they cut their livelihood in this world. You should know that he whoever longs for Paradise dashes to the good deeds and forgets the passion. Whoever is concerned about the fire (of Hell) takes the initiative to repent to Allah from the sins and stops committing the forbidden matters.

9-Sitting with the virtuous ones urges virtue, adherence to the ethics of the scholars improves the intelligence, Compliance with the men of authority (namely the sinless Imams(AS) is the perfect dignity, investment of the property is the perfect personality, guiding the seeker of counsel is a fulfillment of the rights of graces, and abstinence from harming people is a part of the perfection of mind. It also achieves the immediate and gradual physical comfort.

10-To spend moderately in times of poverty, give generously in times of luxury, treat people fairly, and greet them initiatively-these manners are within the characters of the believers. Looks of mutual affection and amiability between the believers is a sort of worship.(References available on request.Photo courtesy-Google Images)