An Indian Muslim's Blog: News, Views & Urdu Poetry Website

Criticism of Saudi Arabia regime either for destruction of Islamic heritage or on human rights, other issues remains a taboo in Media!

noreply@blogger.com (editor) — Sun, 19 May 2013 22:17:00 +0000

Just a few days back a group of leading Shia clerics held a press conference in Lucknow. Amongst other issues, they spoke on the continuous destruction of Islamic heritage in Saudi Arab.

The news was almost blacked out in media except a small and different sort of version which appeared in a few Urdu newspapers.

This is not the first time that such a thing has happened but it is definitely disturbing. Can't you criticise a government or a regime? Is there anything wrong with that? Of course not. It's an individuals right.

In this press conference, scholars expressed their opinion about the Bashar Al Assed regime's excesses in Syria, castigated the Taliban and also expressed their apprehensions about certain issues regarding Saudi authorities. One may or may not agree to them but they are surely entitled to speak their mind.

1. When Muslim minority expects media to listen to its grievances in a Hindu majority country, why shouldn't we at least hear the concerns of a minority among Muslims--the Shias. This is a strange paradox. I surely fail to understand it. Even English, Hindi media avoids it.

2. I am proud that in my country, a large section of Hindus and other communities speak in favour of Muslims when Babri Masjid was demolished. But it is embarrassing that mosques, more than thousand years old that have link with earliest Islamic personalities including the Prophet's family or companions, get destroyed without whimper in this 'Islamic country' under the garb of 'expansion' or 'development'.

May be a few things could be tolerated but they are not accountable to anyone, it seems. Had it not been Turkey putting its foot down and insisting that Saudis adhere to the past agreements, the situation could have been even worse.

3. On one hand, the Saudi government has done a great job in ensuring that millions of Haj pilgrims from across the world, get facilities. The infrastructure in the holy cities of Mecca and Medinah has been improved vastly in the last few decades. For this they ought to be praised.

4. I am a Sunni and don't have any close Shia friend either. But this muzzling of any dissenting voice seems odd. Saudi Arab is a monarchy though kingship is not in sync with Islamic principles. For a non-Arab it may not be too relevant whether they are monarchs or champions of democracy and justive but for the fact that the same regime then preaches and imposes rules and bizarre codes on citizens as per its own interpretations.

5. Sauds changed the name of Hejaz or Arab to 'Saudi' Arab, ie, the Arab of a family--the Sauds. The Saudi state and its allies in Gulf always seem more concerned about their own hold to power [naturally], as also the regional balance of power, even though, they are aware that they enjoy a clear authority and [will always have] because of holy sites. Still, they remain obsessed with the idea to contain Iran.

6. Because of the custodianship of the holy Islamic sites, they get enormous respect which they will always have but it doesn't mean that they can not be criticised for their erratic actions. Strangely, there is a silence among Muslims when it comes to Saudi policies, either with regard to women which are clearly divergent from the spirit of Islam, to the way they have destroyed Islamic heritage in the holy land.

7. In fact, apologists would be quick to say, 'See how much they have done for Muslims', or 'They are giving more rights to women' [Inayat, aapka Shukriya Janab] and that 'millions are employed there'. The Sheikhs' political positions is also often in contrast with views of an ordinary person on the Muslim street.

8. The way buildings were destroyed is well-known but kept hush hush. Little is discussed or spoken about in Urdu or Muslim media either. In fact, an effort seems to be going on to put Saudi sheikhs at a much higher pedestal. Is it because Petro dollars [Riyal] dazzle the eyes and then nothing else is visible?

9. From the days, when centuries old inscriptions of 'Ya Muhammad' PBUH محمد were changed to 'Ya Majeed' مجید [One of the names of Allah] with just a few dots here and there, to razing umpteen houses of Sahaba, the demolitions, the destruction of Jannatul-Baqi, and even the ultimate fear, we have seen Saudi regimes' acts.

10. For years, this blog has not taken sectarian positions. I still don't. I have not in support of any sect nor against it. But regimes and its policies must be censured. This is no blasphemy. When either Shias or any other group speaks, why they are not heard? Muslim mind should not be servile or slavish to a regime. At least, the genuine concerns of the Muslims worldwide and their groups should be voiced, not suppressed.

If you venerate Saudi rulers and blindly support their each and every act, you are free to do so, but just remember they are not divine. Its a person's right to idolize the 'Is Zameen ke Badshah' and differ with the rest, just like many disagree with the Saudi regime on a host of issues. That's all.

TV channels injecting hate in society, harming national interest: Created hysteria to gain TRPs over Sarabjit Singh's incarceration and death

noreply@blogger.com (editor) — Tue, 14 May 2013 20:42:00 +0000

Sarabjit Singh's death was an extremely sad incident but the manner in which News channels used the story of an Indian prisoner lodged in Pakistani jail, to rouse passions much before his death [and even afterwards], needs to be addressed.

1. Firstly, the same TV channels never showed any attention when Indian prisoners were released from Pakistani jail only a few months back. The 10 Indian prisoners were released from Karachi's Landhi jail and came here through Wagah.

2. When 311 Indian fishermen were released by Pakistan some months back [in June 2012] there was no coverage in Indian media. Shouldn't there have been live coverage or TV crews ready to get their reaction? Our jingoistic TV channels and even newspapers largely ignored this news. India also releases Pakistani prisoners quite often. But do we see such reports?

3. All goodwill gestures either by India or Pakistan are never shown. Only the bad news gets telecast. As a result, the perception is created that Pakistan is really our worst enemy and can do nothing good. [Perhaps, channels in Pakistan do the same about India] This hurts our diplomacy and government level efforts.

The cacophony wrongly gives impression that our government is weak and also sends an incorrect message. This puts undue pressure on the government. Rather than peace efforts, this jingoism goes against the interests of everybody.

4. Who fought for Sarabjit Singh all these years? We forget that in Pakistan there were activists who kept demanding his release as well as other prisoners. It is forgotten that Pakistan has a person like Ansar Burney, a former minister, who has the guts to constantly speak for human rights. How may do we have among our senior politicians in India?

5. We forget that lawyers in Pakistan were fighting his case all along. In India, we hound and mock at people who are peaceniks. TV anchors make fun of those who speak sense. Perhaps, Sarabjit would have been alive had the channels not created this hysteria. As per reports, there was hope that after election, the new government would release him.

Surjeet Singh was freed from a Pakistan jail last year

6. Justice Marktandey Katju had earlier also appealed to Pakistan government to release Indian prisoners, and it was his efforts that a Pakistani Dr Khalil Chishti was released. It is goodwill and diplomacy that works, not hate. Hate only begets hate.

7. In the clamour over Sarabjit Singh, our media forgot that sometime back Surjeet Singh was also released from Pakistani prison. There must be ways to secure release through diplomatic channels and other non-government efforts, rather than shouting on TV and preaching hatred. There are numerous others rightly or wrongly convicted in jails but there is no 'TV focus' on their release.

8. Sarabjit Singh's death is unfortunate. If it was a case of mistaken identity, it is even more sad. But the truth is that he was convicted of bomb blasts by a court. In India, what we do to terror convicts? Its not just about Ajmal Kasab, we also hanged an 'Indian', Afzal Guru, without informing his family. But in Sarabjit's case, he was given funeral with state honours. His kin get job and huge amount of cash.

Pakistan Muslim League leaders on Diwali, seek 'ashirwad'

9. It is a fact that news channels created such a situation that the entire nation was fuming. There was absolute hatred for Pakistan.

In this tsunami of hate, a Pakistani prisoner Sanaullah perished. He was killed in the Jammu jail. Was his death reported by media in the same manner, here or there? Did his kin get any compensation!

10. Few among our TV channels and mainstream papers have their correspondents in Pakistan. We only show stories on our channels that are about the bad aspects of the neighbouring country. Why we never see any other aspect. Why these channels never show Diwali, Holi celebrations in Pakistan? Or any other story except the ones we see that focus on discord and disharmony.

11. The reality is that negative news is carried and amplified to such an extent that it regularly puts our own government on a sticky wicket. Can spies be owned up? No. Stupid TV anchors who 'demand answers' on prime time news, don't realise how their actions, are hurting lives of people and our international relationships.

12. Rather than being journalists, they act as Generals ready for war, even going beyond them in rhetoric. By just focusing on negative, they jeopardise all the peace efforts from both sides. For them news of Pakistani soldiers taking care of a minor girl who had strayed into their territory but taken care of and sent back safely, is not news.

The TV channels love war like situations without realising the effect it has on a large number of people. They arouse sentiments of people by harping on particular issues. It seems that for them, no 'other side' of the story exists.

The goodwill measures taken by both countries should be shown on TV and they must be appreciated, as they can go a long way helping in release of other prisoners and also for resolving other contentious issues in the long run. Unfortunately, these channels try to mould public opinion in the wrong way.

This is the biggest irony of Indian media. Can the state allow the channels to hijack the agenda just because they feel a particular issue can bring more eyeballs and hence more revenue? Time to ponder for all of us.

Muslim boy emerges topper in engineering entrance exam in Madhya Pradesh

noreply@blogger.com (editor) — Tue, 07 May 2013 09:56:00 +0000

When the results of the engineering entrance examination conducted by Professional Examination Board (PEB), Madhya Pradesh, were announced, Moin Khan emerged on top of the merit list.

Khan, who hails from Indore, secured 187 out of 200 marks. That he came first in the Pre-Engineering Proficiency Test (PEPT, also called PET) examination, in which more than 1,00,000 students participated, is impressive indeed.

It also signals that Muslims in Madhya Pradesh (MP) who were comparatively behind other states, are now making fast strides in education. While a student emerging as topper has a symbolic value, it also inspires thousands of other students.

They also feel that if they can put in hard work and labour, they can succeed and achieve high marks in the competitive exams and hence have a good career. Though Muslim youths have been performing well in exams in other states, the scene was not too good in MP.

But in the last two years, there has been a marked change. Not just High School and Intermediate, Muslim students are now figuring at the top in the results of competition exams also. Madhya Pradesh is the second largest state in the country in terms of area.

As far as population is concerned, it is much bigger than France & Britain, and not far behind Germany. It's definitely an achievement to outperform lakhs of students. Four among the ten youths in merit list of the PET were from Indore.

Moin Khan loves cricket and idolizes Virat Kohli for his passion towards the game. Apart from Pre Engineering Test (PET), a Muslim student, Nazar Mohammad, appeared in the top ten list in the Pre-Pharmacy Test (PPT) Exam, the results of which have also been announced. Nazar Mohammad hails from Rajgarh near Indore.

Read an earlier post on Muslim Students Excelling in Competitive Exams

Remembering Syed Amin Ashraf: Selection of couplets of the prominent Aligarh-based Urdu poet

noreply@blogger.com (editor) — Thu, 02 May 2013 10:10:00 +0000

INDSCRIBE

A few months have passed but literary world is still in a state of mourning due to the demise of prominent Urdu poet Syed Amin Ashraf.

Ashraf, 80, was a leading Urdu poet, who avoided popular 'mushairas' and this is perhaps the reason that he didn't get the fame which he deserved.

But his command over language and idiom, had made him one of the foremost 'shayars' of the era in the country.

shahar-dar-shahar shab-e-taar* ka pheraa hoga

ham na honge, to andheraa hi andheraa hoga

[Syed Amin Ashraf]

Syed Amin Ashraf was born in Kachhauchha Sharif in UP, on June 20, 1930. A professor of English in Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Urdu poetry was his first love. Though he began writing poetry in the decade of fifties, his first collection of poetry [divan] was published only in 2000.

This suggests how Ashraf sahab was indifferent towards publication of his own poetry.

In fact, he was the most important poet in the region. But he mostly remained confined to literary magazines and attended only select gatherings and 'mushairas'. Eminent Urdu writer Rashid Anwar Rashid recently wrote in Ajkal that, 'Only after Shaharyar's demise, Syed Amin Ashraf got recognition as the most important poet in Aligarh'.

Rashid is not off the mark. It is true that Shaharyar was a legend in his own right but his association with movies, particularly, his lyrics in Umraojan, made him a household name. Besides, Ashraf, wasn't a person who was interesting in pushing himself ahead.

Some of his couplets:

halqa-e-shaam-o-sahar se nahiin jaane walaa

dard is deeda-e-tar se nahiiN jaane walaa

dekhtaa huuN muntashir shiiraaza-e-kaar-e-jahaaN

saa'at-e-naa-aafriida ki jhalak hai aur maiN

agar hazaar baras kii bhii zindagi hotii

to aarzuu yahii hotii ki aur jee lete

Ashraf sahab was aware of his literary standing. He said it it numerous couplets. In literary journal Kitabnuma, Dr Iffat Ara, wrote an obituary and she has also made a selection of his well-known 'ash'aar'.

munavvar aur mubham iste-aare dekh leta huuN

maiN sote jaagte, dilkash nazaare dekh letaa huuN

nasha-e-she'r uRaaye liye jaata hai mujhe

jaise rahvaar-e-sabaa, taKht-e-SulemaaN jaise

mauj-e-nasim ban ke ravaaN kuu-ba-kuu hue

ham bhii shariik-e-qaafla-e-rang-o-buu hue

Human beings don't get everything they wish for in life. An emotional, yet 'wazadar' person, he kept his pain to himself though it occasionally gets visible in his poetry. He did have a contended life and happy marital life. Yet, those who knew him, were aware about what he pined for and what kept him sad.

Jo milna hai vahi mil kar rahega

savaal-e-besh-o-kam bhii be-sabab hai

Amin Ashraf retired in 1990. It was only in later years that he took interest in publishing his works. Because of his command over Persian, one finds an enchanting quality in his couplets. Some of his couplets remind you of the legendary Irfan Siddiqui.

Ameen Ashraf maiN khud na-aashna lekin ye shohrat hai

butaan-e-shahar mein ek yaar-e-jaani main bhii rakhtaa huuN

koii sabab hai jo rahtaa hai Khauf-e-naadiida

muhiib saaya sa larzaaN hai farsh-e-jaaN par bhii

A 'qalandar' in the true sense, he lived life on his own terms.

ye maana aib bhii haiN saikRoN, kis meN nahiiN hote?

ameen ashraf, magar tujh sa qalandar ho nahiiN saktaa

[aib=weaknesses]

A couplet from the 'naat' genre:

Ye dil diwana hai uska, jo diwana Muhammad ka

AzaaN koii kahe, ruuh-e-Bilaali aa hii jaati hai

After his first collection 'Jaada-e-Shab' was published in 2000, the second divan 'Bahar Eejad' came out in 2007 and Qafas Rang appeared in 2011. He had a large social circle and not just because of poetry but also for his innate humane qualities that he would be remembered for a long time.

Yehi voh rishte haiN jo saath saath rahte haiN

Khud apnaa sayaa hai, yaadiN bhii haiN, muqaddar bhii

After his death in Aligarh on February 7 this year, across India programmes were held to pay homage to the poet. As per his wishes, his mortal remains were taken to his hometown and buried in the hospice premises of Sufi saint Makhdoom Ashraf Jahangir Samnani RH.

Syed Ameen Ashraf is no more. But his legacy lives on. He will always be remembered as a poet and an extraordinary human being. He always encouraged youngsters and treated everybody with respect. An extremely humble and modest person, he enriched classical Urdu poetry with his own experiences and unique idiom.

[*shab-e-taar; dark night, darkness]

[Several couplets have been taken from Dr Iffat Aara's article in Kitabnuma. Thanks are due to her. Photo courtesy Ibn Sina Academy of Medieval Medicine and Sciences]

Ulema raising voice on Indian Muslims' issues but not the educated elite and Muslim politicians

noreply@blogger.com (editor) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 06:23:00 +0000

INDSCRIBE

All of a sudden thousands of Muslim students preparing for medical entrance examination suffered a jolt when they found that Urdu would no longer be medium of exam in the National Eligibility Entrance Test [NEET] which is held for admission into MBBS.

There are thousands of Urdu medium schools and colleges in Maharashtra apart from large number of Urdu medium students aspiring for the MBBS-BDS and allied medical course test from Karnataka, Jammu & Kashmir, Andhra Pradesh et al.

With their future in jeopardy and national media or political leadership showing no interest [not even aware of the extent of the problem], the Ulema who are seen as 'regressive', raised the issue. A petition was filed in the Supreme Court in this regard.

The Supreme Court subsequently issued notice to Ministry of Human Resources Development [MHRD], CBSE and Medical Council of India [MCI] on this issue. While Marathi medium students in junior colleges aspiring for exam is barely 350, Urdu students in Maharashtra's junior colleges number over 7,500.

Still, while Marathi remained a medium, Urdu was excluded arbitrarily. To understand the gravity of the situation and a sudden discriminatory order that affects democratic rights as well as causes children to suffer, one expects the so-called Muslim leaders viz. political leadership to move forward.

But nothing of that sort happened. The MCI rules clearly state that they couldn't disturb state policies as per which many regional languages other than English and Hindi are used as medium in entrance exam. When action had to be taken fast, once again Jamiat-i-Ulama realised the seriousness of the situation.

One will have to wait and see what happens, but the irony is that when educated elite is expected to act, they don't. In fact, they are least aware of real issues pertaining to Muslims. Ulema who get lot of blame often do their best in terms of PR skills as well [not the socialites, chatterati appearing on TV shows, paying lip service to Muslims]

TAKING STAND ON CIVIL RIGHTS

There are repeated examples. Can one forget the failure of Muslim politicians to address defaming of towns like Azamgarh turned Aatankgarh? It was then that the Ulema had boarded an entire train and had gone to Hyderabad to hold Anti-Terrorism Conference, denouncing the terrorists and making clear their stand.

Nobody had put onus on them. They did on their own. Such conferences were held across country. The Ulema are also involved in charity and welfare. They are also fighting dozens of cases in which innocent Muslim youths were falsely implicated.

The legal aid is being provided to these detainees about whom none among our political leadership paid attention. They were languishing in jails for years.

In many cases people couldn't come out of jail where they are lodged for minor offences just because they didn't have basic money to hire lawyer or to pay for the bail.

ULEMA SPEAK, NOT ELITE

Routinely, in cases of police excesses during riots or against individuals or even negative portrayal of Muslims, Ulema approach courts. Its satisfying to see institutional clergy being sensitive to the community and for its rights. The Indian Ulema [also Ulama] are secular to the hilt and most of them vouch for communal harmony and composite culture.

Perennially, it is the Ulema who keep approaching Prime Minister or Home Minister or the Minister for Minorities' Welfare, taking along delegations, speaking over various issues that keep coming up during the course of a year, seeking redressal of the issues.

The clergy also has the conviction to take politicians head-on. The recent example is that of Shia cleric Kalb-e-Sadiq who refused to be felicitated from UP CM Akhilesh Yadav, just two days back. Sadiq was upset because he felt SP hadn't fulfilled its promises made to Muslims.

In contrast, the 'elite' would be too happy to shake hand with a minister, and would come back with 'assurances', rather than a hard bargain. It is really a piquant situation. Now there is a strong Muslim middle-class in this country.

There are almost 60 minority Members of Parliament (MPs) in both the houses viz. Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha but they fail to even take up these issues. One doesn't expect them to represent just Muslims but once in a while, they should take stand in important matters.

The educated elite is simply out of touch. For them, these are issues that often reach them through media and they simply express their disgust and move ahead. No wonder, the issues that don't get highlighted in mainstream English media, is reported in Urdu papers and then Ulema respond to them.

So the problem remains same after decades. Our elected representatives or those amongst us who have prospered fail to even understand, let alone take action, the real issues. Hence, the clergy is filling this void throughout the country.

When Akbar’s tomb at Sikandra was burnt and dug, his mortal remains set afire but Taj Mahal survived the raids by a whisker: Agra Travelogue, part-6

noreply@blogger.com (editor) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 11:33:00 +0000

INDSCRIBE

That Taj Mahal was robbed and precious valuables were taken away is well-known but not many know how the monument got saved by a whisker in the eighteenth century.

Close to Agra, the Sikandra tomb was burnt down. Even today you can see signs of fire on the walls of the tomb of Akbar, though Lord Curzon had got it repaired to some extent. Such was the Jat fury that even the mighty Akbar’s tomb was dug and former emperor’s bones were brought out and set afire. See Link.

Taj Mahal was lucky that it was not harmed as much, though it was robbed* and valuables extracted [and taken away]. The Taj was stuffed with hay [bhusa] See link. Under Raja Ram, the Jats had become a major force.

Manucci wrote how Jat soldiers desecrated the grave, dug out the bones of emperor and set them afire to avenge the death of their past chieftain Gokala Jat. The raids or the 'chhapa-maar hamla' tactics were effective and the weak Mughal forces here failed to stop the onslaught.

It all happened the period after Mughal empire had begun weakening post the death of Aurangzeb in 1707. The Jats and Marathas were now the new powers of the land.

In later years [after Raja Ram], Suraj Mal emerged as one of the most important figures of the era. The Jats are a martial race. The valuables in Deeg, the capital of Suraj Mal, are still shown proudly. There is no attempt to change history either.

The story of how the Taj Mahal survived miraculously

With the decline of Mughal power, the Jats made repeated attacks on Agra. They often plundered and looted villages here. Later, the Jat army attacked Agra and even managed to capture the fort.

This happened after 1761. Agra was now in the hands of Suraj Mal. It was then that they robbed valuables from the Taj Mahal also. The ornaments looted from here were taken to Dig, the Jat capital, where you still see them in Jal Mahal, on proud display.

Maharaja Suraj Mal

In the book, ‘In the shadow of the Taj: A portrait of Agra’, Royina Grewal writes:

..the Mughal empire slid into steady decline. North India, and with it, Agra, was plunged into a continued insecurity as ambitious marauders, lured by the imperial treasuries held at the Fort, strove to establish control.

Finally, Suraj Mal, legendary leader of the martial Jats from nearby Bharatpur attacked Agra. Jat soldiers camped at the Taj Mahal, lit fires inside the mausoleum to keep themselves warm and made off with its silver gates and finest gems….

There were two silver gates at the entrance of the Taj Mahal. They were looted and taken away by the Jat renegades. Also, a heavily ornamented precious gate was taken away from Agra Fort. The City was plundered and Taj Mahal was looted. See link

Umpteen writers have mentioned it at length. But K Natwar Singh only briefly mentioned the incident about ‘Rajpurohit’s order in his book on Maharaja Suraj Mal’.

But old books and even Urdu texts mention that it was Suraj Mal’s decision that saved Taj.But that’s just one aspect of the story.

Those were turbulent times indeed and words like ‘Jaat-gardi’ became part of language and are now part of history books.

Maharaja Suraj Mal was a man of strong character. Those who called him 'Suraj Mal Jat’ do injustice to it.

The story which is often forgotten is that after hay was stuffed into Taj Mahal, a high priest asked the king to set it afire or turn the building into something else. But Maharaja Suraj Mal refused. He admired the beauty of the Taj. Yes, ornaments were taken away but Taj Mahal was saved.

Emperor Shah Jahan

The toughest time for the monument was during the era from early 18^th century [1707 onwards] to mid-19^th century [till decades after 1857].

In his book, author Stephen P Blake writes about the turn of events and the desecration of mausoleum in these words: “Jats….@&*# (sic) increased their attacks on Agra pillaged Akbar’s tomb near Agra..”

Much later, there was British plan [Bentick’s] to break the marble monument and auction it [all its gems and riches]. However, the tomb has survived.

The risk to Taj is due to depleting water levels of Yamuna river and environmental factors, particularly, the pollution level in Agra. Fortunately, there are steps being taken in this direction.

Even a dam is likely to be built to keep water in the Yamuna, so as to keep its special foundation [that will remain intact as long as there is water in the river] firm, for centuries to come. This was the sixth part of the travelogue which focused on how Taj got saved by a whisker.

The initial five parts of this travelogue can be read here:

Part 1 [Travel guide, tip, suggestions for foreign and domestic visitors]
Part 2 [Mysteries & Secrets of Taj Mahal]
Part 3 [Have you seen finial of Taj, do you know its taller than Qutab Minar?]
Part 4 [Inside Taj: Seeing replicas of graves, entry to original graves now blocked]

Part 5 [The rarely seen magnificent view from the other side of Yamuna & Mythical story about plan to build a black Taj Mahal]

The rarely seen magnificent view of Taj Mahal from other side of Jamuna and Mythical story of the Black Taj Mahal: The Taj Mahal Travelogue Part-5

noreply@blogger.com (editor) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 22:49:00 +0000

INDSCRIBE

Frankly, I had never seen this view of Taj Mahal in any photograph. No one had told me about the view from across the Jamuna. While the normal visitor goes to Taj Mahal and returns after seeing the breathtaking [but basic] view, he doesn’t often realize that there is another site from where you can see Taj in its complete glory—on a vast canvas, without any interruption or building in between.

In fact, after getting the ticket, a visitor has to first go through the gate where you are frisked, and then walk straight until you get past the main entrance gate, and only then you see the mausoleum directly. As a result, you don’t have the grand view of the expanse of the entire Taj Mahal’s structure.

On the other hand, from Mahtab Bagh, you can see the marble monument and its adjoining symmetric red stone structures, without any obstruction. It is really a breathtaking view. We may also have returned like numerous others from Agra after a normal visit.

Fortunately, when we visited Taj Mahal, we noticed movement of people on the other side of the river. We were told that some people visit there to take a photograph. Sorry, what? The guide didn’t tell us anymore.

But next day we did enquire a bit.

Ruins in Mahtab Bagh have nothing to do with foundation of 'Black Taj'

Also, a taxi-wala sensed our extra interest in the monument.

‘Aap Mehtab Bagh nahi chalenge’ [Won’t you visit Mehtab Bagh], he asked in Urdu.

Soon we were on way to the other side of the river. We entered the old city, crossed the bridge, and in no time, reached the vast garden.

Though it was noon, still, the weather wasn’t as harsh. [Do visit early in the morning if its summer]. But once inside, we saw the most spectacular sight. This view we hadn’t seen before and it was indescribable feeling. Our Agra visit was now complete.

We felt that now we had seen the Taj. The only wish was to see it in moonlight. So what is Mehtab Bagh? Babar had come to Agra, soon after his victory in the battle of Panipat in 1526. To him, the weather in Agra was extremely hot and harsh. He recalled the greenery, the cascades and fountains.

On lines of the gardens in Samarkand, he got similar gardens [baagh] laid out on the Eastern side of Jamuna. Many such gardens came into existence here near the Agra Fort and one of them was the Bagh-i-Hasht Bihisht.

The area has a mosque from the era which has Humayun’s inscription and it survives to this day. It was here that Babar's son Humayun built his observatory, which also exists and is now known as 'Gyaarah Seedhi' or Eleven Stairs.

So the ruins of this 'baagh' existed for long. Akbar had later given the large site on both sides of Joon [now Jamuna] to Raja Man Singh. Shah Jehan had later bought the land here from Man Singh's descendant Raja Jai Singh. Four havelis were given to him and in lieu of that the land was obtained.

Almost at the same site where Bagh-i-Hasht Bihisht once existed, the Mehtab Bagh or Chandni Bagh was now built. Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) board here says that the Mahtab Bagh is laid out in perfect symmetry and alignment with the Taj Mahal.

There were barahdaris [open, arcaded pavilions] and 'banglas' [pavilions] interconnected with corridors, made of sandstone, in this vast garden. They later fell. There were 25 fountains here. The large pond here sent water to these fountains through pipes.

The waterworks were amazing but were destroyed over the years. It was built as part of the original plan of the entire mausoleum complex. Perhaps, it was named Mehtab Bagh [Mehtab in Urdu means moon] because it is the ideal place to see Taj in moonlight.

The Chini-khana had candles and flowers to create a magical environment. Over the years the structure crumbled. The flood and the sand that came with the flow of water in Jamuna [Yamuna] covered this site. People forgot this place.

Over the last couple of years, ASI has been trying really hard to restore it. The garden is looked after well. It has 8,000 trees and plants now. There are policemen keeping vigil and the view of Taj from here is simply amazing.

The story about the ‘Black Taj Mahal’

Mumtaz Mahal died in 1631, when Shah Jehan was camping in Burhanpur. She was buried in Zainabad on the banks of river Tapti in today's Burhanpur district in Madhya Pradesh.

After crushing the opponent, Shah Jahan got the body interred and it was later buried in Taj Mahal in Agra. There is a story often heard that Shah Jehan planned to build an exactly similar black Taj Mahal. There is no basis to this story.

That canards and conspiracy theories are enjoyed and believed by a large setion [because they want to believe something astounding] is well known. It's an interesting thought. In fact, imaginary photographs or models of black Taj on the other side of Yamuna river, as created by artists or through photo editing softwares, looks scary.

When the forgotten Mahtab Bagh [there will be a separate post in the next part on it], was redisovered and people began visiting it, the remnants of the structure gave people a hint that perhaps it was the foundation of the black mausoleum. The excavation at the site of Mahtab Bagh also showed no such plan or foundation.

Anyway, Shah Jahan had almost emptied his treasury in building the Taj Mahal. There was no further plan. He spent last years of his life, imprisoned in the Red Fort, after Aurangzeb acquired the throne. The story of the second Taj is a mere fantasy.

Isn't it now among the longest running travel series account that centres on Taj Mahal, at least, among online travelogues!

The earlier parts of this travelogue can be read here:

Part 1 [Travel guide, tip, suggestions for foreign and domestic visitors]
Part 2 [Mysteries & Secrets of Taj Mahal]
Part 3 [Have you seen finial of Taj, do you know its taller than Qutab Minar?]
Part 4 [Inside Taj: Seeing replicas of graves, entry to original graves now blocked]

Inside Taj Mahal: Seeing replica of Shah Jahan-Mumtaz Mahal's graves as entry to original 'mazaars' blocked: My journey to Agra, travelogue Part-4

noreply@blogger.com (editor) — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 22:49:00 +0000

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Seeing the Taj Mahal in photographs or movies you can never imagine its grandeur until you see it in front of you. The mausoleum totally overwhelms the visitor with its imposing structure and majestic beauty.

After the first glimpse of Taj Mahal and the tips for travellers, the optical illusions, mysteries and secrets of the mausoleum and the unique facts about the tomb's pinnacle, this is the fourth part of the travelogue in which I'd focus on the the final resting place of Shahjehan and Mumtaz Mahal--their graves inside the Taj.

At the gate, there was a board on which it was written that photography is not allowed once we step inside the tomb. Till now, I had clicked enough photographs on the premises, platform and around this masterpiece of world heritage, marvelling its beauty and architecture.

In the central octagonal room, one could see the graves through the marble screen [jaali]. However, these are not real graves but decorative ones. Surprised. How can that be? As per Islamic tradition, the 'qabr' or grave has to be below the ground--buried in the earth below. [Arrey bhai, qabr zameen ke niche hi hoti hai.]

Naturally, the graves couldn't be up there at such a height. This is the reason that the original graves are at the lower chamber, the entry to which was stopped some years ago. The imitative graves are similar to the real sarcophagi located in the basement.

The dimensions are same but not the craftsmanship. Though there is lot of security but when you see people still writing their names and making graffiti on the milky marble--damaging the structure, without any concern for our national heritage, you feel that restrictions are necessary.

At the Humanyun's Tomb [Humayun was Shahjehan's ancestor, great grandfather to be precise] in Delhi, which was built long before Taj Mahal, there is similar arrangement at the sarcophagus--decorative grave at ground floor, real grave in lower storey [underground chamber].

Due to these cenotaphs in the middle of the upper chamber, those walking around won't have their feet over the real graves. So there is no disrespect to the graves that are directly below this chamber. In the upper chamber, where visitors are allowed, you see light filtering out through screens and glasses.

The final resting place of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal

Shah Jehan was later buried here and hence his grave is situated a bit towards the left.

As usual, the graves of male and female can be distinguished when you see the top of the 'qabr'. Shah Jehan's has a 'qalamdan' [pencase or quill box] on it.

In Archaeological Survey of India's (ASI) book on Taj Mahal, the royal sarcophagi is mentioned in these words:

"...The arches of this central octagonal hall amidst which lies the exquisite eight side marble network, are made of the finest marble. In fact, so chaste that when the rays of light scooping through the double perforated marble screens fall on it, a sort of miracle occurs, because it seems that this marble has been thinly coated with sang-i-tila or gold stone, the precious particles of which have been set in its smooth texture", writes Dr WH Siddiqui, the former Director of ASI.

"The front of arches apart from masterly calligraphy comprising quotations from Holy Quran are embellished with the most gorgeous ornamentation in the form of plants, bouquets, buds opening and closing, blossoms partly blown or in full bloom, and leaves bent by the breeze. They are so natural and true to life that unless observed closely it is difficult to discern that they are composed of pieces of precious stones so firmly and elegantly embedded in the marble".

"It is amazing but true that an ornamented marble panel depicting a bouquet of flowers contains several hundred pieces to form the mosaic work, and in a single flower there may be as many as fifty pieces of valuable stones of bright and natural colours, what is more, these pieces are closely and accurately embedded that it is impossible to pass a needle in the parting", the book further says.

The real graves in the lower chamber of the tomb

There is a lot to see once you are inside the tomb but you should have the eye to note the intricate details.

Always remember that when you get inside such structures, have a look at the ceiling, you must have the eye for details, the inquisitiveness of a traveller and must ask the guide about the artwork.

Surprisingly, here also the visitors were throwing coins--at the mazaars!

The then Emperor of Hindustan who commanded unprecedented wealth must not have ever imagined that a few centuries later people would throw metal coins at his 'qabr'.

In fact, there is Urs also in memory of Shah Jehan, just like Sufi saints' are remembered and the Urs is held to mark their anniversaries. Once a while, a person tries to take a snap of the graves inside the Taj, but the security personnel inside are alert and immediately stop them from photography.

More about Mausoleum

There are interesting aspects about the reflection of light and the sound affects inside the tomb. You may spot the signature of the master calligrapher, in case, the guide tells you and if you can read a bit of Perso-Arabic [Urdu script]. You may as well find the word 'Bhola' written in devanagari somewhere there.

There is the story about the lamp, a gift from the British lieutenant governor who visited the tomb in 1909 and many other tales. We have skipped a lot including the death of Mumtaz, how she had died and buried first in Burhanpur and later the body was brought and buried here.

Exquisite art, workmanship at Taj amazes even after 400 years

We haven't even talked about the Char Bagh garden, the mosque, the Basai tower, the turrets, the waterworks--all that formed part of this mausoleum complex which was made on lines of a paradise for Mumtaz Mahal on earth, before her final destination--the heavenly paradise.

I have earlier mentioned a few of the illusions in the structure but I forgot to write about the optical trick about Taj's size when you see it from the main gateway--its getting bigger suddenly in a matter of few steps.

But the travelogue continues. Next on when Taj was just saved by a whisker.

Shah Jehan [formerly Prince Khurram] birth 1592, death 1666
Mumtaz Mahal [formerly Arjuman Ara Begum] birth 1593, death 1631

[Taj Maha's construction began in 1631, completed in 1653]

Earlier parts of this travelogue on my recent visit to Agra
1. First glimpse of Taj Mahal: Suggestions, Top Ten Tips and Advisory if you are planning to visit Agra
2. Mysteries, Secrets and Little-known facts about Taj Mahal
3. Have you seen the finial on the Taj's dome, know its height? Taj Mahal taller than Qutub Minar.

Have you seen the pinnacle on the top of Taj Mahal's dome, know its height! My trip to Agra, travelogue Part-3

noreply@blogger.com (editor) — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 20:44:00 +0000

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If you have seen the Taj Mahal, have your ever paid attention to the pinnacle [finial] on top of this magnificent monument's dome?

The finial is more than 30 feet high [surprised!] though the height at which it stands, makes it appear smaller to us.

In fact, if you walk on the platform of Taj Mahal, you will see the exact shape of the drawing of this finial made on the floor just on the right side of Taj [towards jamat-khana].

It is because of this brass finial [weighing nearly 4/5th of a tonne] that the height of Taj Mahal is slightly more than the Qutub Minar, as I mentioned in the second part of this travelogue.

However, because Taj is a wide structure, one doesn't immediately get a feeling that it is so high. The exact height of Taj Mahal's pinnacle [up to finial tip] is a little over 73 m above the garden or ground.

This is up to the pinnacle on the top of the dome that is higher than its four corner minarets. The height of Qutab Minar is 72.5 metres.If you look closely you will find 'iron rings' on the entire dome. You will have to make an effort to locate them.

But do you know how big are they? Large enough for a labourer to sit. Each of them is around 1 feet though due to the imposing structure when you look from the ground, you feel that they are much smaller.

Design of the finial on top of the dome, is drawn on the floor of Taj Mahal.

In fact, when the ASI gets the dome cleaned, it is these iron rings which are used by workers engaged in the restoration job, to go upwards and do the cleaning.

You must have heard the Taj looks different at different hours of the day.

It is said that it reflects pinkish huge in the morning, milky white in the evening and golden in moon light.

Indeed, Taj changes colours with the day--the effect of sunlight and the river.

Inside the Taj Mahal, one can see the real effect of the mosaic of semi-precious stones.

The mosaics are created with tiny coloured stones set into marble.

The artisans shaped them with great precision and skill.

The flowers are carved into marble, creating the space for setting a precious stone. After delicate correction, the stones are set in with the use of glue. These precious inlays sparkle.

Earlier guides would throw light on the gems and these semi-precious stones would emit light, for example: red shining like bright ruby.

One of the minarets of the Taj Mahal

Twenty eight different type of precious and semi-precious stones were inlaid into sang-e-marmar [white marble] to build this magnificent octagonal tomb.

Its not just the delicate carvings that surprise visitors to the mausoleum, but there are other aspects too.

Optical Illusions, sense of proportion

There is enough of Optical Illusion in Taj Mahal's construction. Stand anywhere and look at the Arabic calligraphy--the verses from the Holy Quran inscribed on the walls.

The size of the Arabic alphabets look the same all along the vertical height.

Imagine how the letters written in the line visible in front of you look the same size as the one on a height of nearly 25 metres!

This amazing feat was achieved by the extraordinary calligrapher Amanat Ali Khan Shirazi.

Shirazi somehow knew how the size of words had to be increased gradually so that the normal human eye the font is same for the lower line as well as the topmost line.

One can only marvel at his understanding of angles and how human eye functions apart from the finesse in calligraphy.

This master craftsmanship--combination of science and art to achieve the perspective and proportion of balance is one of the major reason that Taj Mahal is unrivalled and unparalleled. It is a monument that stuns even those who have more scientific bent of mind but have little aesthetic interest.

Inspiration for the tomb

Letters in front of your eye are as readable as the ones at the top!

The architects, designers of Taj Mahal, achieved absolute perfection in almost everything they accomplished.

More optical illusions continue as you see the building and the four minarets. The inspiration for the Taj Mahal came from four different 'maqbaras'.

First, Hoshang Shah's tomb in Mandu [Malwa, MP], Abdur Rahim Khan-i-Khanaan's tomb in Delhi, Humayun's mausoleum and Itimad-ud-Daula's tomb in Agra.

The finest and best of all was combined and the minarets added when Ustad Isa made the layout plan.

The central dome is called Gumbad-i-Amroodi because of its shape. The four minarets are shorter than the middle dome.

The Four minarets of the Taj Mahal

Interestingly, the Taj's minarets have a feature that distinguishes it from other towers or minarets of the era.

In Taj, minaret's third story is the tallest. But the middle-one is shortest. As a result, when you see them, you feel the minarets have three storeys of equal proportions.

Hence, the top most storey doesn't look smaller. The staircases are closed for years now and one can't go to the top of these minarets.

Apart from calligraphy, there are abstract geometric elements and floral motifs that decorate the structure.

If you look at the walls of the building, you will see the patterns that create an illusion.

You feel that that there six or more sides but when you touch the marble, you realise that there are just three faces.

In fact, the patterns are such that without touching the walls you can't figure out the number of facets of a corner.

There is no dearth of fascinating facts, architectural and structural fine points about the Taj Mahal. After all, its not for nothing that Taj is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. [Thanks to Agraonline.co.in for the inset photo of the finial]

Hats off to Ustad Ahmad Lahauri and Mir Abdul Karim, the two main architects behind the building of this magnificent structure. This was third in the series of posts after the First part that was about first view and tips for a visitor, second part that focused on the Secrets and mysteries of the monument.

This long series on Agra travelogue continues. If you have enjoyed the travelogue so far, wait for the next post.

Mysteries, Secrets and Little-Known Facts of the Taj Mahal: My visit to Agra, travelogue Part-2

noreply@blogger.com (editor) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 20:37:00 +0000

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You may have heard how Taj Mahal changes its colours but do you know from where you can see the precious stones on the monument sparkle?

The gems in fact dazzle your eyes, each of them reflecting sunlight just like a mirror does.

We wouldn't have known this until the guide told us about it and showed the place from where we could see the affect of the light on Taj.

We had just taken off our shoes inside the premises and had climbed the stairs to reach the platform of the mausoleum. On the left side is the mosque made of red stone and an exact replica of it--the jamatkhana [also called mehmankhana] is on the right.

It was from near the Jamaatkhana, we were seeing the Taj, when the guide told us to look at the top of the structure. The sun rays early in the morning create this magnificent spectacle. We took a few more steps and were now exactly between the jamatkhana and Taj, when we saw the gems shining.

The shine kept on growing. First we saw one or two stones reflecting light. Then more and more. It was an amazing experience. A lady with us was so excited that she began shouting in joy that how her eyes were bedazzled with the 'chamak' [shine].

WAY TO SECRET UNDERGROUND CHAMBERS OF TAJ

The use of white marble inlaid with semiprecious stones in construction is a unique aspect of Mughal architecture [and civil engineering] during the reign of Shahjehan who promoted it. This is known as pietra dura.

Had we come a bit earlier we might have seen the real impact. Also, had we been late, we wouldn't have seen the phenomenon at all.

The guide says that the effect of moon is also similar and the 'stones turn into bulbs emitting moonlight', also termed the 'pearl effect'.

From here we moved towards the Taj Mahal. We saw the amazing drainage system--star shaped holes on the floor and the 'parnalas' (spouts) on the building that aren't so easily visible unless someone draws your attention towards them.

It was breezy in the morning. The view of Taj with Jamna [Jamuna, Yamuna] river flowing behind was spectacular. The guide told us about the foundation of Taj. That there were wells dug below on which Taj Mahal was built.

WAY TO THE UNDERGROUND CHAMBERS OF TAJ

This was what we had earlier heard and also read. But now we were told the reason. One really marvelled for the wisdom of architects and engineers. Close to the boundary from where one could see the Jamna, there was the entry to the 'secret chamber' on the floor.

One could see the stairs going somewhere down into the basement. But it was locked. The passersby were throwing coins into it. Thousands of coins had gathered on the stairs which we could see through the mesh. The policemen who were present nearby looked at us and said, 'Ye hamara ATM hai'.

Taj Mahal overlooks the river Jamuna [Yamuna now]

Another cop now said jokingly, 'ye sara collection hamare liye hai' [the money is being collected for us'. But why people throw currency here, I asked.

They just do because they see others doing and hence follow it. [Later I saw coins thrown even inside the tomb at the mazaars' replica*].

And everyone has seen someone throwing the coins here just like they throw it from trains into the rivers while crossing over the bridges.

These secret chambers are closed and only the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) officials open it. They take out the coins on a regular basis but how far they go down these stairs is not known. I consulted books on Taj Mahal and later found that these were termed as 'sub-terranian chambers', which were intrinsic part of the structure.

This is one of the two rectangular openings [10.5 feet x 4 feet] which is surrounded by a red standstone lattice rail. Each opening goes to the series of mysterious underground subterranean chambers whose total length is 120 yars. A tunnel like corridor runs rimmediately south of these chambers.

TAJ MAHAL taller than QUTAB MINAR

Surprising it may seem but the Taj Mahal is taller than the Qutab Minar. The height of the mausoleum from the ground level [including platform] is around 240 feet [over 73 m*] while the Qutab Minar is around 237.8 feet [72.5 metre] high. I will explain it more in the next post [Part-III].

But because of its design [its too wide and large horizontally as well], the Taj Mahal doesn't look as high compared to a lone minaret [Qutub] with nothing high nearby. The dome of Taj and its top are higher than its four minarets.

In fact, even the height of minarets of the Taj can be discerned only when you reach close to the structure. Just because there are four minarets and the main structure in the midst being equally high, the visual impact of the combined structure is different, and one doesn't think of it in terms of just elevation.

MINARETS WITH 2 DEGREE TILT, TAJ MAHAL STANDS ON WELLS

The four huge minarets were constructed with such finesse that they tilt 2 degree away from the building. This was to ensure that in case of earthquake, they would not fall on the tomb. This is just one of the innumerable amazing engineering feats which the makers--engineers, architects, designers and masons, accomplished.

Due to the tomb's vicinity to the river, the foundation had to be kept strong. Else, the structure could sink in mud or washed during the flood. Also, while the construction was going on, to keep the water away during monsoons, the conduits were built.

Series of wells were excavated in which bands of sal wood and masonry were stuffed. This is the first and last such example of hydraulic foundation anywhere in the world. Flowing river is must to survival of Taj. With Jamuna drying, the system [wood in the foundation rotting as it gets dried] would be affected.

The massive weight of the structure is distributed on this amazing foundation that has the wells beneath it. The Jamuna and the dampening effect is necessary to keep the foundation stable. Hence, it is being planned now a days to construct a dam so that the river stream could be kept at a level so that the monument's foundation remains strong.

(* The real graves are underground and were closed long back. Now only people see the replica of the mazaars above)

[This is second part of the ongoing travelogue. The first part was more about suggestions for travellers and tips what would help visitors to the Taj Mahal. The series of posts on Taj Mahal continues after this post as well]

First glimpse of Taj Mahal: My visit to Agra, travelogue-Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (editor) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 21:51:00 +0000

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I recently visited Agra, the City of Taj Mahal and the former capital of Hindustan. It was my first proper trip here with the sole aim to admire the beauty of the magnificent mausoleum, which has enchanted the world for almost five centuries now.

It is going to be a long travelogue with list of dos and don'ts apart from suggestions and tips. For a lay visitor, it could be an experience to watch the Taj Mahal. But if you have even the slightest interest in history, archaeology or architecture, then you will be truly astonished with the Taj complex.

First an advisory if you are planning a trip to see Taj Mahal. List of ten 'Dos and Donts' that would help visitors:

1. Plan the trip in advance and at least stay in Agra for two days. A daylong visit will not only exhaust you, it doesn't do justice with the monument and other structures in Agra. You should at least, spend two days in Agra.

2. Taj Mahal remains closed on FRIDAY [Juma]. On this day only the faithful--mostly people in Tajganj, go to the mosque on the premises of the tomb, for prayer [Namaz]. So plan your journey accordingly.

3. In summers, it can be really hot. So try to get as early as possible in the morning. The ticket is just Rs 20 for Indians and there is no entry fee for those below 15 years. We had the ticket in our hand at 7 am and were inside the premises for almost 2-1/2 hrs on the first day.

4. If you are taking kids along. Then go after a proper breakfast, as you are not allowed to take any eatable--not even toffee inside the premises. You just take the water bottle. So children may feel tired as it is a really huge comlex.

5. While you spend thousands of bucks on the trip, don't be a kanjoos [miser] when it comes to getting a GUIDE. Yes, you may not choose the man who demands Rs 1,000 or Rs 350 but do get a guide for Rs 200-300. Without a guide, you will simply go around the structure marvelling at its beauty but would not be able to see the real magic.

The guide will tell you things that you won't be able to spot. There are mysteries, illusions and unique aspects and in order to know them, the guide is a must. When the guides start approaching you from outside the entrance, you can choose one, but tell him that you need a patient person who can show the structure without hurry.

6. Of course, you should book the hotel through a well-known tourists' website, when you plan the trip. Prefer a hotel that is not far from the Taj. That will save you a lot, not in terms of just money or time. But if you are tired after going to Agra Fort or Hazrat Salim Chishti' dargah at Fatehpur Sikri, you'd realise how good it is to stay near the Taj.

7. If you want to take gifts for your family members, relatives and friends, find yourself a showroom of 'UP Handicraft'. Here, they won't tell you exaggerated prices. In fact, you will get a lot to choose from at reasonable price.

8. If you have sometime before going to the Taj Mahal, its a good idea to buy a brochure. Tourism department's booklets are also nice. They will give you insights and then you will be able to truly enjoy your visit. In fact, you will have a few questions for the guide then. And he will also take his job more seriously.

9. Normal cameras and cell phones are allowed. No laptops. Leave them in hotel room or at the cloak room [locker] at the main gate or in your hotel. Don't take other goods. Its better if your handbag has fewer things because it will make the security check easier.

10. You are allowed to take pictures, as many as you want. Normal cameras including the digital cameras are allowed. There is extra charge if you are carrying a big video camera'. That means a camera which looks like 'video camera' [big ones].

Normal digital cameras that can do recording are allowed and not an eyebrow raised at them. It is only in the inner part of the tomb that the photos aren't allowed. And yes, don't worry, on the premises, there is toilet.

The Agra Cantt [Cantonment] or Agra Chhaoni railway station.

The advisory for travellers to Agra will continue in later posts also.

Right now coming back to the TRIP:

It was evening when our train reached the Agra Cantt railway station.We didn't have much luggage.

But from the platform itself, a teenaged boy began following us. He was asking us about our destination. Then, he wanted to know which hotel we were going to stay in and which auto or taxi we would like to take and our budget.

First we gently asked him to go away but he persisted. Walking with us on platform, the staircase, then the bridge and then to the platform number 1 until we came out of the station. He wanted to forcibly take us along to his taxi at the stand. We even shouted at him but it had no impact.

Once outside, there was a crowd of auto and taxi walas. For a while, it seemed they would fight among themselves as to who would take us. The prepaid booth was also empty. Fortunately, we spotted the policeman soon.

He was busy chatting with a group of auto-walas nearby. Compared to policemen at other cities in UP, he was clearly more 'tamiz-daar'. He shooed away the mob and we finally managed to take a taxi to the hotel, which we had booked through a travel website [and got a good discount due to online booking].

On way, I noticed that the road were now wider. Unlike other North Indian (UP) cities, there was no chaos here. Traffic was much better and less pollution. Clearly, the large number of tourists arriving here and the investment, had finally prompted local authorities to improve the infrastructure.

The hotel looked much better than we had imagined. It was less than a kilometre from Taj Mahal. The next morning, we woke up soon after the crack of the dawn. All of us rushed to the roof of the hotel room, from where we had been told that we could see a morning glimpse of the Taj.

There was light breeze when reached the top of the building. It was breathtaking experience to see the Taj in its full glory. It was clearly out of the world. Taj Mahal or the 'Crown Palace' in Urdu--a Wonder of the World. I remembered how legendary Bangla poet Rabindrathan Tagore described it in these words:

You know Shah Jehan, life and youth, wealth and glory,
they all drift away in the current of time.
You strove therefore,
to perpetuate only the sorrow of your heart.
Let the splendour of diamond, pearl and ruby vanish.
Only let this one teardrop,
this Taj Mahal,
glisten spotlessly bright on the cheek of time,
forever and ever.

We all know it was Mughal emperor Shah Jehan, who had commissioned to build the most beautiful tomb in memory of his beloved wife Arjumand Bano alias Mumtaz Mahal. But apart from this how much do you know about Taj?

It's mysteries, it's magic! Keep reading the next posts under the Agra Travelogue series on this blog.

Poetry on Vehicles: Reading a Ghazal painted on auto-rickshaw on Indian street

noreply@blogger.com (editor) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 21:21:00 +0000

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You may have often seen couplets or rhyming catch-lines written behind heavy vehicles, particularly, trucks and buses on the roads.

Sometime back I had seen this loading auto with almost a 'ghazal' painted on its back.

I was in a hurry and didn't have camera.

But I took out my cell phone, chased for a while and managed to take a snap of the loading auto that had these Urdu couplets written in Hindi [devnagari] script.

The quality of photo taken from cell phone camera is perhaps not too good. Still, its readable:

Aye mere ham-nashiiN kahiiN aur chal

is chaman meN apnaa guzaara nahiiN

This is the first couplet or opening lines of the Nazm. Quite an emotional line and you marvel at the auto-wala sahab's literary taste. The second couplet has the same 'qafia' and 'radeef' and it goes like:

baat hotii phuuloN* tak to sah lete ham

ab kaaNToN pe bhii haq hamaara nahiiN

Hmm. Janab appears to be a 'choT-khaye' person. After all, this sentiment comes when you ladylove breaks your heart and goes away. Only then you get so bitter. Then comes the third she'r:

tadbir se bigDii huii taqdiir banaa le

apne pe bharosa hai to ek daaoN laga le

Till now, it appeared that everything was lost. But now, it seems there is still hope. Let's make a fresh move.

Try your luck and perhaps, you may still win. Who knows! The feelings are intense. He has taken pains not just to remember but also get the words painted from an artist, it shows how important are these lines to him.

By now the verse has taken the format of Nazm. The last and lone line says, 'laDegii taqdir, banega muqaddar'.

Hmm. Is this the line from poetry or the auto wale uncle's own emphatic line! His own conviction reflected in this line. Later I found, the ghazal has a few more couplets. I am not sure who wrote the lines.

There may be one or two mistakes in writing here. However, it is just an example. For many auto-rickshaw or truck drivers, their life revolvers around their 'gaadi'. The way they get it painted or have catch-lines painted on them, reflect their personality.

A newspaper has a Sunday column where readers send interesting catch-lines written on the back of trucks or buses. An auto I often spot has this line written 'Zakhmi Sher'.

Another auto-rickshaw of which I am posting photograph here has this written, 'Sher ka peechha bachche nahiin karte'.

Similarly, there are caste-specific, regional and religious assertions also on auto-rickshaws. Some have names of 'deities' painted in bold, others have 'Jai Mata Di'. Chalo Vaishnav Devi' or 'Namaz ki Pabandi karein' printed on them.

Similarly, there are messages like 'Jai Bhim' or other messages with socio-political meanings. In our own little way, everybody wants to share what they feels strongly about and express themselves.

That's true for everyone--from the street to social networking sites. I have written posts on auto-rickshaws and road-rollers in the past. Expect more on auto-rickshaws in future as well.

[*guloN in original]

Beyond the Deccan: Urdu in Tamil Nadu, South India

noreply@blogger.com (editor) — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 21:16:00 +0000

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Injustice is done to South India, whenever there is a discussion about Urdu. The focus is mostly North-centric [especially Uttar Pradesh or UP] and to such an extent that the contribution of regions in South is generally ignored.

Apart from Hyderabad (AP), there are vast regions in Karnataka and even Tamil Nadu [yes, TN], where large number of Urdu speakers live. In Tamil Nadu, the region around Vellore has contributed most towards Urdu literature.

Surprising it may seem but there are towns in Vellore where Urdu magazines still sell more than many North Indian towns viz. Agra or Allahabad.

But the focus remains disproportionately on UP. And this is to such an extent that even contribution of Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra are ignored.

Even Gulbarga [in Karnataka] is one of the most important centres for Urdu in contemporary India but it is always ignored. This happens despite the fact that Karnataka has thousands of Urdu medium schools, compared to nil [zero] in UP.

Renowned litterateur Aleem Saba Navedi wrote his landmark 'Tamil Nadu mein Urdu' ie Urdu in Tamil Nadu, which not only throws light on the Urdu speaking populace and culture of Muslims in this region, but also the literary contribution here.

Muslims here largely speak Tamil but there is a region where they do speak Urdu, with a slight Deccani tinge in their accent. The book tells us that if the first ever Urdu newspaper Jam-e-JahaaN-numa was published from Calcutta in 1822, the second Urdu paper Jama'ul Akhbar was published from Madras.

So Urdu journalism took root here much before Lucknow or Delhi! In fact, it was long after the Urdu paper Jama'ul Akhbar began publishing here in 1823, that the first Tamil paper began publishing [in 1855]. Interestingly, that Tamil paper was brought out by missionaries.

The book also deals at length with Urdu poetry and literature in Tamil Nadu viz. the ghazal, rise of Nazm, masnavi, other genres and art of calligraphy apart from discussions on role of madarsas in popularising Urdu in South India.

Aleem Saba Navedi, himself an eminent writer, has experimented with different genres of Urdu poetry. In this book, he has also mentioned important Urdu poets of Madras, Vaniamadi, Vellore, Krishnagiri, Madurai, Umrabad, Nellore and even those around Bengalore.

Though Urdu ghazal is being penned in Tamil Nadu for almost three centuries now, the book mostly focuses on the period 1824-1986. Readers may be amazed to know that Tamil Nadu has certain towns were Urdu is commonly used as script along with Tamil.

But it is not astonishing you if you realise that the state had around 1 million [10 lakh] Urdu speakers as per last census, much more than the number of people who consider Urdu as their mother tongue in a vast North Indian state, Rajathan [just 6 lakh or 0.6 million].

Urdu was lingua franca for ages and stills transcends regions. It is not a language of 'shumal' [North] alone but 'junoob' [South] as well. Isn't it time, Urdu-walas stop being excessively North-centric and obsessed with Uttar Pradesh in matters of Urdu?

Restrain Electronic Media: TV channels creating scare, terrorizing society for the sake of TRP

noreply@blogger.com (editor) — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 20:33:00 +0000

Less than 24 hrs after the blasts in Hyderabad, a landmine blast in Gaya in Bihar killed eight persons with Naxals as suspects in the incident.

Did you remember any channel showing 'Flash' or any reporter from Patna reporting it? I checked the channels' websites the next evening repeatedly but none of them had taken it on its front page.

Among national newspapers, except one, the remaining papers didn't take the news on its front page. Doesn't it show how blasts in India are treated differently.

Its not just about the toll. Two deaths or even none [but a few injured] in a City can lead to stoppage of all broadcast and live coverage of incident but 10-50 in Chhattisgarh [Jharkhand or other parts] may just be one of the headlines with no follow-up.

In fact, its not just about toll, the place where an incident and occurred and the possibility of the group involved in it, determines its seriousness. So here are a few points, my observations how the electronic media is dictating national agenda, politics and society's attitudes.

Ten points: My Personal Charge-sheet Against Channels

1. It is generally believed that terrorists want to scare us. In this job, Electronic media unfortunately seems to be playing the role of a facilitator. Why can't news of an explosion or blast be shown with restraint or just as news. Yes, it is important but is it so important that all other news and events are dumped. The channels quickly suspend all other programmes and show nonstop live coverage, with reporters and editors, guests and experts on panel.

2. This naturally creates a feeling of 'fear' among us, a feeling of siege. We get more scared than we should be and this is really a serious thing. We are made to feel insecure. Due to such coverage, everyone in cities is forced to see and talk about it. When they show nothing else, it is bound to dominate conversation. It is probably done because TRP is measured on the basis of viewership in Cities.

A blast in Gadchiroli or in Assam or in Bastar is not treated as seriously, perhaps, because in rural area people still watch our good old non-hysterical Doordarshan. An example is that when blast in Manipur killed three persons, there was no 'Terror' word but when one person was hurt in Pune, it was termed 'Terror'. Read it here.

3. Even if all the investigative agencies and their officers are mum and say that they have just begun investigation, the 'experts' begin mouthing names of bizarre sounding groups. The names will be taken for days. They will show even photo of man who was killed in a terror strike and defame him as a terrorist, as it happened with a slain politician from neighbouring country whose photo was shown by channels.

4. When last time Hyderabad was targeted, it was the group involving Lokesh Sharma and Devendra Gupta which had planted bomb. They are in jail. Why this possibility that their group could be linked, was not explored?

It is known that Malegaon and Hyderabad were on hitlist of right-wing fanatics, then why along with 'other suspected groups, names of these groups were not taken? Or is it that 'Arabic sounding names' with photos of 'bearded men' bring more TRP! An example to suggest 'what is not termed as Terror'.

5. If the police say they have no clue, the media houses can't accept it. The reason is that every journalist worth his salt probably gets worried that if he doesn't write something, the journalist in rival paper may come out with a strange theory and this guy's stature as 'seasoned journalist or crime reporter' would be affected.

No one cares about the old journalist rule to confirm, check, re-check before doing a story. So why not some wild suggestions or theories. You ask the investigators about names of particular groups. Even if they don't say 'Yes', you can always write "Cops haven't ruled out". That's enough to run the story. Voila. That's magical journalism. And that's how it works in Indian media.

6. With such one-sided coverage, many of these channels, inadvertently, spread communalism and hatred. With photographs of Muslims and their names constantly repeated, it defames an entire community. These channels ought to be retrained.

They have resisted control or censorship in the past, and said that they would do it voluntarily themselves. But they have not been able to do it. There is no self-governing mechanism or code of ethics. People are defamed, and when they get acquitted, their lives are spoiled. There are no apologies.

7. Can't TV channels let police and agencies do their work? With such pressure as created by the electronic media, even the toughest agencies would feel the pressure to somehow catch a few guys and announce a wrap-up ie claim the credit of solving the case so as to shut up these guys. Journalists in India have already lost their credibility to such an extent that they are termed as police stenographers. No wonder, they will write what is told. Arrest of real culprits may or may not take place.

8. If TV channels have understanding of each and every organisation and have dossiers about all the culprits, why these shadowy groups don't get busted once for all. After all, then police must be knowing much more. Then, why incidents keep happening and why so many cases are still lying unsolved.

Isn't there something seriously wrong? Just today a man who was earlier termed 'mastermind' has been acquitted in a case of Karnataka. Once again, there is silence and no apology for defaming the person and destroying his life in the past.

9. Just keep record of news published in prominent newspapers and then tally them when the judgments are delivered, you will realise how we are being fooled. The reports published in many of the papers and aired on electronic media, don't quote officers or even suggesting that which sources are being talked about.

Its simple. You want to name someone or write something weird which comes to your mind. Just write that and in the end add, 'Sources said'. That's how the big circus is going on. Its everywhere. In Hindi and in English, both. Time to call their bluff?

10. I seriously believe that Indian electronic media is practicing Yellow Journalism. In the past, certain evening newspapers or tabloids were known for practicing dirty journalism--writing anything just for selling copies. But now its happening on a far larger scale. Its far more institutionalised. It spread more prejudices and stereotypes.

A large section of citizens is fed up. It is time to control these people [shouldn't there be certain accountability or some limit to which an event can be shown at stretch] who for the sake of eyeballs and TRPs, are hurting our society. This is no journalism. Its simply hysteria that is sold to us, creating scare and terror, causing disharmony.

I wish Government takes note as to how certain TV channels & newspapers are injecting poison in the society. They must take action, restrain this unchecked spread of canards and falsehoods. Journalism was considered the fourth estate, a pillar of democracy. But this pillar has not just weakened, it is affecting our entire democratic edifice.

Kindly save the nation.

[Disclaimer: When I say TV channels and media, it doesn't mean all of them. Its not a sweeping statement and hence I haven't named any of them, though I have screen shots to prove how they indulge in one-sided biased reporting. Still, I am being more responsible than them.]

Women praying in mosques: Girls mostly visit mosque for Eid prayers

noreply@blogger.com (editor) — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 22:43:00 +0000

The two occasions when you see maximum number of children in the mosque are the two Ids viz. viz. Id-ul-Fitr and Id-uz-Zuha.

There is the special attraction for the day: the joy of getting new dress, 'idee' and elders buying them toys from vendors outside the mosque.

Parents also take children of all ages including toddlers to the mosque on these occasions. Some of the kids are two young and during prayers, start crying.

Girls go dressed in new attire and sit along with their younger siblings. Most of them are below the age of ten years, though it is no rule.

When they show each other their bangles or toys, a snooty one in the rows nearby, may give a disapproving look, just as they do to boys talking or running.

Also, there is a third occasion. On the day of Alvida prayer [the last Friday of Ramzan], you get to see large number of kids including girls.

Though scores of boys are visible in mosques for Juma prayers, girls do not generally go to the mosques of Friday. Only if the family has to hurry up somewhere along with all the kids, and the mosque is on way, then the girl may also go.

The other day saw a girl along with her brother in the mosque. Though she was aware about how to offer Namaz, he kept on trying to tell her about how it is slight different than from praying at home. Children are often at the last row.

The most colourful sight is at rural Eidgahs or mosques in small towns, where you see really large proportion of girls among children at the mosques. Many of the girls carry their infant brothers while they play and enjoy the festivity outside on Id day. One recalls Prem Chand's story Idgah about the boy Hamid at such places.

Women don't need to go to mosques for prayers. However, they can go and there is no bar at all on their entry. When they visit a mosque, they pray separately. Mostly it is at historical and big mosques where they go to take a look, when they use the opportunity to pray there as well.

People on social networking sites keep asking strange questions regarding these aspects. An acquaintance [non-Muslim] asked me if women can enter mosques.I told him, yes they can. Haven't you seen women going to Haj'? He nodded but still seemed unsure about what I had said about mosques.

Arrey bhai, if even you are not a Muslim, you can step into any mosque. If you visit Jama Masjid [Delhi], Mecca Masjid [Hyderabad], Tajul Masaajid [Bhopal] or Atala Masjid [Jaunpur], chances are high that you may spot solitary woman or a group of woman praying.

In some places, there is renewed interest among women, who are going to their own mosques for prayer. However, a majority of the women pray at homes. And if you are outside home or for picnic, you can offer Namaz anywhere, provided that it's a clean place.

Also, in mosques that are along side Dargahs, you see more women praying. In medieval times, there were mosques exclusively for women, in India. Also, in certain big mosques in India, there were areas marked for women to pray.

Creating Controversies: TV News channels dictating national agenda, fuelling passions to get viewership

noreply@blogger.com (editor) — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 11:12:00 +0000

Electronic media loves controversies. For the sake of higher TRPs that brings advertisement revenues, some of the TV news channels can create controversies as well.

So what if more important pressing issues get ignored and due to the pressure to speak or clarify their stand in front of nation, politicians also get into this nonsense.

The high-pitched debates 'moderated' by hysteric anchors, which lead to nothing, and repeat of the same news through out the day, is consuming all news space.

I will start with an incident involving Nitin Gadkari, who was recently removed from the post of BJP's national president. He didn't reply to TV reporters' questions [questions that were aimed to create controversies] and straight went to a programme.

Here, he said that being intelligent doesn't mean that a person will excel. Gadkari said that an intelligent person should also have focus and must work in the right direction, and then only he'll achieve success. Gadkari spoke about Vivekananda.

Later, he said that a person like Dawood Ibrahim may also be too intelligent but he used his mind in negative direction, and hence turned out to be what he is today. So one should channelise his/her energies for the betterment of society. What's wrong?

TV reporters soon began airing, 'Gadkari compared Vivekananda with Dawood". It was not that these journalists were not aware that what he had said. But to ensure that their report was telecast during prime time [probably also to take revenge for not replying to their queries], they gave it the twist.

Shahrukh Khan

Now if channels went ahead with the news, how could newspapers be left behind. If a print media reporter would say, "No, Gadkari didn't say it", he would be chided by his bosses, 'Ye sab jhoote hain kya', 'Watch TV, see his byte'.

Now don't we know, how 'bytes' are selectively cut to show particular scenes. Its free country. Its fee media. People are free. But then perhaps, we should be carefree as well or take things with a pinch of salt. But we are not. We take things seriously. Everything is turned into a national issue.

There are experts called to studios and the discussions begin, as if every issue would be settled right now, once for all. Alas, nothing happens. It was a dry period recently. But for the last couple of days, it's been a wonderful period for these news channels.

One day you have Shahrukh Khan controversy, the next day you have Ashis Nandy, the third day there is a clear effort to get someone say something 'interesting' over Yashwant Sinha's statement about Modi to create another issue and the fourth day, its Vishwaroopam.

Of course, Shahurkh Khan issue can be dragged to one or two days more, by pushing mike in front of other people and get their reaction. If they don't react, force them to do so. If they react, it's story. In neighbouring country it happens as well. Why ask them about a film star in India.

And if asked and the politician says yes security should be given, its again story and we have screaming news readers on our screens. If the politician acts mischievously to get the whole nation go hysteric, he will deliberately issue a statement that will send all our channels go ballistic.

Yashwant Sinha

Similar is the case of the movie, 'Vishwaroopam'. Our is a unique democracy. Everyone has the right to speak or stage a demonstration. We have the right to protest, which is important. If a section protests, there is always a way out, deal with them in a tough manner.

When the movie was cleared by censore, it should be screened. If one or two groups staged protests, the Hindi channels that are rarely interested in Tamil Nadu and the serious issues there, get all worked up. This time they sensed it would get them eyeballs. So let everyone about the protest.

Project it as if all Muslims are protesting against the movie. Paagal ho kya? But then, positions are taken. Reporters take stand, rather than remaining 'impartial bystanders'. Suddenly it seems free speech or our freedom is under threat.

Arrey bhai, from 'Billu Barber' to 'Jodha Akbar' or from 'Bandit Queen' to 'Jism 2' or 'Dam 999', there is no dearth of similar controversies.

But if one or two Muslim groups protest, it becomes minority issue! Every year Bajrang Dal members go in various cities, targeting couples and shops selling gifts on Valentine's Day. Does it make it all Hindus against V-Day. They do it because they know ten people raising slogans will be shown by TV channels, not a report on malnutrition.

Further, this report will propel them to stardom. Local cops will be recognising them as Netas, stop questioning them on street. Even if they don't have any support, you can turn them into a nationwide well-known outfit just because of some tamasha.

A 'gamchha' on the shoulder is their passport to any office and they will be able to mediate in issues, sort out land deals, get works done without paying bribe [instead they can take commission from person who approaches them for work].

Epidemics in rural UP or caste violence in Tamil Nadu or even migration of tribals from Bundelkhand will never be an issue. You just need 10 people who are ready to shout and claim, 'We will not let it happen', to make it to a national issue.

Kamal Hassan

Firstly, it is not just a fringe, it is a micro minuscule fringe. But you give space to them. Then, you let it become an issue by giving disproportionately more coverage than it deserves. After that keep asking others for their opinion.

From political leaders to intellectuals and CMs. So if there was no issue, it becomes an issue. How come? There are 120 crore people and as many opinions.

Daily there will be issues in some places, naturally. Will this be used to issue war cries and make cynical statements like 'cultural emergency' because of a nonsense somewhere in the 32 lakh sqkm land of this country?

Intellectuals can argue on free speech but the truth is on ground level, it's an altogether different scenario. In Europe, there is free speech to such an extent that they write about religious figures in extremely offensive way.

But at the same time, if someone questions that whether Jews faced Holocaust, he gets jailed. In India, we have so many communities and groups. We have different form of tolerance. We have a culture of coexistence.

In India, ordinary folk [not the urban middle class] feel that 'if our fellow brother feels offended, should his feelings be hurt'. People say, 'Kisi ke baare mein ghalat nahi dikhana chahiye'. Perhaps, some more educated guys may feel differently.

When photos of religious figures are printed on clothes or holy symbols on footwear in America or West, we feel offended and protest. It is also a right. Let the ones who are offended, feel it. But don't let the voice of ten people overshadow others just because a vast majority doesn't want to comment or speak on every damn thing.

WE ARE NOT GETTING INTELLIGENT

GETTING DUMB, DUMBER THAN EVER

STOP SCREAMING, YOU MORONS.

NOW ARE YOU FEELING OFFENDED!

They need not speak and prove their allegiance or stand each time. Then, these reports are aired, repeated in such a manner so as to whip sentiments and also polarize society. Please, can't we lead our lives in our own manner. Getting Shiv Sena leader lecture the society on right to freedom of expression is another interesting aspect.

But then, versions that can create war of words is required. There is outrage visible subsequently. People react, off line and online, begin tweeting frantically, writing on Facebook. Hindi media watchdogs had rightly said, 'News TV is a Bhasmasur'.

It is a monster. Stop this hysteria. Fed up. Farooq Sheikh rightly said in this interview about a section with 'vested interests'. The first ten minutes of Sagarika Ghose's Face the Nation (FTN) are must watch. I believe that this war for TRP is harming our society, seriously.

No, we are not becoming more intelligent or aware because of the explosion of news around us. All this is making us more dumb than ever. Big circus. After reading the above nonsense, do you feel offended?

BJP back to its basics: Must the party oppose Tipu Sultan university?

noreply@blogger.com (editor) — Sun, 27 Jan 2013 19:06:00 +0000

Tipu Sultan

On one hand, BJP tries to project itself as an alternative to the Congress at the national level. Its leaders repeatedly announce that the party will treat Muslims alike and there would be no injustice.

But when it comes to actions, its leaders can't even bear symbolism. They are not willing that a university is named after a King who valiantly died fighting the British, unlike rulers who made pacts with East India Company.

Tipu Sultan could have saved his throne and secure his personal interests just like the Nizam or Marathas. But he took a bold stand, tried to form an alliance with other rulers, and finally died in the battlefield.

Tipu had no foreign lineage. He was born here and died here. Still, the 'Swadeshi' BJP has serious problems with him. Isn't it just blind hatred? As per plans, this university has to be established in Srirangapatna [Srirangapatnam] in Karnataka.

Now there are a few states where BJP is no longer seen as an 'enemy' among sections of Muslims, as in MP and Chhattisgarh. The case of Bihar is different because here JDU is playing the dominant role and hence Nitish Kumar overrules BJP leaders' objections.

In MP also, BJP didn't let the AMU branch open, due to RSS pressure. But there were no fiery speeches or statements. In Karnataka, BJP leaders are openly hostile to the project. They are also spreading baseless propaganda. They claim that the university would need a large chunk of land, which is wrong.

The senior office-bearers of the party are mouthing an imaginary figure of 2,000 acres [required for the university] which is 20-40 times more land than is required for the project. Barely 50-100 acres would be needed. But the aim is to make a mountain out of a molehill and inflame passions.

The BJP government has refused to give land. The Centre has said that it doesn't need state government's ascent or land. Waqf property and local Muslims are willing to provide the land or it can be in a private-public partnership model.

Still, BJP leaders are saying that they would not let this university come up in Karnataka. When local party units and their leaders act in this manner, shouldn't central leadership tell them to mend ways?

Can BJP leaders remember the GREEN in their own flag!

Of the hundreds of universities, there are barely a few named after Muslim freedom fighters or legendary personalities belonging to minority community.

Even this symbolic gesture is not palatable to the BJP. It shows that either their cadre remain as lumpen as they were in eighties and nineties.

Or, they are total fools that they expose their intentions by openly opposing such nominal things.

Rather than trying to reach out to Muslims, they continue to act in bizarre way. It is understandable if Shiv Sena does it, but it is against political acumen, if a national party does it.

Now see the double standards. The then Maharaja of Gwalior [Scindia] had sided with the British in 1857 and in a BJP ruled state the line from the famous poem on Laxmi Bai*, that terms Scindia as 'Friend of British' during the revolt [first freedom movement], was removed. History changed to remove the blot!

The party has no objection to this dynasty. Was it just for Vijayraje Scindia's closeness with RSS? Though the titles were abolished long back, the BJP government establishes institutes named as 'Rajmata' Vijayraje Scinda University. See link here.

Naming an institution after her is fine. But why such feudal honorifics that in fact glorfiy Raj? Which other personality, other than freedom fighters, has ever been given such respect? Once again, in the present case, the Saffron party gives a message that it is against Muslims.

Such pettiness of mind of many party leaders is the reason that BJP keeps stumbling in its bid towards capturing Delhi. Already, BJP is facing a serious crisis in Karnataka. After Yeddyurappa's exit, there is little hope for the party to form the next government.

Then, why it is hell-bent on turning it into an emotive issue and distancing Muslims further! Think, if, Atal Bihari Vajpayee would have opposed naming the university after Tipu Sultan?

[*'Khoob ladi mardani voh to Jhansi wali rani thi'--Poem by Subhadra Kumari Chauhan]

1. Who is afraid of Tipu Sultan?
2. Tipu Sultan University caught in politics

National Heroes: Who are the real icons, makers whose actions and thought shaped modern India?

noreply@blogger.com (editor) — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 18:02:00 +0000

LIST OF GREATEST INDIANS. WHOM YOU'LL ADD?

By Indscribe

If you are asked about personalities who made biggest contribution for this country, certain names would instantly come to your mind.

As we/ve got independence just over six decades back, names of freedom fighters are bound to dominate this conversation. They surely deserve to be remembered and eulogized.

Then, you might remember a few social reformers or historical figures who single-handedly took on the ills and regressive customs prevailing in the society.

But what about a list of 10 to 25 persons who made the greatest change in shaping the idea of India?

It depends on your perception, the region you belong to and of course your political alignment or the culture you were raised in.

If you are born in Maharashtra or Bengal, you may recall names of the heroes belonging to your region, which is understandable.

There was an era when Bengal alone produced dozens of personalities of high intellect [during Renaissance].

One remembers umpteen names ranging from Raja Ram Mohan Roy to Ishwar Chand Vidyasagar from this region alone.

But there are personalities whose work was not made known to people in other parts of the country for long, due to a host of factors. And its not just about ignoring certain figures in text books. In an earlier post [on which I closed comments long back], I had commented on a calendar featuring Indian heroes.

It didn't name any Christian or Muslim. Besides, it neglected heroes of medieval India and social reformers but looked back at royals. Frankly, everyone is entitled to his/her ideology and can draw inspiration from them.

But there are certain names on whom you can't disagree much. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was bestowed the title of Father of the Nation. He did dominate the 20th century political and social discourse in the sub-continent.

Dr BR Ambedkar, who framed our constitution and the real champion for the rights of the unprivileged, has the strongest following in modern India. He instilled self-respect among Dalits, [around 250 million Indians] in the country.

Ambedkar's name inspires a large segment of population. Jyotirao Phule [popularly known as Jyotiba Phule], and his wife Savitri Phule, played a vital role in curbing social evils and spreading education in the 19th century. They were indeed pioneering social reformers.

Jyotiba Phule was formally given the title Mahatma when Gandhi was just a teenaged law student in London. Either its the couple's work to educate women or fight untouchability, the Phules laid the foundation stone for building the new social order in Maharashtra.

Phule was a rationalist and made efforts to inculcate scientific temper among the people. Savitri Phule [1831-1897] founded the first school for girls in the country. The school was open to girls belong to all castes [that included shudras] and religions. It was a revolutionary step in the conservative society then.

She went on to establish many more schools and also homes for orphans and widows. A pioneering Marathi woman poet, she opened well to the 'untouchables' and passionately worked for widow remarriage. She was also the first woman to light her husband's funeral pyre, way back in 1890.

In fact, her name ought to be written in golden letters in the history of this nation. In the East, Raja Ram Mohan Roy [1772-1833] was a pioneering reformer. The British were now the masters and the Mughal emperor was a mere puppet.

In this era of transition, when Hindus and Muslims were looking at the British with suspicion and hostility, Roy didn't look back towards past glory but instead he focused on future. He took up cudgels to abolish Sati and Child marriage.

I consider Syed Ahmad Khan, another important figure, because he spotted how Muslims had withdrawn after the war of 1857. With British ire more directed at Muslims, the community needed an able advocate and a person who could come to terms with the changing situation and reconcile with the rulers.

Gandhi: Hailed as Father of Nation, Couldn't stop partition

Sir Syed Ahmed Khan exactly did that. In process, he received brickbats, the wrath of the mulla and the abuse of the society.

But he remained steadfast to his cause. He succeeded in invigorating the Muslims and managed to draw them towards modern education.

In fact, India has been a land of numerous faiths and religious. Great personalities including Hindu sages and saints were born here.

The founders of three great religions viz. Sikhism, Buddhism and Jainism also belong to this land. No wonder, spirituality flourished here throughout the ages including the medieval era.

To begin with, I consider Sufi Saint Moinuddin Chishti, one of the most inspiring and representative figures. Not just because his message brought Hindus and Muslims together, but also for eradicating the social differences of class, caste, religion and even gender.

The Saint preached humanity and love. Ajmer [Rajasthan] remains one of the most venerated shrines in India, frequented by people of all sections. Just like him, Nizamuddin Auliya's hospice in Delhi, became a place of succour for the common folk. Women also sections flocked to the hospice.

Emperors resented him because of his influence on the people but failed to act because of his popularity.
The phrase 'Hunoz Dilli Dur Ast' tells how Ghayasuddin Tughlaq was on his way back to Delhi. The King had warned the mystic and asked him to leave the City before his (King's) return.

But the Saint's words proved prophetic. Delhi remained far for Tughlaq who died when the gate of a newly built structure fell on him, just outside the capital. Among the socio-religious reformers, Guru Ravidas [also Raidas] has influenced a large number of people.

With time, his message his spread further. Another important name is Kbair. There are many legends about Kabir's birth as well as his death. Hindus and Muslims claimed him as their own for ages. Then, a new religious sect Kabirpanthi was formed by his followers. The weaver-poet is a unique figure in medieval India.

Tipu Sultan gave the toughest challenge to British ambition in India. While the Nizams and Peshwas would make and break treaties with the British, Tipu took a bold stance against the East India Company forces and defeated them convincingly.

Though, he could have saved himself but he didn't submit to the British authority. The innovator of rocket technology, he was also a just ruler. Among kings of the numerous princely states in India, the Sher-i-Mysore was one who was feared by British and earned their respect for his valour.

Tipu Sultan tried hard to form alliance of Indian states and didn't yearn to secure privileges for his own state. This was the strength of his character. Unlike his father Hyder Ali, Tipu was not an able judge of people's character and it was this weakness which also cost him dearly.

The brave warrior-king was outdone by the Company's cunning [as also his own men's treachery] and lost in the fourth battle of Mysore against the joint forces of Nizam and British. It was his philosophy that a Tiger's life for a day is better than a jackal's long life.

Birsa Munda [1875-1900] is a hero and an inspiration figure for tribals [Scheduled Tribes] or Adiwasis--the indigenous people. He died when he was just 25. Birsa Munda who was born in Bihar [today's Jharkhand] fought against the British, opposing the 'lagaan' [or land tax].

Armed with bows and arrows, Birsa Munda and his men who led the munda rebellion had become a thorn in the flesh of the British. The Mundas defeated the British in a war in 1898. He was arrested two years later and died in mysterious circumstances.

Today he is revered in the entire tribal belt stretching from Bengal to Chhota Nagpur [Jharkhand], Orissa, Kodagu region [Karnataka], Maharashtra and in MP-Chhattisgarh. Jawaharlal Nehru [1889-1864] was our first prime minister.

Nehru was one of the most popular leaders in India then. You may question certain decisions Nehru made as Prime Minister or you may like Subhas Chandra Bose more than him, but the fact remains that Nehru laid foundation for a modern, industrial country, and took the fledgling nation on a secular path.

For this we must be thankful to him. It was his personality that was instrumental in instilling secular ideals instilled in the administration in the formative years of Republic. He had the authority to subdue the powerful regressive lobbies within the Congress.

Lovingly called, 'Pandit Ji', he was a statesman, a world leader, historian, author and free from orthodoxy. He was inclusive, a quality, which India needed at that juncture, soon after independence. Nehru has to be in this list without any doubt.

Bhagat Singh [1907-1931] has inspired youths for several generations now. He was hanged when he was just 24. Born in a Sikh family in Punjab, he is one of the most charismatic faces of Indian freedom movement. Bhagat Singh died young but his vision and maturity of his thought are truly astonishing.

In South, especially Tamil Nadu, the role of EV Ramasamy Naikar 'Periyar' [1879-1973] in the political and social awakening among Dravidians in 20th century is matchless. He was born in a Kannada speaking family in Madras presidency.

Periyar is remembered for the self-respect movement, which made a strong attack on caste based discrimination. His philosophy had deep impact on Tamil society. Mother Teresa' who made Calcutta her home, brought the attention of the world towards the plight of the poor and the destitute.

Her dedication and lifelong work make her worthy of inclusion in any such compilation of greatest Indians. The list represents personalities representing different regions, eras and almost all religious communities. It has 14 names. You have every right to differ.

From Akbar to Ayyankali and Shivaji to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, we could have added more names. Then there is a large number of heroes from our freedom struggle and during the 19th-20th century. I have listed the individuals whom I consider as heroes in terms of LASTING CONTRIBUTION to society. You can suggest more.

If you don't agree, you might look at the post about another list HERE. This list has neither Dr Ambedkar, nor the Phules. No question of Nehru either. It certainly encompasses a far larger period--thousands of years. Perhaps, you may like it more. Its your choice.

My post ends here. Thanks.

Now a 'communal riot' in Dhule in Maharashtra: When will this end?

noreply@blogger.com (editor) — Sat, 12 Jan 2013 20:07:00 +0000

The news of a 'riot' in Dhule town in Maharashtra almost got ignored in the national media. It is debatable if it was a riot, especially, in the sense this word is used in India.

It started from a small fight which turned into a clash and later six people were killed in police firing. But the incident failed to raw the attention of mainstream TV channels, which were far busy with issues that could fetch TRP from urban areas.

Dhule [also known as Dhulia] is not close to Mumbai. The outrage over Delhi gang rape, the firing at the Line of Control and the latest incident of Naxals inserting bombs in the bodies of CRPF personnel [14 killed in Jharkhand] had made it a newsy fortnight.

A few newspaper did focus on Dhule. Of the six people who died, all of them were hit by the policemen's bullets. Was it necessary to control violence or it was excessive use of force? A CID inquiry has been instituted [which is the norm in Maharashtra], not a judicial inquiry.

1. Did we hear anything about COMPENSATION TO VICTIMS & THE AMOUNT?

2. Any discussion yet on how the police suddenly went on FIRING SPREE?

3. Were Rubber Pellets, Water Cannon, Cane-Charge or Tear Gas tried INITIALLY?

The magisterial and CID inquiries are believed to be mere eyewash. The record of Maharashtra government regarding implementing Sri Krishna Commission report is well-known. Over a dozen corporators and deputy mayor here have threatened to resign if a high-level inquiry is not ordered.

This report 'Dhule, A Town Divided' says that minorities claim the local police have animosity towards them and selectively fired, which resulted in so many deaths, and further says that even BJP and Shiv Sena members assert that it was not a communal or Hindu-Muslim clash, but a Police-Muslim clash.

If this is true, then isn't it alarming! Role of police in riots has been questioned for decades. The exhaustive report by Zeeshan Shaikh also reveals how the local police had earlier made strong and biased comments in a charge sheet in similar violence in Dhule.

Sometime back we had a series of riots in UP, now its Maharashtra. Yes in Congress-ruled Maharashtra. Now, I too feel, that had it been a BJP ruled state, there would have been some more outcry in national media. Maybe I'm wrong! But that was a bad beginning to the year 2013. Communal riots continue unabated.

Will this ever end? Barely a few months back I had written a post on the ugly trend of similar incidents in UP and other parts of the country. Read the post on Street protests and Crowd control. Just hoping that there will be a probe which would find the reasons for the incident and if the firing was excessive, action is taken.

Indian Express reported how even a Deputy Tehsildar lost his son in police firing.

The Hindu report says that most of those killed were not involved in riot at all and were going about their daily lives when they were hit.

A non-vegetarian family cornered among vegetarians during a train journey

noreply@blogger.com (editor) — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 21:41:00 +0000

By Indscribe

I was travelling in a North-bound train, perched on the side upper berth when I witnessed this interesting spectacle in the compartment.

Often during journeys, one or two people due to their talkative nature, change the atmosphere of the 'coupe' and then everyone gets friendly. So was the case here.

There was a couple, in late 30s, who hailed from Bihar, on the lower seats in front of me along with their children. There was another family--Mr and Mrs Maheshwari with their kids. Apart from them, two other men, one of them was Mr Agarwal from Bhilai (Chhattisgarh). Another was Mr Garg who was basically from Indore.

Mr Agarwal brought out a pack of cards and soon he was playing cards with Mr Garg and another person from a nearby seat who came there. He was cracking jokes also. The children were also getting interested, and were keenly watching the three 'uncles' play 'taash'.

From 4 pm when I boarded the train, till 8 pm, they had all got friendly with each other. The kids were loving this new 'uncle' [Mr Agarwal] who could show them all sorts of 'jadus' [tricks with cards] and tell them jokes apart from recalling funny anecdotes about his family including his nephews and nieces.

All of them had become a big middle-class family, who had discussed everything under the sun in these four hours. They were quite aware about each other--the jobs, the places where they lived and whose parents or in-laws stayed where in India.

You eat 'Non-Veg'....

It was at around 8.30 pm when the family [Bihar origin] decided that the kids should have their dinner. The Tiffin was brought out. Mrs Pandey opened the boxes one after the other. As the aroma wafted in the compartment, Mr Agarwal asked, 'Non-veg hai kya'.

At that moment, the chirpy Mrs Pandey seemed to have lost all her confidence. Mr Agarwal was surprised, 'Aap log non-veg khate hain'. Poor Mrs Pandey was embarrassed though Mr Agarwal was so mild. Now Mr Garg also jumped into the fray, 'You people are Pundits, na!'

Mrs Pandey was totally on back foot now. She was fumbling for words. 'Bachchon ko khila dete hain' [we let the children eat it]. The guys said, "no we don't have any objection but...". Mrs Pandey had now put the lids back on the dibbas. "I will send the children to the XYZ's seat [perhaps a relative or acquaintance travelling in same bogey] in the other end of the compartment'.

"No, no you don't need to do that", Garg sahab said, touching his nose. Koi problem nahi hai. We are not used to anyone eating non-veg.

"We don't even eat eggs. My wife in fact doesn't touch onion or garlic", he added. All the fun had ended by now.

Mrs Pandey murmured: We make it for kids. She seemed really sorry for existence. "We don't eat regularly now.

Actually we are from Bihar na, Brahmins eat mutton in Bihar", she said. Her husband who was squirming, said something about the days every week when they keep fast.

Vegetarian Virtues

Mr Maheshwari, who wasn't talking much, suddenly joined the conversation. "Once my brother's friends had come and cooked mutton on our 'chauka' in our absence. You know, she [pointing at his wife] had got the entire cooking platform washed so many times. She didn't step in until we had the kitchen white washed again", he said with pride.

My God, it was going too far now. Politically speaking, a 'vegetarian majority' here was psychologically crushing a minority non-vegetarian family which had allowed itself to be bullied. It was like, 'We thought you were just like us, how come you be so different'.

One felt like intervening but then they were all so close just a while ago that interference would haved seemed odd. The Pandey couple was silent. But Mrs Pandey's behaviour and mannerism suggested that she was 'apology personified'.

Being Brahmins [highest is caste ladder; the other three families were Vaisyas and veggies], they were supposed to carry the vegetarian values but here, they were caught 'red-handed' and that too when passengers all around [coupe's on either side] were listening to this conversation.

Apologetic about Eating Habits

"Arrey bhai, bachchon ko khane do", said one of the veggie brigade. The discussion on Indian values and how non-vegetarian food [taamsik] leads to corruption of not just soul but also body, took off. Even Mr and Mrs Pandey were supporting the virtues of vegetarianism.

They said how because of their upbringing in Mithila region, they had this habit, but that they no longer cherished mutton or chicken. Mrs Pandey suggested that even the kids were not too fond of it and will perhaps shun it once they are old enough.

It was sad to see the two kids [bhai-behen] go towards the window, sit and eat without talking. The elders' conversation continued about how people in Rajasthan and Gujarat have 'saatvik' food and that it is so tasty. The wonders of desi spices and the miracles the 'maida' and 'besan' can do, were discussed.

From 'baati' to 'baafla', we heard about all unique vegetarian delicacies. And how celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan don't eat non-vegetarian food. If the couple had any plans to eat the food brought along by them, they couldn't dare to think of it. The ordered the 'thaali' and had it along with others. After all, they had claimed that the non-vegetarian food in the Tiffin was for kids.

Call it 'Food Fascism' or just a funny episode!

Though it was a pretense. Perhaps, the veggie brigade also knew it. None of them asked the couple that they should eat the non-veg food.

The Bihar couple was clearly under massive moral pressure and feeling guilty. No one had blamed them. They should have spoken for themselves.

Had they taken a stand and said that food habits had got nothing to do with religion or given examples and said that 'Look, its our choice what we eat', the situation wouldn't have taken such a turn.

They could have said how Brahmins originally in the Vedic era ate mutton but later under the influence of Jainism or due to other factors, quit it.

But they did nothing of that sort. They sounded apologetic. Perhaps, because they really felt that being Brahmins they should have protected the 'tradition', which all the Bania families around them were doing with such conviction.

The manner in which they got cornered was a bit sad. It took a while before the topic of conversation changed. But it couldn't get as lively as in the earlier phase. However, as the journey was coming to an end, they all noted each others phone numbers and promised that if they visited each others cities, they would make a call.

The kids said goodbye to the uncles. Perhaps, they will remember them for a long time. Often people get friendly during train journeys but the promises to call or meet are forgotten once they get off the train. But this episode will surely stay with me for quite sometime.

Is there any moral to draw from this incident?

Role of media in covering Bodo-Muslim ethnic conflict in Assam

noreply@blogger.com (editor) — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Have we forgotten that 2012 was the year which witnessed one of the worst ethnic clashes in the country that had continued for weeks and caused hundreds of thousands leaving their homes?

Now six months have elapsed since the clashes in Bodoland in Assam led to large number of deaths and lakhs getting displaced in their own country.

Those affected included both Bodo tribals and Muslims. The minorities suffered much more but overall it was a huge humanitarian tragedy.

As always, North East remains a 'faraway' place for mainstream media. Channels need 'TRP' [eyeballs or viewership], which they believe doesn't exist in NE.

For them, a Delhi or Mumbai based report is more important, because it fetches them more TRP and hence money [advertisements]. National newspapers' reports were unclear.

They didn't put in perspective the entire issue. Few media groups even though of sending their teams to cover the ethnic conflict. But Dainik Bhaskar, a leading Hindi newspaper, decided to send its journalist. The paper earned praise for publishing the series of reports.

Will displaced Bodos, Muslims able to return to their homes?

These stories from the ground not only revealed how Bodo militants were involved in killings, but also the fact that how the BTC leaders had misused their power.

Until video of Pradeep Brahma, a Bodo MLA from the region who was seen moving with AK 47 in hand, appeared and was showed by certain TV channels, the excesses in BTC administered hadn't been talked about much.

The Bodoland Peoples Front, which he represented, is actually an ally of the ruling Congress government in Assam. It should not come as a surprise.

Journalist Sharad Gupta's eyeopening report [see above] reveals the clout wielded by Hagrama Mohilary, the chairman of Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC).

Mohilary was commander of the Bodo Liberation Tigers, which was considered responsible for series of violent incidents in Assam from 1993 to 2003.

There is a revelation in the Hindi report that the journalist of a leading English newspaper worked as spokesperson for the Bodo leaders. Can one expect unbiased coverage then? The front page report clearly says that line between journalists and party activists has ended here.

This second report clearly suggests hardening attitudes. It shows how people are being termed 'outsiders' whimsically. The State government doesn't seem to have the necessary will to act. Else, it could have taken stern action.

Six months later, no serious steps for lasting peace!

Nor it does act directly in the districts under BTC. Even if the incidents of firing or burning that keep occurring irregularly are ignored and we accept that there is peace, the fact is that the humanitarian crisis continues in the relief camps in Assam.

In camps in Kokrajhar and other neighbouring districts, people are living as refugees on their own land.

They have nowhere to go and can't imagine going back to their burnt homes. Still, the issue seems to have faded and is not on the agenda of governments.

The administration in BTC areas was repeatedly accused of acting in a clear partisan manner.

This was corroborated by independent fact finding teams that visited these areas. Militants are yet to be disarmed here.

But aftermath of the violence is not a priority with the media anymore. The clashes led to deepening prejudices and feeling of mistrust among both the sides.

There is need for PEACE INITIATIVE. Will Centre and State take serious steps! See earlier report on this blog:

Congress can't escape blame for communal violence in Assam
&
The Myth of the Bangladeshi by Nilim Dutta

Viqar-e-Hind: A fresh Urdu news magazine in India

noreply@blogger.com (editor) — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 10:44:00 +0000

Viqar-e-Hind is published from Hyderabad

When I visited the bookshop, the owner of the shop handed me Viqar-e-Hind, a news and current affairs magazine.

Though I was familiar with it, but hadn't seen it on stands yet. I bought it instantly. The contents and the quality of printing impressed me. This 68 page magazine is published from Hyderabad.

For years, Urdu speaking populace expected a magazine that would be of the standard of English magazines like Outlook and India Today.

In terms of paper quality, it not only matches them but, in fact, its printing quality seems better. The magazine clearly looks chic and smart.

Apart from politics, there are analyses, sections on women, culture, history, society, health, business & sport. What most newspapers and magazines ignore is the important segment--Children.

Viqar-e-Hind has two pages for kids that have stories and colouring activity. I congratulate them. But I would suggest that they should add at least one or two pages for children and include certain cartoons and activities.

These brain teasers or activities [as in English magazine, Magic Pot] draw the children and preteens towards the magazine. It is this young generation that will later become a dedicated reader.

After corporate groups had turned attention towards Urdu, the standard of printing also improved. In the last few years, there have been several new magazines. Readers today are aware because they get news from diverse sources including 24/7 TV channels.

What they really need is more neutrality stand and objectivity in articles. That the written word shouldn't inflame passions [or increase sense of persecution], rather, give the readers a food for thought and awaken them. The editor Mr Azim-ur-Rahman has done commendable job in bringing out such a magazine.

Already, it has carved a niche for it in the last few months. The magazine has a section on international news, as also column by famous satirist-humorist Mujtaba Husain.

We hope that Viqar-e-Hind would continue its forward march. There is no dearth of weeklies or periodicals in Urdu.

They include Nasheman to Nai Duniya and The Sunday Indian to Alami Sahara or the more political Afkar-e-Milli and Chauthi Duniya.

But this new magazine that comes twice a month looks promising and adds to the growing number of news and current affairs magazines in India.

We need media that is positive and constructive, rather than plain emotive. If you are an Urdu reader, do subscribe it, rather than getting content by reading the online edition [website].

Viqar-e-Hind is a fortnightly magazine and is priced at Rs 20. The annual subscription is Rs 480 within the country, and is not much, if one goes by the standard of the magazine.

Pronouncing 'Triple Talaq' in one sitting to end marriage: Time for Indian Muslims to say goodbye to this practice?

noreply@blogger.com (editor) — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 11:34:00 +0000

The Jammu & Kashmir High Court recently gave a landmark judgment on 'triple talaq', the abhorrent practice of giving divorce to woman by either uttering the word 'talaq' thrice in one sitting or through any other form of communication--letter, phone, SMS or email.

Justice Hasnain Masoodi clearly said that as per the Holy Quran and Shariat, the Muslim male doesn't have absolute power to give 'talaq' unilaterally, in one sitting.

In fact, the husband has to give a reason for it. Besides, the woman has to be given an opportunity to present her side before the qazi.

It is not that a man simply utters the dreaded word thrice and it severs the relationship. Rather, there should be attempts for reconciliation [or arbitration]. If one attempt fails and after a period of one month, the man again insists on divorce, then there should be a hiatus of one month again.

Further, just like there are witnesses during 'nikaah', where woman has the upper hand, and it is her assent after which the marriage is solemnised, the correct procedure in ending the marriage is that there should be witnesses.

In the end, when everything fails, the divorce is final. This is the process in accordance with Shariat. However, due to lack of awareness and social acceptance, the 'triple talaq' is not only practiced, it is commonly believed that verbal 'triple talaq' in one go, is right.

Strangely, there have been cases where a man, who was drunk, uttered the words and later regretted it. But the qazi gave fatwa that the relationship was over. Even though, it was in one sitting, and while drinking is prohibited in Islam, his action [in inebriated state] was considered as legal.

Clearly, there is need for reform. The voices should come from within the community. Unfortunately, there has been no such strong movement. The clergy [Ulema] are not too sympathetic towards the plight of women and kids who suffer because of this malpractice.

The learned judge cited that 'Talaq-e-Ahsan' is the only form of talaq that finds mention in Quran. The reason for duration of one month between separate sittings for pronouncing talaq is because often people utter the word without realising consequences, and later realise their mistake.

It is possible that after a period when anger subsides, the couple decides to remain united. Sadly, as soon as the verdict was known, some Ulema didn't react positively. The judge has quoted exhaustively from the religious texts and hasn't left any point untouched.

It's time that like other Muslim countries where the 'triple talaq' is not accepted, Indian Muslims also shun this tradition. Talaq is considered one of the most despised acts in Islam and there is a provision for it, in extreme situations. However, this form of talaq has become a joke. Innumerable women suffer as a result.

Organisations working for women's rights are quite buoyed by the ruling. One hopes that the verdict in the case of Bilquis Akhtar, would help in clearing the misconceptions regarding the 'Triple talaq' as well as educating Muslim society in this regard.

Read post on this blog over the issue of Talaq in the past:

The practice of triple talaq: Is Talaq=Mazaq?

Hindu wedding, Urdu card: Non-Muslim couple prints invitation card for marriage in Urdu

noreply@blogger.com (editor) — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 17:42:00 +0000

This is an invitation card in Urdu, which is not too uncommon in India.

The only surprise here is that it is a Hindu marriage for which the invitation has been sent in Urdu.

Not just the card has 'Bismillah' on the front cover but has the complete invitation in Urdu script.

'Noor-chashm' Dr Navneet got married to Dr Tejasvini recently. The card requests the guests to attend the 'daawat-e-ta'aam'. These days many Muslims, who claim that Urdu is their mother tongue, get invitation cards printed in English [more in Northern India, particularly, UP].

As a matter of fact, it is a rarity now to see non-Muslim marriage cards in Urdu. This particular marriage took place in Hyderabad, Deccan [Andhra Pradesh].A few years back, I had posted the card 'Ganesha on Muslim marriage card'. Read it here.

I have nothing against cards in English. But just for the sake of fashion, English invitation cards with serious spelling and grammatical mistakes, irritate me. In one of marriages, the family was affluent but not educated], yet they got cards printed in English.

There were not just grammatical errors but blunders and bloomers. They were marrying off their sons and decided not to put up names of future daughters-in-law, because of certain strange traditions in their family. So when the cards went out, it appeared that two boys were getting married. So we see such absurdities.

Have you seen such unique cards elsewhere? If you have seen, do share.

'Killer' medicine, 'Cruel' ointment that claim to heal miraculously: Unique drugs and their advertisements on Indian streets

noreply@blogger.com (editor) — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 16:28:00 +0000

The 'Killer' Cure

Doesn't it seem odd that someone not only dares to name a medicine as 'Killer drug' or 'Cruel ointment' but also sells it openly and it is purchased enthusiastically.

The 'Qatil Dawa' [killer medicine] and 'Qatil Malham' [or marham] are sold as panacea. Rickshaws with loudspeaker installed on the top, are seen commonly in Uttar Pradesh.

The announcement, 'Qatil Dawa', doesn't surprise locals as they are used to it. But to an outsider it can come as an absolute shocker.

BOLD BRANDING!

In today's marketing jargon, it can be termed as a super strategy, a bold branding move to term a product that should give people life, named as a 'murderer'.

But 'Qatil' word is sometimes used in phrases for sudden or quick action also, and also for describing a stunning beauty, as 'Qatil Husn'.

ZALIM LOTION (URDU ADVT)

This is just one of the such medicines that claim to work wonders for you.

The advertisement medicine which is quite popular in small towns and rural areas, can be seen above.

The second such medicine is Zalim Lotion, a strange name. Zalim (pronounced Zaalim) is also an Urdu word that means cruel.

There is no denying its popularity. It sells in glass vials and is not sold roadside but is kept at chemist shops also.You can see the advertisement in an Urdu journal.

If you are interested in reading posters and ads on the walls then you might have seen even more weird names and ads of miraculous medicines.

What about this advertisement which promises that you can get rid of 'bawasir' [piles] by a single 'teeka' [vaccination]? There are many more photographs which I have taken in the last few years.

They include pictures of 'Haddi-Jod Kenra', where a person sits on the 'takht' [cot], and the banner says that he is an expert in 'haddi baithana'.

So if your have an accident and your bone has got dislodged, and there is no relief despite getting all sort of treatment or undergoing surgery, its an option!

The quack claims that he can set the bone right with a few quick punches. Many vouch for the expertise of these self-styled orthopaedics.

Even more interesting the advertisements of Vaidyas and Hakims, who claim to get you your lost vigour back.

They use catch-lines like 'bujha diya jalao'. I don't how far they succeeded in 'lighting the lamp' again as they promise. [It is about curing impotence]. But on these famous Gupt Rog doctors, a separate post is perhaps needed.

Enough for now. Goodbye.