"Waan" -Kashmiri Marsiya and its Advent

 

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Marsiya is derived from an Arabic word Marthiyya. It means lamentation for a departed soul. In contemporary world , it is however considered to be a poem composed mainly for commemorating the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (a.s) and other martyrs of Karbala. In Kashmiri language, it is known as “Waan”.The origin of Waan is traced to 14th century A.D, and great Sufis like Bulbul Shah and  Mir Sayed Ali Hamadani contributed much to its advent and popularity in congregations and recitals of Kashmiri Azadari.

Another noteworthy name behind the flourishing of Waan is  Hassi Bhat (1389 A.D). it was during the Chaks’ rule that Waan truly blossomed. Apart from Chaks, during the later phases of Afghan Rule due to efforts of  governors like Kifayat Khan and Amir Khan Kashmiri elegiac poetry also flourished. Initially the practice of reciting Marsiya was hereditary and upon reciting a Majlis, tokens of appreciation were presented to the authors and reciters but later on the practice of reciting and writing Marsiya didn’t stick to hierarchy. Even during Sikh rule Marsiya  progressed thanks to the efforts of devotees like  Khwaja Hassan Mir, Hakim Azim, Mirza Abul Qasim and many others .

Structure wise, a Kashmiri marsiya is called Mazmoon and is not restricted to just expression of grief but has many parts. It starts with praise of Almighty called (Hamd) as exemplified below :

Ya Allah Tche Baayis Mann-Fil-Quboor, Tchey Rahim Tchey Rahman,

Paanay Yohyi wa Yumeet Doputh Ya haya.

(Mazmoon-e-Marg)

This is followed Naat or praise for the Prophet (pbuh)

Yeli Aaw Hazrat Tis Qudratas Sapin Roshniyaah,

Taaban temi saayi ki anhaare Lail o Naharay

(Mazmoon Subuh by Zakir Khawaya Naqi).

Naat is followed by praise for Imam Ali (a.s) and the poem traverses the domains of Mojizas (divine miracles). Finally it reaches the core purpose of laments for Imam Hussain and martyrs of Karbala .

Myani Kani Maalikas Daepzem Salaam Lagas Qurbaano,

Dapith Ismailas Zabeeh-ul-lah Su Khaleel-ul-lah sapun ne Qurbaano,

Badal Fidyi suuzthas temi ma toti Hadiya korun paano,

Myani Hussainan Wandnas Jaan hyeath Zuv-e-Daano,

Tas ne kahn Qatal Gaah taani aav yeki draav chani wati marne maidaano….

(Mazmoon Asul-e-Din)

Reference ; Aerticle of Dr.Ejaz Husain Malek of JNU