Canon with Holy Names of Prophet & Twelve Imams

 

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi












How an Adil Shahi King revered twelve Imams is demonstrated by a 16^th century canon in Bijapur? Installed near Gol Gumbaz museum, the canon is probably the only of its kind in India with names of twelve Imams inscribed around its bore. In view of this specialty, the canon is also known as Dwazdah Imam Tope (Canon).Dwazdah means twelve and Imamis make it a point to see the canon while visiting Bijapur that was the capital of Adilshahi dynasty.

Names of the Imams have been inscribed in Naskh Khat style that flourished in medieval India under Iranian influence but enjoyed a short-lived popularity. Before being routed by Mughals, Adilshahi Kings ruled with generosity and respected all religions. But most of them exhibited ardent love for Imams and encouraged Azadari in their dominion. Adil Shah-1(1557-80) surpassed all his predecessors and successors in terms of his inclination towards Imams. He even declared Imami faith as state religion. It was during his reign; Dwazdah was cast and placed on Makka gateway of the fortified city of Bijapur. The canon has 985 Hijri inscribed on it, corresponding to 1578 A.D.  

 

The names of 12 imams have been placed in 12 circles to highlight the significance of Twelvers sect of Shia Islam. As name of the Prophet Hazrat Muhammad whose progeny are 12 Imams, is on topmost circle, 13 circles were required. But Ali Adil Shah wanted to have only 12 circles to show his inclination for Asna Ashari(Twelver) sect of Shia Islam. So the names of 9^th and 10^th Imams i.e. Al- Taqi and Al-Naqi were accommodated in a single circle. The canon also has two small figures of Lions over the bore and marksmen used to fix their target with their help.(References available on request. Photo Courtesy Google Images)