Tears of Martyrdom and Sacrifice a Study of the Indian Poet Mir Babar Ali Anees’s Hussaini Elegy (Marsiya) of Karbala

Abstract

Mir Babar Ali Anees is a prominent Indian poet who dedicates his life to writing elegies (Marsiya) to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain bin Ibi Talib (peace be upon them) and his companions. The paper is hitherto unprecedented attempt to introduce this preeminent poet to the Arabic-speaking people. It is divided into three sections and a conclusion. Section one explores the main characteristics of the Hussaini elegies/marsiyas. Section two is a general introduction to Anees’s life and efforts in service of Imam Hussain’s cause. Section three which critically analyses Anees’s Marsiya of Karbala is followed by a conclusion that sheds light on Anees’s place in the Indian poetry and his role in eternalizes the values of sacrifice and martyrdom.