Azakhana-E-Zohra- A Sunni Ruler’s Majestic Tribute to His Shia Mother

Azakhana-E-Zohra- A Sunni Ruler’s Tribute to His Shia Mother

Prof.Mazhar Naqvi

Ashurkhana Madar-E-Deccan, popularly known as Azakhana-E-Zahra, is not only a majestic tribute to Imam Husain by the last Nizam of Hyderabad but also symbolizes immortal love between a Sunni son and his Shia mother. It is also undoubtedly the most well-maintained Ashurkhana (Imambara) of India or else how could it bag prestigious INTACH Award in 1999. The award citation reads: "The structure is built strongly and there is no sign of any unsightly addition anywhere. It has been conserved well and is in regular use". Built on the bank of river Musi near the world famous Salarjung Museum in Hyderabad, it is one of the finest examples of Osmanian style of architecture that developed with the influence of Europeans settled in Hyderabad during the rule of last Nizam of Hyderabad Mir Osman Ali Khan.

History records that the Asafjahi Nizams were staunch Sunni Muslims but they were liberal in their approach and avoided interference in religious matters. His Exalted Highness Mir Osman Ali Khan however had great reverence for Prophet’s family and Muharram ceremonies being son of ‘Amat- Uz- Zohra’ an Imami by faith and grand daughter of Salar Jung- 1.Mir Osman Ali Khan ruled Hyderabad for 37-year and he is considered to be architect of modern Hyderabad for his developmental works and contribution to education. He however is also perceived as an enigmatic person. For instance one day, he asked his ADC to purchase a blanket for price not exceeding Rs.25 and preferred to use the existing one when apprised of the fact that blankets were available in the market for not less than Rs.35. Few hours later, he happily donated lakhs of rupees to Banaras Hindu University on the request of Maharaja of Bikaner.

Mir Osman Ali has also not been portrayed as an affectionate father to his numerous children. But he himself was an ideal son. He used to love passionately his mother and used to visit her daily so long as she remained alive. He was so attached to his mother that he would not miss the trip even when he was personally indisposed or if he had to attend any important function of the State. The Nizam continued to visit her grave after her death and willed to be buried near her grave in Judi Masjid. It is noteworthy here that while all other Asafjahi rulers are buried at Mecca Masjid, Mir Osman Ali Khan’s last resting place is Judi Masjid opposite King’s Kothi.

The story behind the construction of Azakhana-E-Zohra is inspiring and interesting both. Several Hyderabadi nobles like Nawab Zain Yar Jung, Nawab Shaheed Yar Jung, Nawab Inayat Jung and Internationally acclaimed Zakir-E-Ahlebait (Orator) Allama Rashid Turabi resolved to ensure construction of an Ashurkhana (Called Imambara in North India) as a tribute to Imam Husain on the occasion of 1300^th anniversary of his martyrdom in the year 1360 Hijri.

They also started collecting donations and their efforts evoked enthusiastic response from the people as well. In the meantime, Mir Osman Ali’s mother, known as Madar-E-Deccan and Badi Begum Saheba also, left for her heavenly abode. It was a great shock for the Nizam and he decided to erect an Ashurkhana in her memory at the spot selected by the nobles and Allama. The group collecting donations also gave their consent willingly upon coming to know about Osman Ali Khan’s decision. The Nizam immediately arranged for the construction of Aza Khana from his own funds but also did not prevent the devotees of Imam Husain from contributing to the cause. He announced that if people from the Community wished to contribute they could make donations of Rs. 1,000 each.  

Mir Osman Ali built Ashurkhana to exhibit his exemplary love for his mother and also befitting to the status given to him by TIME magazine as the richest man of the world. The Azakhana is built on several thousand square yards of land with magnificent outer elevations and embellished interiors. The pillars of the structure are divided into three sections. There are two court yards along with two walls. The third and longest courtyard extends from the main entrance up to the pulpit. For the seating of women devotees, there are beautiful balconies constructed at suitable height on the longer courtyard. So large is the main hall that it can easily accommodate without any congestion over 10,000 people for any religious gathering.

The main hall has four glass chandeliers imported from Belgium. The walls and the ceiling are decorated with verses from the Holy Quran and the sayings of the Holy Prophet in praise of Hazrat Ali and his progeny. The services of master calligraphists of the period were hired for the purpose. A decent networking of arches greets the visitors at the entrance vault supported on the columns. There is a big clock on the top of building with a black flag as a symbol of mourning.  . The entrance is also marked by the square columns crowned with miniature domes.
Four sacred battle standards ‘Alams’ are among the holy relics kept at Azakhana. The gold and diamond-studded standards are installed after the sighting of Muharram moon. The descendants of Nizam and other devotees offer traditional ‘dhatti’ after their installation till today.

Being a farsighted man, Mir Osman Ali Khan also created a wakf known as Azakhana Zohra Trust on March 29, 1951 nearly a decade after the death of his mother in or about 1941.The Nizam had set apart a sum of rupees two lakhs from his private fund, Sharf-E-Khas. In addition, he also invested another sum of Rs. 1,50,000  in  Government bonds as endowment fund to provide for the management, upkeep and maintenance of Azakhana. Provision for another Rs. 4,500 was also made for management from Sharf-e-Khas, besides a sum of Rs. 500 to be paid from the same source as an annual offering to cover the expenses of the annual ceremonies to be performed at Azakhana during Muharram.

Due to these provisions, Azakhana remained well-kept and bagged INTACH award in 1999.It went for renovation in 2007 after the old ceiling cracked and some of its part fell. The old ceiling was replaced with a plaster of Paris false ceiling and the four chandeliers were also repaired and lit up. The whopping cost of renovation work was borne entirely by Sahebzadi Rasheedunnisa Begum, the grand daughter of the Nizam. The Azakhana is swarmed by devotees in large number during Muharram and they call it as Azakhana-E-Zahra ETV Urdu has been using it as a permanent site for shooting its internationally acclaimed program on Muharram titled “Sada-E-Karbala”.  (Reference available on request)