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Muslim artist Haji Irshad Ali Banarsi from Varanasi has written the Bhagavad Gita on a cotton cloth using soil and water from the Ganga. He says that the soil and holy water from the Ganga has been used for the sacred work. In an interview to NDTV, he added that he had inherited this art from his forefathers using pens made from reeds to write on the cotton cloth. He has been practising this art since his early teens. Irshad Ali, inspired by his uncle, took over the work when his uncle grew old and frail, with trembling hands and eventual demise.
Irshad Ali is a cloth merchant. Earlier it took him four years to write the entire Holy Quran on white cotton cloth. Although he inherited this art from his ancestors, the inspiration to keep this art alive came from the younger generations. His children encouraged him to retain the art of writing on cotton cloth, advising him to make this art famous all over the world. To write the Bhagavad Gita on the white cotton cloth, Irshad Ali learnt Sanskrit to study the Bhagavad Gita. He also transcribed the Hanuman Chalisa and other religious texts on other cotton cloth like the endeavour of the Quran and the Gita on cloth.
Irshad Ali’s children are proud of their father’s talent. One of his children also threw light on the process of using soil as ink with the help of reed pens since the time of their ancestors. Irshad Ali also desires to showcase his works before the most prominent leaders of India. He aspires to present his creations to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Irshad Ali’s passion for art and his creative talents have driven him to create unique masterpieces that he believes will appeal to these leaders.
His next venture is to transcribe the Constitution of India in both English and Hindi on cotton cloth. This idea is not only innovative but also reflects his love and respect for the country’s constitution. The Constitution of India is a fundamental document that embodies the values and principles of Indian democracy. It is a symbol of India’s unity in diversity, and Irshad Ali’s project will help to highlight its democratic, pluralistic, and social nature. Indian history is full of Muslim artists showcasing Hindu gods and goddesses in a display of inter-faith unity and respect for diversity in faith.
Many Muslim artists have also produced exquisite paintings of Lord Krishna. A copy of the Bhagavad Gita written in “gold” ink on 168 pages of handmade red paper was gifted to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, who often underscores the universal relevance and importance of this sacred text. And, what makes this copy of Gita even more special is the fact that it has been written by a 75-year-old Muslim artist, Yunus Shaikh, a resident of Surendranagar in 2017. Shaikh explained that 346 grams of 24-carat gold was used in writing the 168-page Gita which has 745 shlokas.
Shaikh worked on it for more than two months. He had earlier written holy books of Jainism and Hinduism too. Shaikh firmly believes that these religions give us a message of humanity, adding that he did not skip his schedule of offering ‘namaz’ five times daily while working on the Gita. He also
Irshad Ali’s children are proud of their father’s talent. One of his children also threw light on the process of using soil as ink with the help of reed pens since the time of their ancestors. Irshad Ali also desires to showcase his works before the most prominent leaders of India. He aspires to present his creations to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Irshad Ali’s passion for art and his creative talents have driven him to create unique masterpieces that he believes will appeal to these leaders.
His next venture is to transcribe the Constitution of India in both English and Hindi on cotton cloth. This idea is not only innovative but also reflects his love and respect for the country’s constitution. The Constitution of India is a fundamental document that embodies the values and principles of Indian democracy. It is a symbol of India’s unity in diversity, and Irshad Ali’s project will help to highlight its democratic, pluralistic, and social nature. Indian history is full of Muslim artists showcasing Hindu gods and goddesses in a display of inter-faith unity and respect for diversity in faith.
Many Muslim artists have also produced exquisite paintings of Lord Krishna. A copy of the Bhagavad Gita written in “gold” ink on 168 pages of handmade red paper was gifted to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, who often underscores the universal relevance and importance of this sacred text. And, what makes this copy of Gita even more special is the fact that it has been written by a 75-year-old Muslim artist, Yunus Shaikh, a resident of Surendranagar in 2017. Shaikh explained that 346 grams of 24-carat gold was used in writing the 168-page Gita which has 745 shlokas.
Shaikh worked on it for more than two months. He had earlier written holy books of Jainism and Hinduism too. Shaikh firmly believes that these religions give us a message of humanity, adding that he did not skip his schedule of offering ‘namaz’ five times daily while working on the Gita. He also
claimed that the paper used in writing the Gita was unique and would not deteriorate for the next 500 years. The Gita was handed over to the RSS chief at a function of Jain monks organised by ‘Shubhmangalam’ organisation. The making of the Gita cost Indian rupees 7.5 lakh, according to an organiser.
In yet another display of communal harmony, Hindu and Muslim artists made effigies of Ravana together in 2019. Mohammad, who heads a group of Hindu and Muslim artisans which has kept alive an over three-decade-old tradition of preparing Dussehra effigies here, believes art knows no religion. The artisans, all hailing from Uttar Pradesh work in tandem to assemble the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghdoot to be burnt on the festival that signifies the victory of good over evil.
Muhammed informed the reporters that for the last 35 years, artisans from Uttar Pradesh have been called by Geeta Bhawan in Jammu to create these effigies for the past many years. His father-in-law has also been working for the past 35 years, and he himself has been doing this for 24 years now. The artisans work hard in creating these effigies which are also transported to Leh, Srinagar, Poonch, Rajouri, Sunderbani, Naushera and Udhampur.
Muhammad further added that abrogation of Article 370 has not affected their work in any manner, they have never faced any problem, and it doesn’t affect their work. Even before the abrogation, he used to send the effigies to Leh and Srinagar. In fact, the abrogation itself is a victory of good over evil, hence he doesn’t see any conflict in continuing his work as usual, celebrating the festival with continued love and enthusiasm.
Muhammed informed the reporters that for the last 35 years, artisans from Uttar Pradesh have been called by Geeta Bhawan in Jammu to create these effigies for the past many years. His father-in-law has also been working for the past 35 years, and he himself has been doing this for 24 years now. The artisans work hard in creating these effigies which are also transported to Leh, Srinagar, Poonch, Rajouri, Sunderbani, Naushera and Udhampur.
Muhammad further added that abrogation of Article 370 has not affected their work in any manner, they have never faced any problem, and it doesn’t affect their work. Even before the abrogation, he used to send the effigies to Leh and Srinagar. In fact, the abrogation itself is a victory of good over evil, hence he doesn’t see any conflict in continuing his work as usual, celebrating the festival with continued love and enthusiasm.
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