Darul Musannefin Shibli Academy

Shibli Centenary
International Seminar

29 November - 1 December, 2014

With Best Compliments

Begum Mirza Shaukat Sultan Beg

& Family

Shibli Centenary
1914

2014




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Darul Musannefin's main building

Contents
From the Director's Desk
Messages

Features

Janab Naseem Ahmad, Chairperson, National

Commission for Minorities, Govt of India

Darul Musannefin Shibli Academy:

An introduction (Dr Javed Ali Khan) 15

Janab Wasim Ahmed, Minister of State for

Child Development and Nutrition, Primary
Education, Uttar Pradesh Government

Azamgarh: Nursery of Litterateurs

(Dr Salman Sultan) 23

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Dr Khwaja Md. Ekramuddin, Director,

National Council for Promotion of Urdu
Language, Ministry of Human Resource
Development, Government of India

Darul Musannefin: Maazi wa Haal ke aainey

mein (Urdu) (Kaleem Sifat Islahi) 50

Lt. Gen. Zameer Uddin Shah, Vice Chancellor,

Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh

List of Shibli Academys publications 45

Professor Talat Ahmad, Vice Chancellor, Jamia

Millia Islamia, New Delhi
Janab N. R. Farooqi, Vice-Chancellor,
University of Allahabad
Janab Ranvir Prasad, District Magistrate,
Azamgarh
Janab Sajid Azmi, Chief Treasury Officer, U.P.
Finance and Account Service, Azamgarh

PRINTED IN INDIA
November 2014

From the Directors desk

To achieve the magic figure of 100 is significant but in the life of a
Research Academy like Darul Musannefin Shibli Academy crossing
such milestone is surely a matter of great rejoicing, to say the least.
Sustained government or NGO funding would have made the task
easier but without such help the task was apparently unachievable and
therefore we raised our hands to offer thanks to Almighty Allah.
It has been my endeavour to bring forth over 200 volumes of invaluable authentic, well researched
works of Academy in a presentable form keeping pace with the development in printing industry. In
the present age of internet Academys Library cannot continue to live in the old age of registers and
catalogues, it has to disseminate knowledge produced by the sustained efforts of its Scholars through
modern ways of web sites, online communication etc (www.shibliacademy.org)
The Academys Golden Jubilee celebration (1965) was inaugurated by Dr. Zakir Husain, the then
Honble Vice President of India and it is a pleasant coincidence that Platinum Jubilee celebration is
being inaugurated by Mr. Hamid Ansari, Honble Vice President of India, on 29th November 2014.
The three day 29, 30th November and 1st December 2014, International Seminar will highlight the
life and works of Allama Shibli Nomani, achievements of Darul Musannefin Shibli Academy, role of
his associates, students and successors in nurturing the Academy and the challenges of new century.
Delegates from USA, Turkey, Middle East, South East Asia, Pakistan, Africa etc are expected to
deliberate not only on important contributions of the Academy in producing authentic literature on
Indo-Islamic culture, medieval history of our country and cultural relations with middle east but also
to suggest strategies for future literary plans.
The Academy has not only produced well researched works by dedicated scholars who lived in selfabnegating conditions but has also been the centre of our freedom struggle in the region. All important
leaders of freedom movement including Gandhiji and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru have visited the
Academy and appreciated its role in furthering the cause of the national struggle for independence.
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad held the Academy in great esteem and also came to its rescue when it was
in the throes of dire financial crisis.
We extend most hearty welcome to all delegates, distinguished guests and well wishers of Academy
and hope that they would have a pleasant stay in our small city. We have tried our best to provide
residential facilities but keeping in view our limited resources and limitations, we would be seeking
our guests forgiveness for any shortcoming.

Ishtiyaq Ahmad Zilli

Director

10

Senate House Campus, University of Allahabad, Allahabad, U.P. - 211002

Email: vcoffice@allduniv.ac.in Phone: 0532-2461089, 2461157

MESSAGE
I am pleased to learn that Shibli Academy and Darul-Mussanifin, Azamgarh is celebrating
the birth centenary of Maulana Shibli Nomani (1857-1914). Maulana Shibli was a giant
among the modern Muslim intellectuals of India. As a scholar of Arabic and Persian, he
was second to none. As a historian of Islam and critic of Persian poetry, he had no equal
in his time. His biographies of the Prophet Muhammad (1914), Hazrat Umar Faruq
(1899) and the Abbasid Caliph Mamoon Rashid (1889) created a new benchmark which
most of his contemporaries found difficult to emulate. Shiblis profound emotional
attachment with his faith and community is amply reflected in his sincere efforts to
disseminate, through his numerous writings, the glorious achievements of the Islamic
civilization. His intense love and reverence for Turkey and the Ottoman Empire and his
anguish at the declining standard of Muslim education as well as the life of Muslims in
general in Egypt and other Middle-eastern countries is clearly evident from his
Safarnma-i Hijaz o Rum. Maulana Shibli was also an educationist of rare credentials and
his services to Anglo- Muhammadan Oriental College, Aligarh and other institutions of
higher learning in India and abroad have been widely acclaimed by his friends and foes
alike. Shibli was also an ardent nationalist. He supported the policies of the Indian
National Congress whole-heartedly and espoused the cause of Hindu-Muslim unity
which he believed was vital for the freedom of the country.
I join the Shibli Academy in celebrating the birth centenary of one of the greatest
Indian Muslim of modern times. May the memory of his services to the community and
the country continue to inspire the present and future generations of Indian Muslims.
N. R. Farooqi
Vice-Chancellor
University of Allahabad

11

12

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13

Darul MusanneFin
shibli acaDeMy
An introduction
Dr JaveD ali Khan
Honorary Fellow, Shibli Academy

Allama Shibli Nomani

n the 21st of November 2014, Darul Musannefin Shibli

Academy, the premier Indo-Islamic research institute of the
Subcontinent, which was established at a time when literary
academies such as those in Europe was unheard of in India, completed
its hundred years of existence. Its founder Muhammad Shibli Nomani
(1857-1914) first conceived the idea of an academy while he was on a
visit to Constantinople (Istanbul). Later, on the occasion of the Delhi
Conference of Nadwatul Ulama in March 1910, he placed his views
before the people. Subsequently, in February 1914, through a writeup
in Al-Hilal, he spoke of the scheme to the common people.

After having failed to establish the Academy in Lucknow, it was ultimately established in Azamgarh
amidst Allama Shiblis mango orchard and two kachcha bungalows. Thereafter, it was decided that so
long as the institution was unable to generate its own income, the grant of Rs. 300 that Shibli was
getting from the State of Hyderabad was to be to be utilized for its functioning. Family members and
relatives donated their adjacent lands, constituting a total area of 23172.67m2, of which 3656m2 now
has constructed buildings. A few years back a double-storey conference hall was constructed on an
area covering 436.26 m.2 The institution runs on its meager sources with occasional individual help.
On one occasion, it received monetary help by the Central Government.
A section of Darul Musannefin's campus

Three days after Shiblis death on 18th November 1914, his cherished pupils and admirers, namely
Maulana Hamiduddin Farahi, Maulana Sayyid Sulaiman Nadwi, Maulana Abdus Salam Nadwi,
Maulana Masood Ali Nadwi and Maulana Shibli Mutakallim Nadwi, assembled at Shiblis house and
laid the foundation of a society called Ikhwanus Safa (brethren of purity, the name of a society of
Abbasid intellectuals), which may be described as the nucleus of Darul Musannefin Shibli Academy
whose first President was Maulana Hamiduddin Farahi while Sayyid Sulaiman Nadwi was its first
Secretary. The All India Muslim Educational Conference in its meeting held in December 1914 at
Rawalpindi praised the mission of Darul Musannefin.
In its first annual meeting held on 25 May 1915, Ikhwanis Safa coopted a number of new members:
Hamid Hasan Nomani, son of Shibli Nomani, Habibur Rahman Khan Sherwani, Nawab Sayyid Ali
Hasan Khan, Professor Abdul Qadir, famous poet-philosopher Dr. Muhammad Iqbal, Nawab Emadul
Mulk, Maulvi Sayyid Husain Bilgrami, Maulana Abdullah Emadi, Maulana Sayyid Karamat Husain
and Maulana Abdul Majid Daryabadi. With these distinguished men the caravan moved ahead.
On 21 July, 1915, the Ikhwanus Safa society was registered with the new name of Darul Musannefin
Shibli Academy. It was stipulated that the society shall be a purely literary society. In the years to
come Dr. Zakir Husain and Janab Fakhruddin Ali Ahmad were made members of the Managing
Committee. Presently Professor Ishtiaq Ahmad Zilli is the Director and Abdul Mannan Helali is the
Joint Director.
The objectives of the Academy, as visualized by Shibli, were primarily to display the significance of
Islam and of the Muslims, to educate and train a group of scholars who could accomplish the desired
task, to meet the challenges of European criticism, and to enlighten the Muslims with the progressive
knowledge of the West. It also aimed at a better presentation of Islam, understanding of Holy Quran
in the light of modern reasoning and arguments, study of modern sciences, and promotion of social
and political harmony between the Hindus and Muslims.
The first significant publication of the Academy was Shiblis magnum opus, Siratun Nabi. It is
acknowledged as the most comprehensive and authentic biography of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). It
was received with great enthusiasm all over the Indian Sub-continent. Two thousand and five hundred
copies were sold within two-three months. Some other books that were published by Shibli Academy
were Sirat-i Ayesha, Sirat Umar ibn Abdul Aziz, Arzul Quran, Siyarus Sahabah, Sherul Ajam, Ruqati Alamgiri, Tarikh-i Islam, etc. Until now, more than 200 books have been published.
Soon, under the supervision of Maulana Masood Ali Nadwi, a central building and a few residential
quarters for the staff were built. To cater to the needs and to facilitate research, the Academy was
organized into seven sections: Department of Seeratun Nabi, Research Department, Publication
Department, monthly journal Maarif, Library, Buildings, and Printing Press. Thus it became an
integrated and self-contained institution where research, editing, collation, compilation, calligraphy,
printing and sales were done as part of a unified process.
The library, which started with barely a few dozen books, was soon enriched. Sayyid Sulaiman Nadwis
visit to the United Kingdom greatly helped in the expansion of the library. Prominent scholars and
publishers started sending complimentary copies of new publications for review. Some of the rare
manuscripts collected during the early phase were Moonisul Arwah, Anisul Arwah, Akbar Namah,
Farhang-i Jahangiri, Sirr-i Akbar, Qasasul Ajaib, Rauzah Tajmahal, Sharah Nahj al-Balaghag, Tafseer-i
Ahmadiya, Kitabul Mizan and Nizamul Gharib. The library now has more than one lakh books and
650 rare manuscripts.
In 1982, the then secretary of the academy, Sayyid Sabahuddin Abdur Rahman organized a world

16

The institution commanded

such reverence that when
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
was asked if he would like
to serve the institution as an
honorary fellow, he replied,
he would willingly serve
even as a porter.
seminar on Islam and Orientalists. In 1995, with the collaboration of Alami Rabta-i Adab-i Islami, a
world seminar was held on Sawanih Nigari (biographical writings) under Maulana Ziauddin Islahi, the
then director of the academy.
The first eminent personality, a great freedom fighter, disciple and admirer of Allama Shibli,
Muhammad Ali Jauhar, visited the Academy on 1 March, 1921. Thereafter, Pandit Madan Mohan
Malviya came in June 1922. Among other matters, he discussed the Urdu-Hindi language issue. In
subsequent times some of the most distinguished Indians to visit the academy were Mahatma Gandhi,
Moti Lal Nehru, Jawahar Lal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Indira Gandhi, Ram Manohar Lohia, Bi
Amma, Zafar Ali Khan, Firaq Gorakhpuri, Hasrat Mohani, Payare Lal, Suchitra Kirpalani, Chaudhary
Charan Singh, Akbar Ali Khan (Governor), Dr. Sir Ziauddin, Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah, Begum
Sajida Sultana, Tasadduq Husain Khan Sherwani, Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru, Humayun Kabeer,
Fakhruddin Ali Ahmad, Sarojni Naidu, Dr. Zakir Husain, V.V. Giri, Hakeem Muhammad Sayeed,
Ram Naresh Yadav (Governor), C.B. Gupta, V.P. Singh, Nobel Laureate Professor Abdus Salam,
Shoaib Sultan (Magasasay Award Winner), Vibhuti Narain Rai (IPS), Karim Najafi (Iran), Duktar Ali
Raza (Afghanistan), Allama Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, Dr Ebrahim Al-Batshan, Syed Shahid Mahdi (V.C.,
Jamia Millia Islamia), Shamsur Rahman Faruqi (Urdu critic and Padam Shree awardee), Professor N.R.
Faruqi (V.C. Allahabad University), Professor Saifuddin Khan, and many others. As a good gesture,
Jawahar Lal Nehru, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Rafi Ahmad Kidwai, Nawab Hamidullah Khan (the
then ruler of Bhopal State), and many others became the academys Life Members. Jawahar Lal Nehru,
in particular, would stay here for days together whenever he visited this part of Uttar Pradesh.
The Academy within a short period of time carved a niche for itself. Scholars of Egypt, Syria, Morocco,
France and Turkey etc approached the Academy for their research work. When Maharaja Gaekward
contemplated of opening a department of comparative study of religions, he sought guidance of Shibli
Academy. The institution commanded such reverence that when Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was asked
if he would like to serve the institution as an honorary fellow, he replied, he would willingly serve
even as a porter. Complimenting the Academy on its early performance, Nawab Emadul Mulk Maulvi
Sayyid Husain Bilgrami wrote in one of his letters to Sayyid Sulaiman Nadwi: Darul Musannefin
requires no certificate. It is accomplishing a task, which was hitherto never undertaken in India.

17

Darul Musannefin s
conference on Seerat-unNabi (SAW) in 2010

The Press Information

Bureau of Government of
India, on the occasion of
the
Golden
Jubilee
celebration
of
the
Academy, described it as
Moulded in the scholarly
tradition of Indias ancient
centres of learning, the
Darul Musannefin Shibli
Academy, in the old
Azamgarh town of Uttar
Pradesh, has taken its place
alongside some known
modern
research
institutions. The small
band of devoted scholars
in the Academy, who
preferred the pursuit of
knowledge to the lure of
status,
comforts
or
emoluments which could
have been theirs for the
asking, recalls the glory of
the ancient scholars of
Nalanda, Cairo, Taxila
and Transoxiana.
Maarif, the literary-cumhistorical monthly journal, which is being regularly published since July 1916, may be described as a
shining moon which effuses knowledge of Islamic sciences and the craving of Western science. It soon
earned international reputation for its well-researched papers on various aspects of Indian and Islamic
history and culture, Quranic sciences, poems, obituaries, educational information, reviews of books,
etc. The scholars who served as editors in the past are Sayyid Sulaiman Nadwi, Shah Moinuddin Ahmad
Nadwi, Sayyid Sabahuddin Abdur Rehman, Maulana Ziauddin Islahi. The present editors are Professor
Ishtiaq Ahmad Zilli and Umairus Siddique Nadwi Daryabadi.
Shibli Academy has the rare distinction of being, perhaps, the earliest Indian academy which not only
laid the foundations for research but also played a significant role in the emerging national political
life of the country. With Sir Sayyid Ahmad Khan and Shibli Nomani no longer on the scene, the
political condition of the country was such that many Muslims looked upon Darul Musannefin Shibli
Academy to play an important role in the political life of the country. But Sayyid Sulaiman Nadwi
was basically a scholar and writer. Moreover, the regulations of the Society did not allow the institute
to take part in active politics. Bonded by such restrictions, unlike his intellectual and political mentor,
Nadwi did not plunge into politics. Notwithstanding, on matters which he felt were right and dutiful,
he was bold to step out fearless of the consequences, to participate in the National Movement. His
colleague, Maulana Masood Ali Nadwi, was equally daring and had no hesitation in attending the

18

meetings of the Indian National Congress and would freely talk with Moti Lal Nehru, Jawahar Lal
Nehru, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and many others. Another audacious scholar was Maulana Sayyid
Riyasat Ali. He had for sometime studied in Egypt but owing to his anti-British stance, was forced to
return to India. Incidentally, he got a room-partner, Maulana Abdur Razzaq Maleehabadi, a fiery
nationalist, who further indoctrinated him. He was a staunch supporter of the Congress and in politics
had an aggressive attitude. Prof. Sayyid Najeeb Ashraf was another active leader of the Congress Party.
In gatherings, he would make forceful anti-British speeches which the members of the Academy often
feared would land them in trouble. Maulana Abdus Salam Nadwi would say Najeeb Ashraf will get us
hanged.
However, the man who made a consistent and dignified effort, both at the national and international
level for a considerable period of time, was Sayyid Sulaiman Nadwi, the secretary of Shibli Academy.
He had started his career by joining Al-Hilal of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. In 1913, a portion of the
mosque in Kanpur was pulled down by the British. When people resisted, they were fired upon as a
result of which many men and children were killed. Sayyid Sulaiman Nadwi wrote a stirring account,
Mashhad-i Akbar in Al-Hilal causing its closure. In 1918, along with Maulvi Masood Ali Nadwi, he
secretly met Muhammad Ali Jauhar (another fiery freedom fighter and a disciple of Allama Shibli)
who was imprisoned in Chindwara jail. At the time, Nadwi was president of the Azamgarh Congress
Committee. About this time he was among those who laid the foundation of Khilafat Movement.
Nadwi was also among the founder-members of Jamiat Ulama-i Hind. He also wrote and supported
the movement launched for the rights of the peasants. In 1920, he was the lone person to represent the
Indian ulama in the Khilafat delegation sent to London. He had talks with Lloyd George, the British
Prime Minister, and with Montague Chelmsford, alongwith Muslim delegates of the world who had
come for talks on the issue of the historical and religious importance of the Hijaz.
During this period, he would attend all meetings of the Khilafat Committee and Congress Party and
would often wear cap and sherwani of coarse cotton (khaddar). In 1921, he attended the annual session
of the Congress Party held in Ahmedabad. Here, he was nominated as a member of the working
committee in a list of ten members. Mahatma Gandhi expressed good opinion about him. Under him,
Azamgarh emerged as an important centre of non-cooperation and branches of Khilafat Committees
and Panchayats were established in the district.
In 1926, Sultan Abdul Aziz announced his kingship and invited the Khilafat Committee for discussions.
Sayyid Sulaiman Nadwi went to the Hijaz and had several rounds of talks with Sultan Abdul Aziz.
He also had talks with Prince
Faisal, son of Sharif Husain.
It was a great moment for
Shibli Academy whose
Secretary was having parleys

The Masters
Front row from Left to Right:
Nawab Waqar ul Mulk,
Nawab Mohsin ul Mulk,
Maulvi Nazeer Ahmad,
Altaf Husain Haali,
Back row from Left to Right:
Allama Shibli Nomani &
Prof. Thomas Arnold

Allama Shibli Nomani and his Legacy - 2-Day

Seminar in December 2011, in collaboration with
Iran Culture House, New Delhi
Below: Academys Reading Hall

with the ruler of Saudi Arabia. Again, when he went

for Hajj in 1949, King Abdul Aziz ibn Saud made him
his guest and invited him several times to dine with
him.
Shibli Academy is the pride of Azamgarh and a
standing memory of a person whom Sayyid Sulaiman
Nadwi described as Imamul Hind Hazrat Allama
Shibli Nomani. It marks a milestone of the Muslim
quest of knowledge and renaissance and fulfillment of
a long-cherished need of the Muslim intelligentsia in
modern times. More significantly, it demonstrates that
it were a group of Maulvis with traditional knowledge
of Islamic sciences but with enlightened vision who
drew the Indian Muslims out of obscurantism and led
them on to the path of modernism. Considering its
immense contribution to the country it has high claims
of being declared as a place of national eminence, and
the Philatelic Bureau of India should remember Shibli
q
Nomani.

With Best Compliments

ALIYAH PUBLIC SCHOOL

Bilariyaganj, Azamgarh U.P.
Mobile No.9198500150
e-mail: aliyahpublicschool@gmail.com
20

$ #" !

(276121)

21

22

aZaMGarh
Nursery of Litterateurs
Maulana Sayyid Sulaiman Nadwi

Dr salMan sultan
Member Executive Committee Shibli Academy

he region, mostly forest, shared by Kaushalya Raj Ayodhya in north and Kashi Raj Banaras
in south, was later known as Azamgarh. Dividing these Rajs was a river called Tons or
Tamsa. The serene and calm environment of the region attracted Rishis to meditate and
preach. Therefore, confluence of Tons with relatively small rivers of the region suited these Rishis
to build their Ashrams. Rishi Durvasa chose confluence of river Mujhai and Tons for his
Ashram, while Rishi Dattatreya preferred confluence of river Kunwar and Tons in present day
Ghauspur. Rishi Chadrama stayed in present day Muzaffarpur at the confluence of river Silani
and Tons. Down the river Tons, three kilometer south from Mohammadabad Gohna, where river
Tons used to flow, lived Rishi Deval. The place situated at the border of districts Azamgarh and
Mau is called Devlas. All these places witness annual congregation that consider a dip in the river a
holy act.
Sikh Guru Nanak Shah came to the town of Nizamabad from Sahasaram by boat. Foundation
for a Gurudwara was laid at the place of his stay and a good Gurudwara was built later on.
Gurudwara still exists and followers of Guru Nanak Shah are still living around the Gurudwara. Sikh
religions teaching and propagation started from this Gurudwara in Nizamabad.

It is presumed that this region was introduced to Islam in the reign of Sultan Mahmud of Ghazna
(12 century). Sultan Shahabuddin Ghauri defeated Jaichand, ruler of Kannauj and got hold of a vast
tract of land from Kannauj to Banaras. A few books about history of Azamgarh talk about the
missionary zeal of Salar Masood Ghazi in introducing this region to Islam. Claims for violent strife
with local chieftains have been made in view of graves associated with names of Ghazis spread
throughout the district of Azamgarh and adjoining Ghazipur. Successive rules of early Turks and
Khaljis saw intellectual growth of the region around present day Azamgarh. After Khaljis it was
Feroze Shah Tughlaq of Tughlaq dynasty who founded the city of Jaunpur at the banks of river
Gomti. He named the city Junapur after the pet name of his predecessor Sultan Muhammad Tughlaq
alias Juna Khan. Later Junapur became famous as Jaunpur and remained a great centre of learning
for subsequent four hundred years. Nasiruddin Mahmood Shah Tughlaq, last ruler of Tughlaq
dynasty, conferred the title of Sultan-e-Sharq to his Prime Minister Khwaja Jahan Malik Sarwar and
made him the ruler of Jaunpur in 796 Hijri (Sharqi dynasty)
th

From Ain-e-Akbari it is evident that area of the state of Jaunpur extended from Faizabad to
Ghazipur. Hence present day Azamgarh was a part of Jaunpur State. In 1565 A.D Emperor Akbar,
returning from the pursuit of Ali Quli Khan, encamped at or near the town of Nizamabad. Its
decadence is said to date from the year 1763 when Jahan Khan, Raja of Azamgarh, was killed near the
town in a struggle with an officer of the Nawab Wazir Oudh who had been sent to collect revenue
and the town was looted by the Nawabs troops. A number of high mounds connected with the ruined

23

tunnels and some ruined buildings in the

North of the river Tamsa tell the tales of
past when the town was in flourishing
state.
Domes of the Aurangzeb Period Mosque in Azamgarh

naming of azamgarh

In the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar,

after the battle of Kalpi, Gautam Rajput
Chandra Sen, younger brother of Shahdeo Singh, migrated from his home district Fatehpur to
Khajuri in Mehnagar (Azamgarh). Chandra Sen had two sons: Abhiman Singh and Sagar Singh.
Abhiman Singh has managed to develop a real estate and his position in Mehnagar was almost like a
small king. Due to some reason Abhiman Singh visited the court of Emperor Jahangir and impressed
by the universal appeal of Islam became a Muslim. Jahangir honoured him with the title Daulat Khan
and a property consisting of 24 Parganas. Mostly these Parganas were situated in present day
Azamgarh. Daulat Khan was also made Subedar of Jaunpur and Allahabad. Daulat Khan had no
children but his brother Sagar Singh was blessed with five sons. Therefore, after the death of Daulat
Khan, his eldest nephew Haribans Singh inherited the property. Haribans Singh constructed a fort in
Menhnagar in order to make it the headquarters of his State. He also established several villages in the
name of his kith and kin like Sarai Sagar, Abhimanpur, Daulatpur, Daulatabad, Dayalpur,
Gopalpur, Haribanspur. He also built a fort in Haribanspur at the banks of river Tons; remnants
of which can still be seen. Haribans Singh had two sons: Gambhir Singh and Dharhi Singh and after
the death of Haribans Singh, Gambhir Singh inherited his estate. Two villages established by Gambhir
Singh; Gambhirpur and Gambhir Bun still exist. Gambhir Singh was murdered by a Rajput.
Earlier, wife of Abhiman Singh had started to live separately with Dharhi Singh and the place she lived
later became famous as Rani ki Sarai.
After murder of Gambhir Singh, Dharhi Singh inherited the estate and established a village called
Dharnipur. He had three sons: Vikramjeet Singh, Narain Singh and Rudra Prasad Singh. Vikramjeet,
being eldest inherited the estate. As brothers had no cordial relation they started living in separate
places managing their shares of property. As Rudra Singh had only a daughter, Vikramjeet out of fear
of the transfer of property to the in-laws of Rudras daughter got Rudra Singh murdered. Wife of
Rudra Singh petitioned the court (Qazi) with the help of his brother and thus Vikramjeet was arrested.
Vikramjeet, who perhaps was under the influence of Islamic teachings, embraced Islam and was freed
by Mughal Empire. As Vikramjeets wife remained a Hindu, he married a newly converted Rajput
girl who borne him two sons: Azam Khan and Azmat Khan; founder of Azamgarh and Azmatgarh
respectively.
For Haribans Singh Menhnagar was the Capital of his State but when Azam Khan ascended the
seat of power he thought of shifting the Capital to a central place in order to facilitate better
management of State. Thus in the year 1665 Azam Khan founded a new city (Azamgarh) after his
name on the northern bank of river Tons. Azam Khan was a good administrator and hence boroughs
of Azamgarh were established taking into account needs of government employees as well as people
belonging to different castes and trades. However, it was in 1832 that Azamgarh was made a separate

24

district and Mr. Thompson was appointed as the first Collector under the rule of East India Company.
In 1988 a different district by the name of Maunath Bhanjan consisting of Tehsils of
Muhammadabad, Ghosi and Sagri, was carved out of Azamgarh.

role of azamgarh in Freedom struggle

1857: Rajab Ali of village Bamhur was the main architect of First war of Independence. Rajab Ali
used to call Jagbandan Singh of village Mohabbatpur (near Shahpur on Azamgarh-Mau road) as Bhaiya
and they along with Pragan Singh of village Heerapatti (who used to train 17th regiment soldiers in
wrestling) often met at Gauri Shankar Ghat temple in Azamgarh in order to plan revolutionary
activities against British. Priest (Sadhu) of the Ghat temple helped these fearless revolutionaries.
Thakur Jagbandan Singh had been put in jail due to his association with Pargan Singh. His unmarried
daughter/relative was worried as people told her about impossibility of her marriage in absence of his
father. She sought help from Rajab Ali of village Bamhur and made him her brother. To keep up the
promise made to his sister, Rajab Ali, along with youths of his family and youths of village
Karimuddinpur and other villages numbering 4000, valiantly attacked Azamgarh Kotwali (Police
Station) on 23rd july 1856 and freed all inmates. Earlier led by Budhu Singh Yadav, Rajab Ali, Ram
Sahal Singh Yadav, Madhav Prasad Yadav, Jalal Ahmad, Shiv Prasad etc., all belonging to 17th regiment
which has moved to Azamgarh from Farrukhabad, looted the treasure (on its way to Banaras) and
broke Jail gates to free all inmates on 3rd June 1857 (incidentally the great Oriental Scholar and
Nationalist Allama Shibli Nomani was born the same day in village Bindwal, Tehsil Sagri of
Azamgarh). English officials fled to the Collectorate but they were chased by revolutionaries and
Madhav shot at Hutchinson who was killed. Madhav was never arrested as he fled to Kanpur and along
with Tatya Tope went elsewhere (Nana Saheb Peshwa was leading revolutionary forces at Kanpur).
British forces were defeated but later on when a big contingent arrived, Rajab Ali somehow escaped
through the British forces cordon. However, an English Commander was constantly monitoring the
movement of Rajab Ali. When Rajab Ali found no way to escape he jumped into the river and after
crossing the river when he looked back to take stock of the situation, he was shot dead in intense firing
from British forces. Cruel British forces didnt stop even after killing Rajab Ali but blasted his body
after bayoneting it. Later, they (British forces) burned the whole Bamhur locality.
Azamgarh remained free from British shackles during 3rd 25th June 1857; 18th July to 26th August
1857 (Prithvipal Singh of Taghira near Ahiraula, Azamgarh ruled Azamgarh as King during this
period); 20th March to 15th April 1858 (Kunwar Singh administered Azamgarh).
In 1857 Nawab Wajid Ali Shah was
arrested from Lucknow and shifted to
Matia Burj, Calcutta (Kolkata). British
forces in the name of suppressing mutiny
attacked different cities of Awadh State
like Lucknow, Jaunpur, Pratapgadh,
Sultanpur, Allahabad, Banaras, Mirzapur,
Kanpur, Gonda, Gorakhpur, Azamgarh,
Ghazipur, Faizabad, Balia, Jhansi, Banda,
Farukhabad, Mahoba, Bundelkhand etc.
and killed all patriots, confiscated their
properties in order to hand these over to
their Indian loyalists.
On 25th September 1857, British forces

Preserved weaponry at Gurudwara Nizamabad

attacked royal fort of Jaunpur which was the state office of assistant director of Jaunpur, Raja Saiyyid
Iradat Jahan. They could not find Iradat Jahan there but arrested his Dewan-e-Riyasat Mahtab Rai
who gave the where about of Iradad Jahan in Mubarakpur, Pargana Mahul, district Azamgarh. On
27th September 1857, British forces with artillery proceeded for Mubarakpur. When Raja Iradat Jahan
got hint of movement of British troops, he sent his Commanders Amar Singh and Makhdoom Baksh
to confront British forces. Commanders of Iradat Jahan attacked fiercely British forces and defeating
them rescued Dewan-e-Riyasat Mahtab Rai. However, a great battle between British and Iradat Jahans
forces went on for four days when British forces entered Mubarakpur. Meanwhile Iradat Jahan sent a
letter to his son Saiyyid Muzaffar Jahan Mahuli with the intstruction to come to Mubarakpur along
with his force. Another contingent under the command of Saiyyid Fasahat Jahan of Powai (brother
of Raja Iradat Jahan) came across a truncated British force (as major force has gone to Mubarakpur) at
a place called Taghira. The British Commander instead of engaging Fasahat Jahans force in battle,
deceptively offered truce. Fasahat Jahan agreed when British Commander lured him with the territory
of Raja Iradat Jahan.
Fasahat Jahan went to Mubarakpur and convinced Raja Iradat Jahan against the battle depicting
a grave picture of unnecessary loss of lives of Rajas subjects. Loyal Commanders of Iradat Jahan: Amar
Singh and Makhdoom Baksh, sensing sinister British motive, were not in favour of such a truce.
Trusting his brother Raja Iradat Jahan went ahead along with his forty servants and met British
Commander in a mango grove. Around were maize fields with hidden British troops. As soon as Raja
Iradat Jahan reached the mango grove, his forty servants were arrested and were hanged. When Raja
Iradat Jahan was being hanged, he addressed his brother, Brother! Is there still some wish left? Thus
Raja Iradat Jahan sacrificed his life and showed the path of Indias freedom. British didnt spare the
traitor Fasahat Jahan and hanged him saying, when you were not loyal to your brother, you are
not trustworthy.
Kunwar Singh has come from Bihar to collaborate and get help from Azamgarh in the battle
against British. Goga Sahu and Bhiki Sahu, businessmen of Azmatgarh helped Kunwar Singh escape
to Bihar when British enforcement came to occupy Azamgarh which remained free three times for
several days during 1857-58. These brothers (Goga and Bhiki) were persecuted by the British forces.
Tarachand, in his book, Influence of Islam on Indian culture, has said that the conglomeration
of Hindu-Muslim culture cemented them into Indian nation. Thus, the reinterpretation of Indian
history became a major theme of nationalist school of Indian Historiography.
Romila Thapar says that Indian nationalist historians glorified their past in order to counter the
criticism of J.S.Mill to India, which was very necessary step to build up national and self respect among
the Indians. The glorious Indian past was a compensation for the humiliating present conditions at
the hands of English. The claim of the Indian origin of Aryans, the pre-Harappan antiquity of the
Vedic culture, denial of foreign influence on Indian civilization, the superiority of the spiritual quality
of Indian culture and the existence of political unity on the basis of cultural unity were the part and
parcels of this glorification of Indian past.
Another great freedom fighter Peer Ali who is remembered for leading the uprising of 1857 in
Patna, Bihar, has originally come from village Muhammadpur, Azamgarh. Peer Ali as a kid migrated
to Patna where he was adopted by an influential family (K.M.S. Khan). It is unfortunate that the
sacrifices of the common people are now buried in the vaults of archives.
1920 - 47: Azamgarh again played an important role during non-cooperation and Quit India
movement of 1920. On 2nd February 1921, All India Congress Party was established in Azamgarh with

26

Maulana Saiyyid Sulaiman Nadwi as its

founder President. On 17th November
1921, Azamgarh district Congress
Committee protested the arrival of heir to
British throne, Duke of Kenayr. In
February 1928, Azamgarh led by Sitaram
Asthana and others protested against
Simon Commission and addressed a large
gathering in Sabzimandi Hall. On his
country tour, Gandhi ji visited Azamgarh
and addressed a large gathering (75
thousand) on 3rd October 1929 in the
premises of S.K.P. College. The then
Collector Nanalal Chamanlal Mehta sought
A well-preserved manuscript in Nizamabad Gurudwara
permission from government to host
Gandhi ji and attend his public meeting but his request was denied.
When second world war started. British government started extortion campaign for fund
collection. Gandhi ji started personal Satyagraha. Subhas Chandra Bose formed Azad Hind Fauj.
Hundreds of people from Azamgarh joined and fought as soldiers of Azad Hind Fauj against British
imperialism. The struggle for freedom by Neta ji Subhas Chandra Bose will be written in golden letters
and no historian can dare ignore his remarkable achievements. It is indeed a matter of pride for
Azamgarh that Mr. Nizamuddin, village Dhakwan, Police Station Mubarakpur, Azamgarh, was the
driver and personal bodyguard of Netaji. Mr. Nizamuddin returned from Burma in 1969 when British
government contract for his arrest expired. He tried his best for government help but the government
officials turned deaf ear to his pleas. Ultimately he took employment as driver of Babu Ram Agarwal
(Azamgarh) on a petty emolument of Rupees 170 p.m. Due to poverty even third generation of Mr.
Nizamuddin could not get education and are forced to support themselves through menial labour. He
has four sons but the youngest Ashraf Ali died from T.B. for lack of proper treatment. Nizamuddins
great service to the Nation has recently been recognized and he was honoured on the occasions of
Azamgarh festival and Subhas Chandra Bose birth anniversary in 2013.
role of Darul Musannefin shibli academy
Maulana Masood Ali Nadwi, disciple of Allama Shibli, had great administrative skill and therefore,
was the first choice of Shibli as Darul Musannefins administrator. During 1942-47 Masood Ali was
very active in collecting funds for Congress, leading the non-cooperation movement, etc. Though he
was not a member of Congress Party, but remained main advisor for all activities of Indian National
Congress (in Azamgarh) towards freedom from British rule in India. Saiyyid Sulaiman Nadwi, founder
Secretary of Darul Musannefin, was made member of Congress Working Committee in the year 1920
and even Gandhi ji sought his advice to resolve important issues in Congress. On 2nd February 1921,
All India Congress Party was established in Azamgarh with Maulana Saiyyid Sulaiman Nadwi as its
founder President. Saiyyid Saheb has just returned from London where he has gone as member of
Khilafat Delegation Committee. Earlier he was also made the President of District Azamgarh Khilafat
Committee. All great leaders of freedom movement like Pandit Motilal Nehru, Jawaharlal Nehru, etc
used to stay in the Academy. Gandhi ji during his visit to Azamgarh on October 3, 1929 went to the
Academy and was shown around in lantern light (as there was no electricity then).

Public libraries
Mehta library
Mr. Mehta, Collector of Azamgarh prior to independence, established this Library. It is to the credit

27

of Mr. Mehta that he established public libraries in every district he was posted. This rich library is
now ruins due to official and public apathy.
hari Oudh Kala bhawan
This Kala Bhawan had a good library but has been destroyed.
Mahavir Pustakalaya
This library existed near Shankar ki Murti, Azamgarh city, but it is no more.
hari Oudh vachnalaya
This library near Purani Kotwali, Azamgarh city, was established and run by Municipal Board (Nagar
Palika). Books of Hari Oudh were donated by his grand-son Dr. Mukund Dev Sharma to this library
but it doesnt exist today.
agrasen Pustakalaya
This library near Sabzi Mandi, Azamgarh city, was established by Dr. Parmeshwari Lal Gupt,
renowned Archeologist and Numismatist, former Director of Patna Museum but doesnt exist today.
Government library named as rahul sankratayn library
This library has recently been established, adjacent to Vikas Bhawan.
Darul Musannefin shibli academy
The library of Academy has over One Lac volumes on Indo-Islamic culture. It has six hundred fifty
manuscripts; some of them rare like Akbar Nama, Munisul Arwah, translation of Upnishad by
Dara Shikoh. In memorabilia it has hand written letters in Urdu from Gandhi ji, Motilal Nehru,
Jawaharlal Nehru, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and other dignitaries of pre independence era as well as
Indira Gandhi and others of post independence era.

litterateurs
badri narain chaudhry alias Prem Ghan (abr in urdu writing)
He was born in Dattapur, Phulpur Tehsil, and was a friend of Bharendu Harish Chandra. However,
his family migrated to Mirzapur and Gonda. He was a poet as well as a critic: a pioneer of Hindi
criticism. In Jerh Janpad he has given a description of river Majhui. He has been the President of
Hindi Sahitya Sammelan.
ayodhya singh upadhyay alias harioudh
He was born in Nizamabad but lived in mohalla Sadawarti, Azamgarh. His grandfather and father
were converted to Sikhism, inspired by Sikh Granthi Baba Sumer Singh Sahabzada main priest of
Nizamabad Gurudwara. Harioudh was a friend of Bhartendu Harish Chandra. He wrote epic poems
Priya parvas, Vaidehi Vanwas and novels like Theth Hindi ka thath, Adhkhile Phool. He was
elected twice as President of Hindi Sahitya Sammelan and his work found place in the syllabus of ICS.
Harioudh was a Kannongo but as the Collector was of literary taste, he respected Harioudh. He
became Professor of Banaras Hindu University though his education was just up to eighth standard.
rahul sankritayan
He was originally known as Kedar Pandey, lived in village Kanaila, Jahanaganj block, but was born in
Pandaha near Nizamabad. After becoming budhist he opted for Rahul as his first name (after the

28

Shibli National College, Azamgarh

name of Gautam Budhs son). Rahul was left oriented and travelled a lot in and out of country. As a
communist leader he worked a lot in Bihar. He knew 36 languages and was given the title of Maha
Pandit He wrote 150 books on various topics: Bhago nahi Duniya ko badlo, stories collection like
Volga se Ganga, Singh Senapati, Jai Yaudhey etc. He has been the President of Hindi Sahitya
Sammelan.
Guru bhakt singh bhakt
He was born in Zamania, Ghazipur but as Secretary, Municipal Board, came to Azamgarh and got
settled in mohalla Ailwal. His famous epic poems are Vikramaditya and Noor Jahan.
chandra bali Pandey
He was born in village Nasiruddinpur, Sathiaon. His collection of essays include Sahitya Sandipini,
Ekta, Vichar Vimarsh. He edited Noor Mohammads Anurag Bansuri and his critical writings are:
Shudrak, Kalidas, Tulsidas, Tulsi ki Jeewan Bhoomi. He was also the President of Hindi Sahitya
Sammelan.
ram charitra upadhyay
He was born in Ghazipur but belonged to village Maharajpur near Bhanvar Nath. He wrote poems
like Ram Charitra Chinta Mani, Ram Charitra Chandika and Braj Satsai
Pandit laxmi narain Misra
As a dramatist he was pioneer of Samasya Natak and wrote Chakravyooh, Dashashwamedha,
Antar Jagat (Jai Shankar Prasad wrote Ansoo after getting influenced by this book).
allama shibli nomani
Allama Shibli Nomani ( 1857-1914) was of firm belief that education is the only way of emancipation
for a beleaguered community and was for synthesis of Oriental and Occidental learning. He, therefore,
helped in the foundation of nadwatul ulama, lucknow and Madrasatul islah, saraimir, azamgarh
as model institutions for teaching of Arabic and Islamic Studies. In the field of modern education, he
founded national school (1883) that evolved into shibli national college, azamgarh. In the field

29

of research, he conceived the idea of Darul Musannifeen (Abode of Writers) shibli academy (1914)
where devoted and talented scholars from both streams (oriental and occidental) were expected to
conduct quality research work in an environment conducive for peaceful study and scholarly
discussions. The first publication of Academy was Allama Shiblis magnum opus Sirat-un-Nabi,
biography of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), in seven volumes. Maulana Hamiduddin Farahi (student
and cousin of Allama Shibli) and Maulana Saiyyid Sulaiman Nadwi (student of Allama Shibli) was
founder President and Secretary of the Academy respectively.
Maulana hamiduddin Farahi
Student and cousin of Allama Shibli Nomani is famous for interpreting the Quran. Maulana Farahi
found a beautiful rhythm Nazm-Quran in Quranic verses which cursorily look disconnected.
Maulana Farahi served on the faculty of MAO College, Aligarh, Muir College, Allahabad and Darul
Uloom Hyderabad(Principal). He had great command over Arabic, Persian and English languages
and Allama Shibli always recommended him for projects related to Quran.
Maulvi Mirza saleem
Student of Maulana Qasim Nanotwi and graduate of Darul-Uloom Deoband, belonged to village
Muslimpatti, Azamgarh. Friend of Allama Shibli Nomani, he was a great poet of Azamgarh.
Maulana abdus salam nadwi
Student of Allama Shibli had great talent who joined Darul Musannefin Shibli Academy as a Fellow
along with Saiyyid Sulaiman Nadwi. He wrote editorials for Maulana Abul Kalam Azads paper AlHilal. He authored a number of books; Hukma-e-Islam in two volumes being a masterpiece of the
account of Muslim Philosophers.
Maulana iqbal suhail
He was born in village Badharia. A student of Allama Shibli and Maulana Farahi, Iqbal Suhail was not
only a great poet but also a staunch Nationalist. He was elected to the assembly on Congress ticket.
Maulana Suhail unfortunately opted for legal profession as an advocate in Azamgarh otherwise he
would rightfully have been heir apparent to Shiblis legacy. Iqbal Suhails famous Naat: Fakhr-e
doAlam..Sallah-o-Alaih-e wa-Sallam is a masterpiece of Urdu poetry.
Mirza ehsan ahmad
A great poet and writer, Mirza Saheb along with Iqbal Suhail Saheb kept up the poetic and literary
traditions of Azamgarh. Pyam-e-kaif and Pyam-e-ghazal are two collections of his poems which
were published. Muqalat-e-Ehsan (published by Maarif Press: 1968) is the collection of his literary
and critical articles which received award from government of U.P. Mirza Ehsan Ahmads great
contribution was introducing Jigar Moradabadi, a spectacle trader visiting Azamgarh and hitherto
unknown, to the literary world. He published Jigars collection of poems as Dagh-e-Jigar with his
valuable preface.
Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
A nephew of Maulana Iqbal Suhail, he was born in village Bhadharia. Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
championed the cause of reconciliation instead of confrontational attitude for all matters pertaining
to Muslim community. Through his periodical Al-Risala he advocated positive bend of mind and
rightful action in earnest instead of pessimistic thinking. At times he was criticized for yielding to the
bullying tactics of non-muslims and even accused of surrendering.

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Maulana Mujibullah nadwi

During final year of his study in Nadwatul
Ulama, Lucknow, he was invited by his
teacher Saiyyid Sulaiman Nadwi to join
Darul Musannefin Shibli Academy as a
fellow. He not only authored a number of
books, prominent among them Islami Fiqh
(Islamic Jurispudence), but also established
an important institution Jameatur Rashad
in the city of Azamgarh. Maulana was an
able administrator, excellent Scholar and
above all a great social activist. He was bold
Jama Masjid, Azamgarh
and steadfast in taking up issues plaguing
Muslim community and was ever ready to help downtrodden irrespective of caste and creed.
Kaifi azmi
He was born in village Mijhwan, Phulpur, and was a leftist. As a progressive write he wrote Awara
sajde, Kaifiyat etc. He was the founder of IPTA and wrote songs for films. His daughter Ms. Shabana
Azmi, a renowned film actor, during her tenure as M.P. (Rajya Sabha) was instrumental in starting a
train named Kaifiyat from Azamgarh to Delhi.
shamim Karhanvi
Famous poet who wrote the famous poem on Gandhi jis death: Jagao na Bapu ko neend Aa gai hai
..
ehtesham husain
He was born in village Mahul and was Professor in Lucknow and Allahabad Universities.
A number of poets and writers like Maulana Farooq Chiraiyakoti (Allama Shiblis teacher), Maulvi
Muhammad Usman Fidai (father of Sir Shah Sulaiman), Najmuddin Abbasi Chiraiyakoti, Ahmad
Ansari, Maulvi Mahboobur Rahman Kalim Jairajpuri, Maulvi Ziaullah Ahqar(father of Yahya Azmi),
Khwaja Muhammad Bismil, Kaifi Chiraiyakoti, Maulvi Muhammad Aslam Ansari, Ali Azam, Khwaja
Husain Akhtar, Hakim Maslehuddin, Masoodur Rahman Kalam Jairajpuri, Qazi Abdur Rahman etc.
kept the literary environment of Azamgarh buzzing with activity.
Maulana Aslam Jairajpuri was great Scholar and also a poet but he chose Delhi as his field of action.
Later on after independence Azamgarh felt proud of such great names as: Dr. Khalilur Rahman Azmi
(faculty, AMU), Anwar Azmi, Moin Ahsan Jazbi, Faizur Rahman, Obaidur Rahman, Yahya Hanfi,
Parwaz Islahi, Ali Jawwad Zaidi, Amjad Ghaznawi, Hakim Nami, Abrar Azmi, Mushtaq Ahmad,
Ashfaq Azmi (faculty SNC), M.M. Zuberi (faculty SNC), Jami Chiraiyakoti, Moazzam Jairajpuri,
Habib Danish, Gyan Chand Gyan, Khalil Azmi, Muqeet Azmi, Adeel Abbasi Chiraiyakoti, etc.
Renowned critics/writers associated with Shibli National College are Shamsur Rahman Farooqi,
Malikzada Manzoor Ahmad, Kabir Ahmad Jaisi (recently expired).
Senior IAS officer Badre Alam Khan (died recently) also started his literary career from Azamgarh.
In music Pandit Channu Lal Misra and Pandit Dinanath Misra, internationally famous musicians
belonged to village Hariharpur, Azamgarh.

31

The immense contribution of Azamgarh Scholars to both Hindi and Urdu literature can never be
ignored. Azamgarh has also produced Scientists of the stature of Late Prof. Asrar Ahmad (former
HOD, Physics, AMU, Aligarh), who was instrumental in the visit of Nobel Laurete Dr. Abdus Salam
to Shibli National College, Azamgarh, Prof. Shamim Jairajpuri, founder VC of MANUU, Hyderabad
and Prof. V.N. Gaur, Astrophysicist.

industries
nizamabad Potteries: Nizamabad town has been famous for its excellence in artistic pottery. Though
this art still tarries, much need to be done to bring it on the flourishing path. Over 70 years ago pottery
of Nizamabad had world-fame tourists from Australia, Newzealand, England and France. They were
much interested in purchasing Nizamabad earthen pots and flower vases. How this art came to his
town and flourished and later decayed, has a long story to tell. It is said that during the reign of
Aurangzeb, The Emperor, some potters of Gujarat came to this town in company with one Abdul
Farah Nizamuddin to earn their livelihood. They developed pottery which was black or reddish brown
ware, ornamented with design in silver foils .The black colour was produced by grinding up black
pebbles in a hand-mill (chakki), mixing the powder with gum or paste and applying it on the unbaked
vessel with a brush. The mixture was dark brown before baking and turned black under the action of
the fire. A dark terracotta colour was produced by smearing the unbacked vessel with a rust-coloured
earth called KABIZ. Mixed with sweet oil after the baking, silver foil or amalgam of mercury and tin
was rubbed with the thumb nail in lines etched with a sharp instrument on the unbaked ware. The
articles thus produced were chiefly tea pots sugar boils, candle stick containers, vases and the
like. These were generally feeble and rickety in form and insipid in decoration and fine black colour
gave them the greater prominence. Over 30 houses of potters reside in the town .
handloom industry: Mubarakpur and adjacent villages once flourished in weaving of Banarsi Sarees.
Traditionally this Saree has been the bridal dress in India and scores of handloom were kept busy in
this region of Azamgarh weaving beautiful patterns on silk clothes. Alas! this flourishing business
which sustained hundreds of families declined due to government neglect and lack of enthusiasm on
part of weavers to learn new techniques. Advent of computers and lack of education among the
progeny of weavers brought this valuable industry to almost a grinding halt. The weavers failed to
realize the importance of newer marketing techniques and cooperative movement. They kept on
laboring to produce exotic fabrics but continued to depend on marketing through businessmen in
Banaras.
In the year 2012 Shah Alam alias Guddu Jamali, M.L.A., Mubarakpur, raised forcefully the issue
of Handloom industry of Mubarakpur in U.P. assembly (three speeches dated 31st May, 13th June and
2nd July, 2012) and strongly pleaded for declaring Mubarakpur and adjacent villages involved in Banarsi
Saree business as an industrial belt. He criticized government move of exemption of electricity dues
for consumers involved in Saree manufacture of little value in view of non-availability or scarcity of
electric power in the region.
sugar Mill: Azamgarh does not have any industry worth the name. A lone sugar mill in Sathiaon,
near Mubarakpur, has been shut down and remains still closed. Repeated assurances to revive it remain
political rhetoric.
Azamgarh with substantive rural population has not seen village based cottage industries. Though
farmer grows all kind of vegetables, fruits etc no initiative has been taken to check migration of rural
population to metropolis by way of developing food processing plants in rural areas. Thus Azamgarh
people have been forced to migrate and live in filthy environment of metropolis, resulting in social
q
and health problems.

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With best Compliments

HUDA MILLI SCHOOL

(A SCHOOL WITH A DIFFERENCE)
Heerapatti, Azamgarh
Running under the Patronage of Association for Welfare, Medical,
Educational and Legal Assistance (AWMELA)

Welcomes the Delegates on the occasion of the

Centenary celebrations of Shibli Academy
We strive for imparting an education that will serve both
temporal as well as ecclesiastical needs

EXPLORING FAITH & EDUCATION

Dr. Javed Akhtar
President

Dr. Javed Ali Khan

Secretary

Firdaus Jahan
Principal

With Best Compliments

CA. Mohammad Noman
MNY and Company
Chartered Accountants
Teriha Masjid, Bazbahadur, Azamgarh
Mobile: +91 9450733073, 9793865002,
Email: replytonoman@yahoo.co.in, mnyandcompany@yahoo.com

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NoorjAHAN CHIldreN sCHool

(AffIlIAted to CBse)

Nazma Girls Inter College

(AffIlIAted to U.P. BoArd)

With Best Compliments

HAjI ANIs AHmAd
CHAIrmAN

HAjI IsrAr AHmAd

mANAGer

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Michigan, USA