In a tale of unparalleled courage and devotion, the Hussaini Brahmins, particularly the Dutt clan, have etched their names in history. This remarkable narrative centers around Rahab Sidh Dutt, a Mohyal Brahmin leader, who fought alongside Imam al-Husayn in the Battle of Karbala in 680 C.E.
Hussaini Brahmin- History by Smt. Sunita Jhingran Sharma video courtesy: Hussain Day
Rahab Sidh Dutt, also known as Rahib Sidh or Sidh Viyog Datt, led a small band of career soldiers near Baghdad during the tumultuous Battle of Karbala. According to Mohyal oral history, he and his sons joined Imam al-Husayn’s AS forces from a place called Dair-al-Hindiya, or “The Indian Quarter,” now known as Al-Hindiya. Their unwavering loyalty and sacrifice during the battle resonate through generations, forming the legacy of the Hussaini Brahmin community.
This community, an offshoot of the Mohyal Brahmins, comprises seven sub-clans: Bali, Bhimwal, Chhibber, Datt, Lau, Mohan, and Vaid. Despite their Hindu heritage, some members of the Mohyal community embraced non-Indic traditions, showing reverence for Islam, particularly Imam Hussain.
The legacy of the Hussaini Brahmins spans across India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, with families also residing in parts of Iraq. In India, their presence is strong in Pune, Delhi, Chandigarh, Punjab, and Jammu. In Pakistan, they are found in Sindh, Chakwal, and Lahore. In Afghanistan, they reside in Kabul and South Afghanistan. Many of them observe Muharram annually, honoring their ancestral ties and participating in the Muharram observance, especially in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district.
Rahab Sidh Dutt’s commitment to joining Imam Hussain against the oppressive caliph Yazeed highlights both tragedy and triumph. Despite knowing the battle’s one-sided nature, Dutt and his sons stood by Hussain, driven by righteousness and justice. Though the Battle of Karbala ended in defeat, the legacy of Rahab Sidh Dutt and his descendants, the Hussaini Brahmins, endures as a testament to loyalty, sacrifice, and the human spirit.
During Muharram, the Hussaini Brahmins, a unique blend of Saraswat Hindus, embrace Shia Muslim rituals and traditions. They partake in mourning ceremonies within the ‘Azakhan,’ displaying familiarity with the recitation of Marsiya, Nauha, and Salaam—elegies for the martyrs of Karbala. Their dedication to Imam Hussain, passed down through generations, binds diverse faiths and cultural practices.
Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, is one of the four sacred months prohibiting armed conflict, second only to Ramadan in holiness. The tenth day, known as the Day of Ashura, holds profound significance. Shia Muslims mourn Hazrat Imam Hussain ibn Ali AS and his family’s sacrifices, while Sunni Muslims also commemorate the day with lectures, processions, and acts of charity. Shia observances include prayers, supplications, acts of charity, and the reading of Ziyarat Ashura, a significant ziyarat book.
Prominent personalities from the Hussaini Brahmin community include actor Sunil Dutt, and Urdu writers Kashmiri Lal Zakir, Sabir Dutt, and Nand Kishore Vikram. Their contributions further highlight the rich legacy and cultural heritage of this unique community.
