By TCN Special Correspondent,
Lucknow: Jo Zulm pey lanat na karey, aap Lain hai/ Jo Jabr Ka Munkir nahi, woh munkir-e-deen hai (One who does not curse atrocity is himself cursed/ One who is not against atrocity is against religion). The couplet penned in typical marsiya style nearly seven decades ago by legendary poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz still holds relevance. The ancient tradition of marsiya in Nawabi era of Lucknow was not confined only to any particular religion. The views were expressed by eminent writer from Canada Dr Saeed Taqi Abedi during an international conference on marsiyas held at Shia PG College in Lucknow on 2nd January 2011.
“It is misnomer that marsiyas are associated with only the martyrdom of Imam Hussain. In fact they depict the present social scenario also and are even relevant today. Useful information about the period can also be garnered through marsiyas,” said Abedi. Citing an example he stated that during his study he chanced upon marsiyas which stated that nearly 250 years ago the mourners in Delhi during Muharram wore blue clothes and not black as worn today. “We can get useful historical facts from marsiyas, they are then incorporated by the writers while penning down history,” he added.
Speakers at International Conference on Marsiyas held in Lucknow on 02nd Jan 2011
The marsiyas also had their effect on other writers. Works of several litterateurs were greatly influenced by them. One such eminent writer Chakbast penned Ramayana in marsiya style. “The marsiyas were thus written by both hindus and muslims. It is a bonding between the two communities and it also depicts perfection in urdu language,” claimed Abedi.
The conference was also attended by Vice-Chancellor, Urdu Arbi Farsi University, Anis Ansari, Lucknow University faculty member Anees Ashfaq and several marsiyakhwans.
At the occasion, a book of marsiyas was also launched.