Imambara Imambandi Begum Patna
Dr.Mazhar Naqvi
The contribution of Imambandi Begum to
promotion of Azadari in colonial Bihar has not been acknowledged so far. Way
back in 1890, she had created a Wakf of the properties procured after much litigation
for almost over three decades. It is on this property the famous Gulzar Bagh
Imambara stands as the hub of Azadari in Patna city. Apart from Imambara, a
mosque and her own tomb also exist.
Much is not known about the early history
of Imam Bandi Begum.From court proceedings, one comes to know that she was
widow of Nawab Ahmad Ali and inherited property from Tasadduq Hussain and Taqi
Hussain, stated to be brothers of Nawab Bahu Begum of Awadh whose property were
located from Farrukhabad to Patna.
Imambandi Begum was a great philanthropist
and she did much for women education also, besides ensuring that martyrdom of
Hazrat Imam Hussain and his companions should continue even after her death. She
seems to have been fed up of series of litigation to get back her property and
created trust of her sprawling estate for the purpose of charity and Aza-E-Hussain. The trust is now under the care of Bihar Shia
Wakf Board.
The Imambara is also symbol of Hindu-Muslim
unity.Of many tenants, there are 45 Hindu traders who have been successfully running
their respective businesses for generations without any difficulty. All of them
are full of praise for Begum Sahiba and hold her in high esteem. They also
extend helping hand in preparation of Muharram ceremonies and donate generously
as well.
In her life time, Muharram ceremonies
were restricted to 12 days, followed by Chehlum of Imam. Now Azadari like rest
of Shia world stretches for two month and old days. The most famous processions
undoubtedly Bahattar Tabut procession Imambara is well maintained but her own
tomb lies in neglect. Modern Shia youths are also not much aware about Begum
and prefer to call Gulzar Bagh Imambara whereas in revenue records it is
mentioned as Imambara Imambandi Begum.
A few decades back, one Mr.Jafri had
compiled the history of the family of begum but its manuscript is no longer
available. In a visit to Imambara, the blogger had asked about copy of the book
but was informed by the caretaker of a small book shop that it could be
available at Khuda Baksh Oriental Library but the Director when approached could not be of
much help.
Source: Personal Visit to Imambara/Photo Courtesy google Images
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