Maner Sharif: The Majestic Shrine of Shah Daulat and Its Untold Mughal History
By Syed Amjad Hussain, New Age Islam
12 October 2024
The Shrine Of Shah Daulat, Blends Mughal Architecture And Spiritual Heritage. Despite Its Historical Significance, Including Visits By Mughal Emperors, It Remains Underappreciated Compared To Other Famous Shrines
Main Points:
1. Maner Sharif is the shrine of Shah Daulat, a revered Sufi saint, blending Mughal architectural styles with spiritual significance.
2. Mughal emperors, including Babur and Shah Jahan, visited the shrine.
3. It houses rare relics, including a holy cap and hair of Prophet Muhammad.
4. The site’s historical importance is overlooked compared to other famous shrines.
5. The shrine also holds a rich library with Mughal-era manuscripts and historical documents.
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Photo Credits- Syed Amjad Hussain
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Introduction
Nestled in the serene town of Maner in Bihar, India, the Dargah of Hazrat Makhdum Shah Daulat stands as a remarkable testament to the rich cultural and historical heritage of the region. Despite its significance, the shrine has yet to receive the attention it deserves in both national and international media, especially when compared to other renowned shrines like Ajmer Sharif. However, its historical importance is indisputable, with several Mughal emperors, Afghan rulers, and other notable figures having visited this sacred site during their reigns.
Architectural Grandeur
The architectural marvel of the Dargah complex, often overshadowed by its more famous counterparts, is a fascinating blend of Mughal and local design elements. The structure includes a series of cupolas resting on 12 pillars and a brick enclosure that stands approximately three meters high, covering an area of around 5,000 square meters. The roof of the main chamber is supported by four lofty stone pillars on each side, with curtain walls filling the spaces between them. Horizontal mouldings, niches, and arches adorn the exterior, demonstrating the intricate craftsmanship of the period.
The Dargah complex is marked by its 12-sided tower, which stands as a unique feature, accompanied by additional covers on the southern side of the building. The monument is approached via an entrance gate to the north, which bears an inscription referring to its construction. The tomb itself is a sacred site, with the last resting place of Shah Daulat Maneri, a revered Sufi saint and spiritual leader, lying within the magnificent mausoleum.
Historical Significance and Mughal Connections
Maner Sharif holds an indelible place in Indian history due to its association with various rulers, including notable figures from the Mughal dynasty. The Dargah of Hazrat Makhdoom Shah Daulat was a popular pilgrimage site during the Mughal period, with several emperors paying homage here.
One of the most notable visitors was Babur, the founder of the Mughal dynasty, who mentioned his visit to the Dargah in his autobiography, the Babarnama. Babur’s visit highlighted the importance of this shrine in the Mughal world, where spiritual patronage was often intertwined with political power. In addition to Babur, Sher Shah Suri, the Afghan ruler who eventually became the Sultan of Delhi, is also recorded to have visited the site during his reign.
Moreover, Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor famed for commissioning the Taj Mahal, also paid a visit to Maner Sharif. The emperor is said to have offered a shawl during his pilgrimage to the Dargah, which is still preserved as a historic artefact. According to Syed Shah Tarique Enayatullah Firdausi, the current head priest of the Dargah, this shawl is part of a rare collection of artifacts that reflect the deep-rooted history of the site.
The legacy of the Mughal emperors is further underscored by the presence of the famous “Navratnas,” or nine gems, who were part of Emperor Akbar’s court. Two of these Navratnas, Raja Man Singh and the legendary singer Tansen, are known to have visited Maner Sharif, further solidifying the Dargah’s historical significance.
Spiritual and Religious Importance
The Dargah of Maner Sharif is not only a historical monument but also a deeply spiritual site. The shrine houses a rare collection of relics associated with the Prophet Muhammad, including a holy cap and strands of his hair, which were brought to Maner by Hazrat Imam Muhammad Taj Faqih Hashmi, a descendant of the Prophet. These sacred relics are displayed on special occasions and attract thousands of devotees who visit the Dargah to pay their respects.
The Khanqah (a Sufi lodge) near the Dargah is home to a rich library containing significant works, including the famous epic Padmavat by Malik Mohammad Jaysi, as well as imperial Firman (decrees) from the Mughal emperors. These documents provide insight into the intellectual and spiritual culture of the period and add depth to the historical understanding of the Dargah’s influence.
A Missed Opportunity for Recognition
Despite the Dargah’s significant historical and spiritual relevance, it remains relatively under-acknowledged in contemporary times, particularly when compared to more well-known pilgrimage sites like Ajmer Sharif. The priest at Maner Sharif, Shah Tarique Enayatullah Firdausi, expressed disappointment that high-profile visitors, including celebrities and political figures from India and Pakistan, often prefer to visit other shrines, such as Ajmer Sharif, rather than Maner Sharif. This, despite the historical visits of Mughal emperors and Afghan rulers, as well as the enduring legacy of the site.
Enayatullah lamented that even though Maner Sharif has had its share of royal visitors, including Emperor Akbar’s Navratnas and prominent figures like Shah Jahan, it has not drawn the same attention or reverence from contemporary elites or media. He pointed out that even prominent figures from Pakistan, including former presidents, who have visited Ajmer Sharif for blessings and prayer (dua), have not extended the same courtesy to Maner Sharif.
Shah Daulat Maneri: A Legacy of Devotion
At the heart of the Dargah lies the tomb of Shah Daulat Maneri, a prominent Sufi saint who lived during the Mughal era. He was a contemporary of emperors Akbar and Jahangir, and his teachings and legacy continue to inspire devotees today. His mausoleum, known as the Chhoti Dargah, was built by Ibrahim Khan, the governor of Bihar, shortly after his death in 1608. The tomb remains one of the finest monuments of Bihar, showcasing the architectural and spiritual legacy of the time.
Conclusion
Maner Sharif is a site that bridges the gap between India’s rich Islamic heritage and the grandeur of Mughal architecture. Its historical significance, as evidenced by the visits of emperors, saints, and scholars, combined with its spiritual allure, make it a truly unique location in the Indian subcontinent. Yet, despite its immense potential as a cultural landmark, it remains relatively obscure compared to other shrines of similar stature.
As awareness about the rich and diverse history of regions like Bihar continues to grow, it is essential that places like Maner Sharif receive the recognition and attention they deserve. The Dargah, with its deep ties to Mughal history and its spiritual importance, deserves to be celebrated not just as a historical monument, but as a symbol of the shared heritage that binds India’s past with its present.
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Syed Amjad Hussain is an Author and Independent Research scholar on Sufism and Islam. He is currently working on a book based on Sufism in Bihar.
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-society/maner-sharif-shrine-shah-daulat-mughal-history/d/133421
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