Imambara Bari Sarkar & Its Relics

Main Entrance of Imambara Bari Sarkar,Zaidpur

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

‘Bari Sarkar’ is undoubtedly one of the oldest and well-maintained Imambaras with rare holy relics. Located in North Indian town of Zaidpur, the foundation stone of the existing structure was laid down by Late Meer Khadim Husain, the Nazim-e-Umoor (commissioner) of Awadh Sarkar (Government) in 1223 Hijri (1808-1809).But the history of eastern portion of Bari Sarkar  dates back to the period of Zaidpur’s  founder  Late Syed Zaid Shahsawar. He was son of Syed Abdullah, a direct descendant of the Prophet Mohammad through his daughter Hazrat Fatima. He was scholarly and mystic figure and had earned the title of Zarbakhsh (Gifter of gold) following his miraculous power to make gold fall from sky. Syed Abdullah is believed to have arrived at  Zaidpur under instruction from Imam Rida in a dream around 460 Hijri (1069 A.D.) He later married  daughter of Salar Syed Daood who had already settled down before the arrival of  Zarbakhsh and ruling over the region. A child named as Syed Zaid who born out of the marriage. After the birth, father-in-law of Zarbakhsh got house for him constructed at Zaidpur along with the dwellings for the accompanying 40 slaves, 40 she-slaves and a contingent of artisans and people of different trades. Syed Zaid was also a brilliant scholar with saintly habits. Out of his sheer love for progeny of the Holy Prophet, it is said that he built an Imambara for mourning assemblies during Muharram. The old Imambara fallen prey to vagary of weather sand caved in. When construction of Bari Sarkar was decided, Mir Khadim covered portion of old Imambara as a part of his project.  

Mir Khadim spent lavishly on the construction of Bari Sarkar. A beautiful mosque welcomes devotees in front of the main gate. He used  Sang-e-Moosa (A very precious white and black stone) for flooring. The area of Imambara is over 24000  SQFT. Two grand gates, opposite to each other for exit and entrance, are situated east and north side of the complex and are fine example of Rajasthani art. Apart from one large and four small ‘Shahnasheen’ ( platform for keeping  Tazia and  Alams ), two big halls, a long platform with a spacious courtyard with two symmetrical ‘Sahenchi’ (places for masses sitting) on both sides form major part of Bari Sarkar. The Imambara is also famous as Deorhi among locals.

Mosque Adjacent to Bari sarkar 

The proud possessions of Bari Sarkar include a piece of ‘Fauladi Zareeh’ of Imam Husain, Brick of Hazrat Abbas’s Shrine, a piece of cloth from ‘Sardab’ (basement of Husain’s shrine), all collected from Karbala (Iraq) and 150 years old cover of Khan-e-Kaba (Mecca).The Alams of Imambara are made of gold, silver, copper and bronze. Alam of miracle, five stairs Mimber and a Zareeh made of silver , Dhal-Talwar (shield and sword), Tegh (A type of sword with on  sharp blades both sides, are other attractions. Very costly chandeliers of glass and metals of Belgium and Turkey are also property of Imambara. The entire collection is nicely maintained and preserved as Tabarrukat-e-Aza (valuable and holy items of Aza).They are used for decorating Imambara during Muharram and devotees visit Bari Sarkar in large number to see them.

 Another unique feature of Bari Sarkar is absence of any architect in its construction. Mir Khadim conceived the design himself after seeing Bara Imambara in Lucknow. He retained expert masons of Zaidpur and Siddhaur to raise Imambara as visualized by him. He took personal care of the construction to avoid any deviation from his imagination and plan. Awadh Government had awarded him title of ‘Khan Bahadur’. His father Mir Nawazish Ali was also holder of Das Hazari Mansab (post allowing him to keep ten thousand soldiers under his command). The traditional Alam processions come to Bari Sarkar regularly up to 8th of Muharram. A ‘langari’ (distribution of eatables as Tabarruk) majlis takes place on 9^th Muharram while Shahi Julus is taken out Yaum-E-Ashura(10^th Muharram). Chehlum of Imam Hussain is also observed on 20^th Safar with ‘Zuljenah’(Imam Hussain’s loyal horse) being the biggest attraction. Bunyadiya Trust manages all the programs of Bari Sarkar and make arrangements for devotees. The trust regularly organizes Mahfils, Dasterkhwans and Majlises of Muharram and Chehlum. Janab Qamar Abbas, a native of Zaidpur, reveals that   Taluqedar Mir Aulad Hussain, son of Mir Khadim had started processions on the street in his regime. Prior to him, Azadari was confined to Imambara complex only. At a time when wakf properties are utterly neglected and being ruined by corrupt Mutwallis in collusion with Wakf Board officials, Bunyadiya Trust deserves praise for proper upkeep of not only structure but also priceless relics. It is the efforts of trustees and their supporters who are keeping intact Zaidpur’s image as a prominent center of Azadari with regal touch.

(References: 1- Thesis titled ‘ The anthropology of religion- Key-Contributions of People of Zaidpur to the Mourning Rituals.2- Inputs given by Janab Qamar Abbas during conversation with blogger. He hails from Zaidpur and supervises arrangements of Marasim-e-Azadari. Photo Courtesy Google Images)