Thursday, 9 March 2017

Azadar Anjumans of Kanpur-A Historical Account


Anjuman Moimul Momneen's Ashura Processsion

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

The history of Anjumans dedicated to Marasim-E-Azadari (Ceremonies associated with Muharram mourning) in Kanpur city reveals several interesting facts. Kanpur was declared as a district in March 1803 with Bithoor as its headquarters. Later on, the British shifted their establishment to the growing city of Kanpur about 20 kms away from Bithoor. The new city saw the arrival of Agha Meer, the Exiled Prime Minister of Awadh in 1831.His stay in Kanpur give fillip to Azadari, for he had arrived with a large number of supports who mostly professed Imami faith. Before him, Khwajasara Miyan Almas Ali Khan had erected an Imambara and Mosque on the bank of river Ganges near Bithoor during the reign of Asaf-ud-Daula (1775-97).But the first Anjuman was established in Kanpur in 1857 with the name of Moin-ul-Momneen. The year when India was striving to uproot the British regime, Imamis of Kanpur established in Patkapur Anjuman Moin-ul-Momneen to institutionalize mourning ceremonies. It was followed by the birth of Anjuman-Panjatni in Kanpur in 1888 in Colonelganj locality. Then, Anjuman Zulfiqar Haideri and Anjuman Abutarabia came into existence in the same locality. While Panjatni and Zulfiqar Haidery had the backing of mostly people serving the textile mills and government offices, Abutarabia enjoyed the patronage of Nawabs. In early 20th century, descendants of Agha Meer formed Anjuman Mohammadia in Gwaltoli. Another Anjuman was also established at the same time in Hiraman Ka Purwa under the name of  Guldaste- Haidery.
A faction of Moin-ul-Momneen formed about 75 years ago Anjuman-E-Rizvi in Nawab Sahab Ka Hata near Patkapur. It is now believed to be the largest Anjuman of Kanpur in terms of membership. As the city grew, more anjumans came into existence namely, Anjuman Aza-E-Husain, Anjuman Shamsheer Haidery, Anjuman Mazloomia, Anjuman Firdausia, Anjuman Masoomia, Anjuman Jafariya and Anjuman Chashme Kausar.

These Anjumans have produced eminent Sahab-E-Bayazs and Shair-E-Ahlebait.Munne Sahab of Anjuman Moin- Ul- Momneen is considered as the best reciter of Rawaits till today eventhough he passed away a few decades back.Likewise, Janab Anwar Sajjad of Anjuman Rizviya is believed to one of the best reciters of Musaddas.Abbua Bhai of Rizviya is still remembered for tuning of Nauhas.
Anjuman Masoomia of Gwaltoli is credited with introducing the program of Bahattar Tabut in Kanpur. Anjuman Firdausia is known for its annual Shabbedari.Anjuman Panjatni and Zulfiqar Haideri are also famous for their Shabbedaris as well as arch rivalry over the scale of programs. As lately as in 1992, Anjuman Rizviya split when one of its factions formed Anjuman Raza-e-Islam over what can only described as a petty issue. Likewise a few years later, Anjumani Panjatni witnessed a similar division resulting in the birth of Anjuman Anwar-e-Panjatni. Of late, Din Bhar Matam program of Anjuman Anwar-e-Panjatni has emerged as a highly successful one. On the other hand, Anjuman Raza-E-Islam has earned reputation as the most effective reciter of Nauhas and Salams.(References available on request.Photo Courtesy Google Images)

   

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