Chehlum, the 40th day after Moharram, is another occasion for taking out tazias, replicas of the tomb of Hazrat Imam Husain in Iraq. Though the number of tazias is not so much the enthusiasm is just as great. Delhi has always observed this day with great fervour, the pulses and meat dish haleem is distributed on it, though some opt for biryani, sherbet or halwa. This day generally leads to clashes between Shias and Sunnis not only in Iraq but also in some other Islamic countries. In India too clashes are reported in places like Hyderabad, Rampur, Lucknow and Moradabad. This year Delhi too witnessed a violent Chehlum at which Shia mourners clashed with the police at the Jor Bagh Karbala.
Though tension at Moharram and Chehlum was evident even during Moghul times, the tazia processions made it to the historic Jorbagh quite safely. These processions went from Kotla Ferozeshah (since there was no walled city then) and made a de tour of the haveli or mahal of the great General Mahabat Khan in what is now the Indraprastha Estate. Mahabat Khan, who had served Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan, had become a Shia in later life.
Many exploits
Hs real name was Zamana Beg and his exploits were many. Whenever Chehlum comes around one cannot help thinking of its link with Mahabat Khan whose grave is situated in Jorbagh near the dargah of Shah-e-Mardan (Hazrat Ali), the prophet's son-in-law and an invincible warrior. Mahabat Khan, the very name brings to mind the din of battle the clash of steel, the neighing of horses, the sound of trumpets, the groans of the vanquished and the full-throated cry of the victors. The General of the imperial Moghul army initiated Shah Jahan into the art of warfare. He taught the young Prince Khurram how to parry and thrust during personal combat, the feint and charge in swordsmanship and the skilful use of spear, dagger and shield, the javelin and the discus. But the irony of it all was that the ustad and the pupil were pitted against each other more than once in real battle because of the scheming Nur Jahan who had poisoned the ears of Jahangir against his son and crown prince.
Khurram was asked to proceed to the north and counter the Persians whose Shah had captured Kandahar, which had for long been part of the Moghul Empire. His defiance of the command made matters worse and climaxed in a virtual rebellion. Eventually Mahabat Khan persuaded his erstwhile pupil to send two of his sons, Dara and Aurangzeb, as hostages to Agra.
Father-son rift
Even after that was done the rift between father and son continued and Khurram had to turn east towards Bengal where he could not get the refuge he sought from the Portuguese. They not only were stubborn but refused to let Mumtaz Mahal be treated by their doctors, suffering as she was from malaria. To add insult to injury the Portuguese kidnapped two of her favourite maids. With Mahabat Khan always on his heels, Shah Jahan could do little against the firangis at that time. Then Mahabat Khan too rebelled against the Emperor and took him captive. But Nur Jahan in a cunning move was able to rescue Jahangir and Mahabat Khan had to eat the humble pie.
Fences were mended but not long afterwards Jahangir fell ill at Kashmir and died on the way back to Lahore. Shah Jahan outwitted the empress and ascended the throne. Mahabat Khan was among those who presented themselves at court and was sent off to attack the Portuguese and teach them a lesson. By sacking ‘Hooghly' Mahabat Khan had re-established himself in the esteem of Shah Jahan. His death meant the snapping of a vital link with Akbar's times. But Mahabat Khan's name survives to this day, and whenever you visit Jorbagh Karbala you are reminded of his exploits.
The present face-off at the famous burial ground is yet another reminder of a medieval saga.
