Dr.Mazhar Naqvi
Mughal Emperor Alamgir Aurangzeb is
perceived in India as a fanatic who destroyed temples, banned Muharram
processions,slaughtered Hindus and Shias alike and prohibited Music in is
regime.Since his death in 1707, he has always been projected as a person who
was fanatic and had no respect for Ahlebait-E-Athar. Howcver, his sword at
display in the National Museum, New Delhi tells otherwise and exhibits his
respect for at least Maula Ali.
The inscribed verses on the regal sword
read “Bismillah-i-Rehman-Al-Rahim. Nasrun Min-Al-Allah-I-Wa Fathun Qarib.
La Fataha illa Ali, La Saifa-Illa Zulfiqar. La Yasmaoon Fiha Laghwan Wa La
Kizzaban. Jazaun Min Rabbika Qabiyan”.(In the name of God, the beneficent, the merciful, (With) help from Allah,
a speedy victory is near. There is no warrior but Ali .There is no sword but
Zulfiqar. No vanity shall they hear therein (in Heaven), nor untruth (One will
receive) recompense from the Lord, a gift." These lines
echo the inscription that is said to have been written on the famed 'Zulfiqar' sword that the
Prophet Muhammad(PBUH) gifted to his nephew and son-in- law, Hazrat Ali. In the
center of the blade is a 'Tughra' with the name of Aurangzeb..
The sword is a single-edged
'Shamsheer'(Sword) and is made of fine watered steel. From the forte to the
middle, the blade is profusely inscribed in golden letters with Arabic verses
written in the 'Naskh 'script. However, the name of Aurangzeb is written in
Nastaliq script. Calligraphically, the inscription is one of the best examples
of its kind in the world and reflects Iranian influence. .
The sword is beautifully decorated with
figures of fish, a tiger and a deer, accompanied by floral designs all in gold.
The hilt is unique. It consists of straight quillons and a rectangular grip of
steel fitted with ivory pieces on both sides. These ivory pieces are decorated
with floral and fish-scale patterns. The sides of the grip and the quillons are
also having floral and creeper designs like one of its blade.
Aurangzeb was born onn November 3,1616 in Dhod Malwa(part of modern Madhya Pradesh state of india to the famous couple Shahjahan and Mumtaz Mahal of Taj Mahal fame. His original name was Muhi Uddin Muhammad. He assumed title of Alamgir Aurangzeb after ascending throne and ruled India from 1658 to 1707.
Aurangzeb was born onn November 3,1616 in Dhod Malwa(part of modern Madhya Pradesh state of india to the famous couple Shahjahan and Mumtaz Mahal of Taj Mahal fame. His original name was Muhi Uddin Muhammad. He assumed title of Alamgir Aurangzeb after ascending throne and ruled India from 1658 to 1707.
Source: National Museum New Delhi
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