Posted on: 1 October 2017

Muharram festival procession at Varanasi - 1831

Watercolour painting of a Muharram festival procession at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, by James Prinsep (1799-1840). Inscribed on the reverse is: 'Procession of the Tazeeas during the Moohurram at the P'hatman a Moosulman Burial Ground - Benares'. This image is reproduced in 'Benares illustrated', lithographed by G. Barnard, with the following note, '.... the spot in which the tazeeas are buried at Benares: they were formerly merely thrown into the ditch that is visible on the left hand until the establishment of the burial place by Shekh Ulee Hujee .... in 1750. The place derives its name from a Durgah or mausoleum, which he erected in honor of Fatima the daughter of the prophet (corrupted into P'hatman by the vulgar.)'

Image and text credit:
Copyright © The British Library Board


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Very interesting! Thanks for posting this that the fact Muharram procession was practiced by the Muslim community in Varanasi in early 19th century. I guess the painter didn't know well about Islam as he mentioned that Fatima was the wife of Prophet Muhammad PBUH, the correct fact is Fatimah Azzahra was the only daughter of Prophet Muhammad PBUH, Anyway, I like this natural painting.

No that same town is a place for others

Awesome natural painting

Nice painting....