KARACHI: A book titled Karachi Ki Azadari on the history of azadari (mourning) in the metropolis — from the beginning to 1950 — written by eminent researcher, scholar and poet Dr Aqeel Abbas Jafri has been published.

It is a one-of-its-kind publication because it would be difficult to find books on the topic. Karachi has a rich history dating back to many a century, but its [well] documented past is connected with the arrival of the British in the region. This is why Dr Jafri has broadened the scope of the subject to make it a comprehensively researched work, which will benefit readers and the academia in equal measure.

In his prefatory note, the scholar writes, “The history of azadari in India, especially in Sindh, is quite old. Although nothing with certainty can be said about its very beginning or the forms it assumed in various periods, there is some material available on the subject during Samma, Mughal and Kalhoro periods in Sindh. Pieces of land would be allotted for the purpose which were called ‘parr’ where Hazrat Abbas’s alam would be placed. In that regard, the Ismaili Khoja community’s role in establishing azadari traditions cannot be overlooked.

“Before Pakistan’s independence, azadari existed in a limited manner in Sindh, particularly in Karachi. A few imambaras in Kharadar, Mithadar and Lyari used to hold them. After the partition of the subcontinent, migrants came to Karachi from all over India. They brought azadari with them, and in no time the city had a number of azadari centres.”

After partition, Mohajirs came to Karachi from all over India and brought azadari with them, writes Dr Jafri

The book mostly sheds light on the 19th century Karachi, while the last four chapters focus on the period from 1947 to 1950 in which azadari took root despite the state of helplessness (be sar-o-saamaani) of those who worked towards it.

There is a wealth of information to be had for readers here. For example, in the first piece about Karachi, the author writes that after Pakistan’s inception, a committee was formed in the city to arrange mourning programmes whose name initially was ‘Muharram Committee’ and was later changed to the Pak Muharram Association.

Before the country’s existence, the largest Ashura procession was taken from Imambara Kharadar, which after passing through several streets would terminate at the same place. To date, that procession is taken out.

The first post-independence Islamic month of Muharram fell in November 1947. With the arrival of the migrant community in Karachi, it was felt that new centres for azadari should be set up. This led to the making of the Muharram Committee in Jacob Lines. In 1950, the Pak Muharram Committee was formed. Subsequently, in 1956, it was renamed the Pak Muharram Association.

Another interesting chapter is on the role of zaakireen (people who address majalis) in the whole exercise and in strengthening the practice in Karachi. The first person that Dr Jafri mentions in that regard is Allama Rasheed Turabi. The story of his appearance as a zaakir at the historic Khaliqdina Hall is nicely narrated.

The chapters on noha khwani and soz khwani are also beautifully highlighted in the book.

Karachi Ki Azadari has been published by Virsa Publications.

Published in Dawn, July 20th, 2023