The Qutb Shahs being Shi'as realized the
importance of the 'Ashur Khanas' in the life of the people. particularly
their Shi'a subjects, and were careful in maintaining the air of sanctity
that surrounded them.
Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, therefore planned the construction of an 'Ashur
Khana at the time of building the new city of Hyderabad. The construction
of the Baadshahi Ashur Khana began soon after the completion of the Charminar
in 1001H/1592 A.D. The building was completed in 1005H/1596 A.D. at a
cost of 60.000 rupees. It was located near Khudadad Mahal, which no longer
exists. The locality is now called Pathergatti.
During the Qutb Shahi period, fourteen 'Alams were installed in the 'Ashur
Khana, which were made of gold and studded with Jewels. The Dhatties of
these 'Alams were of Zarbafti cloth extending to a length of fourteen
yards, The Ayats (verses) of the holy Quran were knitted into them to
enhance their beauty.
The 'Ashur Khana was decorated with 10,000 lamps placed in ten rows.
The Sultan used to light them, a row each night so that on the tenth night
total number of 10,000 lamps were lit. In addition to these, huge structures
in the shape of trees each containing 120 lamps were lit. These lights
illuminated the 'Ashur Khana to such an extent that it appeared to be
bright day during night.
Unfortunately we have no account of what had happened to the belongings
of the 'Ashur khana and the 'Alams after the down fall of the Qutb Shahs.
It was once again during Nizam Ali Khan's period that the 'Alams were
made and put up in the 'Ashur Khana. It was once again decorated with
thousands of lamps. Sikandar Jah during his reign presented English and
French glass lamps to the "Ashur khana.
The Ashur Khana still attracts a large number of people during the first
ten days of moharram and the Majalis of the Ashur Khana are still conducted
everyday. In addition to these Majalis the birthday Ceremony of the Prophet
Mohammad s.a.w.s is celebrated in the Ashur Khana by conducting a Maqasedah
in which a large number of poets are invited.
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